View all veterinary jobs
VetNurse.co.uk publishes a curated feed of veterinary nursing news for registered veterinary nurses (RVNs), students (SVNs) and veterinary nursing assistants, with a primary focus on the UK profession.
We select stories based on their practical relevance, clinical interest or professional significance — filtering out noise so busy veterinary nurses can stay informed quickly.
Our coverage includes:
We report across all areas of practice, including companion animal, referral and specialist settings, with a focus on issues affecting veterinary nurses in clinical and professional roles.
Our editorial approach is deliberately selective and concise. We prioritise clarity and relevance over volume, aiming to make each story worth your time.
You can follow VetNurse news by subscribing to the daily, weekly or monthly email digest, or via our channels on Facebook and LinkedIn.
The new vaccine offers 12 months protection when used as a single-dose booster in dogs previously vaccinated with Nobivac(r) KC. It is presented in a 10ml multi-dose vial which can be stored in or out of a refrigerator for 28 days after broaching.
Dogs not previously vaccinated against Bordetella bronchiseptica need two doses administered four weeks apart.
The duration of immunity is 7 months after the primary course and 12 months after a booster with Nobivac(r) Respira Bb. It can also be given 12 months after a primary course in cases where the 7 month dose is missed.
Blaise Scott-Morris, Product Manager, MSD Animal Health said: "Currently only an estimated 1 in 3 vaccinated dogs in the UK are also covered against Bordetella1 so Nobivac(r) Respira Bb offers the chance for practices to re-start the conversation about protection with clients.
"A common barrier to Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) protection, caused by Bordetella, is the belief that it is only necessary for dogs going into kennels, rather than all social dogs. Most dogs meet others however, while out walking, during training, or while attending the vets, and CIRD is infectious even at low levels. Indeed, dogs can be asymptomatic but infectious.
"So, improving protection levels against this disease which is distressing for both the owner and dog, is important in both reducing the risk of outbreaks and the need for antibiotic treatment."
According to the company, trials showed that dogs vaccinated with Nobivac(r) Respira Bb demonstrated a significant reduction in clinical signs of respiratory disease and a reduction in bacterial shedding2. It has also been safely demonstrated in a wide range of breeds3 and has proven efficacy in puppies challenged two weeks after the primary course of vaccination4. It can be given concurrently with many other Nobivac(r) vaccines.
MSD says the new vaccine is most suitable for dogs:
Further information can be found at www.nobivacrespiraBb.co.uk, or contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
References:
Zoetis says the new vaccine, which is also the first in Europe to be administered orally, offers increased comfort for dogs, and a smooth consultation room experience for both dog owners and veterinarians. It has a 12-month duration of immunity.
Dr. Eileen Ball, Global Veterinary Medical Lead for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases for Zoetis, said: "Versican Plus Bb Oral provides robust protection along with an innovative and smooth means of administration. The new oral delivery brings a more positive experience for dogs, owners and vets. We expect this new option for vaccination will lead to an increase in recommendations for Bordetella prevention, better vaccination compliance, and ultimately a healthier dog population.
"Nearly all dogs are at risk of CIRDC, and Bordetella is a common, but preventable pathogen. Adding Versican Plus Bb Oral to vaccination protocols offers CIRDC protection for dogs. Vets can propose this new vaccination to pet owners at an annual wellness visit in the knowledge that they will be creating a less stressful experience for the pet and owner."
Zoetis has set up The European Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Advisory Board – made up of veterinary specialists from across Europe – to provide guidance and advice on the product’s launch.
Board member, Professor Emeritus Michael J. Day, University of Bristol, a consultant to Zoetis, said: "The CIRDC has a multifactorial pathogenesis, involving environmental and lifestyle factors and numerous potentially causative organisms. CIRDC is not just a cough picked up in kennels. It can be spread in any space occupied by multiple dogs, including grooming parlours, dog day care establishments or dog parks. The pathogens have not disappeared over time and CIRDC is prevalent throughout Europe, with Bordetella bronchiseptica remaining a commonly identified agent in infected dogs.
"I think it is exciting for European veterinarians now to have another option in the way they deliver non-core Bordetella protection. There will be different situations depending on circumstances in which either an oral, intranasal, or injectable route of administration will be most appropriate."
Zoetis says Versican Plus Bb Oral will rolled out across Europe from November 2019 to October 2020.
Nerfasin vet is available in two concentrations - a 100 mg/ml (10%) solution for cattle and horses and 20 mg/ml (2%) solution for cattle, horses, cats and dogs.
Nerfasin vet is on sale in 25 ml vials.
For more information visit: www.dechra.co.uk.
The popular novels, which were written by real life Yorkshire vet Alf Wight, depicted Herriot - and others like him - as working all hours, doing favours for clients free of charge and being paid in cake, all with scarcely a mention of how he made ends meet.
This misguided image still informs expectations of the profession today, they say.
Henry Tremaine, a specialist in equine surgery and dentistry, said: "The nostalgic thing is of this romantic life driving around in an old car being appreciated by the clients - but actually the reality is working very long hours in stressful conditions with poor reward, being poorly equipped, and with unappreciative clients.
"That’s being consigned to history - gradually - but I think the public still cling onto the notion that that’s what a vet’s life is."
His comments echo those of BSAVA President, Sue Patterson, who earlier this year blamed James Herriot for the assumption among some clients that vets' love of animals would make them prepared to work for nothing: "I think James Herriot is to blame because we’re all supposed to love animals and work for nothing, but we all run businesses."
At the BEVA Congress earlier this month, equine vet and congress speaker, Ben Mayes, who graduated in 1992, also criticised the Herriot legacy for making it harder for vets to achieve a good work-life balance: "We’ve been left in that Herriot mentality, and it was a nightmare."
This week's edition of the Vet Record has six case studies of veterinary surgeons who have pursued careers through non traditional routes, including Peter Harlech Jones, Daniella Dos Santos, (pictured right), and Enrique Vega.
Daniella Dos Santos said: "James Herriot continues to inspire vets and future vets, and we know from our own research that he along with other vets in literature is still very popular across the profession.
"At the same time, the profession is very different to what was depicted in the age of Herriot and it continues to undergo significant change. We need to make sure that there is a diverse range of role models in place that reflect modern demographics and modern ways of working while continuing to inspire future generations of vets."
Adele Waters, Vet Record editor, added: "James Herriot may be a popular cultural figure, but he is 70 years out of date and we should retire him gracefully. With 60 per cent of UK vets being female, Herriot is no longer representative of the modern working vet, and today we should really be talking about Jane Herriot instead."
The company has been gathering information on the health, wellbeing and life expectancy of hundreds of thousands of dogs since 2014.
Sean McCormack (pictured right), Head Vet at tails.com, said: “As a vet nurse in practice, you gain an understanding of general animal issues and trends. But what this data can do is look over hundreds of thousands of dogs, unpick all of the nutritional, breed and age-related data we’ve collected over time, and then provide an insight-rich window into the best possible way to care for our dogs.
“We’re really just scratching the surface in terms of what we have at our disposal. There’s real potential for Data Labs to fundamentally change the way that we view dog nutrition and dog health going forwards.”
According to the company, the database has already revealed that:
Lorna Brightmore, Lead Data Scientist at tails.com, said: "Even at this early stage, we are finding strong associations between a number of health factors and longevity and our conclusions will only become stronger over time.”
The first major milestone of Data Labs will be the publication of tails.com’s first peer-reviewed scientific paper.
The paper will detail the effects of body weight, body condition, gender and neutering on the longevity and health of dogs, with further scientific papers planned for publication in the coming months and years.
For more information, visit www.tails.com/gb/data-labs/.
The association has also compiled free access special collection on backyard poultry in the BSAVA library, including A nursing guide to back yard chickens, which is available until the end of December 2019.
The BSAVA's Q&As on avian influenza in backyard poultry are:
What is avian influenza?Avian influenza (AI) is highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild birds. AI viruses are usually classified into two categories: low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI), which typically causes no or very few clinical signs in poultry, and high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) which typically causes high mortality rates in poultry1.
What are the clinical signs of disease in poultry?The type and severity of clinical signs displayed will be dependent upon the strain of the virus and the species affected; some species such as ducks and geese may show few clinical signs2.
How is the disease spread?Wild bird species are the natural host and reservoir for all types of avian influenza, naturally carrying the virus in their respiratory and intestinal tracts, commonly without developing signs of the disease1,3. The virus is predominantly spread via body secretions, both directly and indirectly2. Migratory birds (predominantly waterfowl and gulls) can spread the disease over a wide geographical area3.
Why is the winter a higher risk period for avian influenza? The UK is at increased risk of avian influenza from migrating birds during winter2. Furthermore, avian influenza viruses are able to survive for prolonged periods of time in the environment, particularly in low temperatures4.
How can I prevent my birds from contracting avian influenza?All keepers of poultry should ensure that they uphold good levels of biosecurity to prevent disease entering their flock. This includes:
maintaining good levels of hygiene and regularly disinfecting hard surfaces;
changing shoes before entering/leaving to avoid transferring faeces in/out of the poultry enclosure;
minimizing contact with wildlife by humanely controlling rodents and deterring wild birds. Contact with wild birds can be minimized by placing food and water in an enclosed area such as the coop, and preventing poultry from accessing ponds/standing water frequented by wild bird populations, for example by erecting temporary fencing;
where possible, keeping birds of different poultry species separate (e.g. ducks and geese should be separate from chickens).
Whilst it is important that all backyard keepers maintain good levels of biosecurity, it is particularly prudent for keepers in areas deemed at higher risk of an incursion of avian influenza. In Great Britain, a number of High Risk Areas (HRAs) have been identified based upon previous experience, scientific expertise and veterinary opinion, and are predominantly areas where large numbers of migratory wild birds gather. To find out whether you are in a HRA, use the interactive map.
What should I do if I suspect avian influenza?Avian influenza is a notifiable disease. If it is suspected, it must be reported immediately:
In England, contact the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301
In Wales, contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office on 0300 303 8268
In Scotland, contact your local Field Services Office
For keepers in Northern Ireland, contact your local DVO.
References
Mr Doherty was convicted, with others (who were also convicted), in a conspiracy to deceive members of the public by passing off puppies that had been bred in puppy farms as being the home-bred offspring of domestic pets living in family homes.
Mr Doherty’s role was that he provided vaccinations and vaccination/health check cards which, the court found, materially contributed to the impression that the puppies had been home-bred locally and were in good health.
Mr Doherty was initially convicted of this offence, resulting in eight months’ imprisonment in April 2018.
However, he subsequently appealed the conviction, which was quashed and resulted in a retrial.
On retrial, Mr Doherty was convicted and sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, 150 hours community service and a £100 victim surcharge.
When deciding on the sanction, the Disciplinary Committee considered that a period of suspension would be sufficient to meet the public interest.
In reaching this conclusion, the Committee took into account that Mr Doherty had, as part of his original conviction, already served eight months in prison before the original conviction was quashed and replaced, on retrial, with a suspended sentence.
He had therefore already, in effect, had a period of suspension from practice, which meant that the deterrent factor in a sanction of suspension had been partially met.
In reaching its decision, the Committee also took into account the circumstances of this case and, in particular, the view of the court that Mr Doherty had been motivated solely by animal welfare concerns and not financial gain, and that it was this overriding concern that had allowed others to exploit his willingness to continue to vaccinate puppies despite their source.
There were no concerns as to Mr Doherty’s skill or dedication as a veterinary surgeon and with regard to the single issue of the appropriate vaccination of puppies and their onward sale, the Committee noted the changes that Mr Doherty had made to his practice procedures to avoid any similar problems occurring in the future.
The full decision and findings from the hearing can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
The 2-day course, which includes both theory and practical sessions, will be taught by Sarah Ramsden RVN (pictured right), aka 'The Dental Nurse' on social media, at IM3's Advanced Centre for Education near Dublin on the 8th and 9th September 2021.
The course will cover all the basic aspects of veterinary dentistry including oral examination and charting, dental radiography, local anaesthetic techniques, nurse consults and maintenance of dental equipment..
The cost of the course is £430 and there's a 15% discount for BVDA members (so if you're interested in the course, then joining the BVDA is a bit of a no-brainer).
To register, visit: https://www.bvda.co.uk/education/courses/essential-dentistry-for-vet-nurses, or email Rob Davis (BVDA Education Officer) at davis4ginger@yahoo.co.uk for further information.
The survey asks EU nationals about their experience of practising in the UK since the referendum and will seek to find out what their career expectations and aspirations are now.
The survey will also ask how they feel that the RCVS has supported EU vet nurses to practise in the UK since the transition period ended on 31 December 2020.
The survey is being conducted by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), an independent, not-for-profit research institute.
Respondents are encouraged to be as open as possible, as individual responses will not be seen by the RCVS and all survey data will be analysed independently by IES.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO said: “We are hearing anecdotal feedback from EU veterinary professionals about the impact of the EU Exit on their working lives, but it is important for us to have direct feedback as evidence for our recommendations.
"I would encourage everyone who receives the survey to share their thoughts with us, as the feedback we receive from this and the previous surveys, will help us to plan what training, resources and support the professions need from us post-EU Exit."
Everyone eligible to take part in the survey is being sent an email today from Dilys Robinson at the IES, with a link to the survey.
You have until Tuesday 16th November 2021 to complete it.
If you have any questions, contact Sara.Butcher@employment-studies.co.uk.
Doxycare is a doxycycline indicated for the treatment of bacterial respiratory tract infections in cats and dogs due to organisms sensitive to doxycycline, and for the treatment of tick-borne Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs. Doxycare is presented in two strengths: 40mg and 200 mg. Both are licensed for use in cats and dogs. The meat-flavoured tablets are scored for quarter splitting to support more accurate dosing.
Metrocare is a metronidazole indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract infections caused by Giardia spp. and Clostridia spp. and the treatment of infections of the urogenital tract, oral cavity, throat and skin caused by obligate anaerobic bacteria. Metrocare is available in two strengths: 250mg and 500 mg. Both are licensed for use in cats and dogs. The meat-flavoured tablets are scored for quarter splitting.
Cephacare, Animalcare’s first-generation cephalosporin, is now also available in a 1000 mg strength meat-flavoured tablet. Cephacare is licensed to treat skin infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory tract infections, digestive tract infections and infections of the oral cavity. The existing 50 mg strength tablet is licensed for use in cats and dogs. The new 1000 mg size tablets are scored to be halved and licensed for use in larger dogs.
James Beaumont, Product Manager, said: "We aim to offer our customers flexible and convenient solutions for the products they need to use every day in practice, while supporting more accurate and responsible dosing. The additions of Doxycare and Metrocare to our range, together with the new 1000 mg Cephacare strength tablet, mean that we are now able to offer a broader range of antibiotics for use in both cats and dogs."
The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF) in conjunction with the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) has announced the launch of an update of its popular Pets and Poisons - Keeping Your Animals Safe leaflet, first produced in 2004. Based on information compiled by the VPIS, the leaflet provides a valuable and easy reference guide for owners on preventing poisoning in the home, in the garden or in open spaces along with advice on what to do if you think your animal has been poisoned. Veterinary practices can obtain batches of 50 leaflets for the waiting room, free of charge (although a donation to AWF is encouraged) directly from the BVA agents Ten Alps on 020 7878 2307 or Louise.walpole@tenalpspublishing.com
Louise was one of the world’s leading emergency and critical care veterinary nurses and a huge influence on the thousands of vet professionals who encountered her through her lectures, practical guide books and journal papers.
The £2000 award was created to celebrate her life and ensure that her passion for education continued to have a positive impact on the profession. It is awarded to the individual who has best demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in his or her chosen discipline, while continuing Louise's passion for shared learning.
Entries were judged by Vets Now’s clinical director Amanda Boag and senior RVNs Racheal Marshall and Arlene Connor. The winner was announced at the Vets Now ECC Congress in Leeds.
Lesley said: "I was already a little emotional when Amanda announced I’d won.
"I knew Louise and it’s still very hard to come to terms with the fact she isn’t here anymore. I think anyone who was at the gala dinner could see I was a bit overwhelmed when I got to the stage.
"I don’t think there are any nurses out there that didn’t find Louise inspirational. I chaired her at BSAVA a couple of years ago and we were both quite nervous. It was my first time chairing and she put her nerves to one side to make sure I was ok.
"She always spoke with such eloquence. Whenever you had the pleasure of listening to her she had the ability to make you feel like she was talking directly to you. We both also love vintage styling and I was regularly envious of some of her beautiful dresses. We used to speak about that as much as we did about veterinary nursing!"
Lesley plans to spend the bursary on courses in emergency ultrasound scanning and toxicology. She also hopes to use it to fund a postgraduate certificate in veterinary education.
She added: “This will give me the skills to develop my teaching and lecturing abilities so I can continue to help other RVNs who love ECC as much as I do."
Amanda Boag, clinical director at Vets Now, said "Louise was a wonderful colleague, friend and mentor to so many vets and vet nurses and Lesley embodies everything she stood for and held dear. She is a very deserving winner of this award."
Congratulations, Lesley!
Photo shows Lesley Moore talking with Louise O’Dwyer at an event last year.
There are only 11 other practices in the UK that hold the Gold Standard Award for rabbit care. To achieve it, Valley Veterinary Hospital had to demonstrate excellence across all aspects of rabbit care, including pain relief and management, dentistry and airway management.
The practice was commended on its top-quality facilities, including a dedicated exotic department with separate waiting and consulting rooms, as well as kennel areas for rabbits to keep them away from larger animals, relieving them of stress and anxiety.
Valley Veterinary Hospital exotic animals specialist, Tariq Abou-Zahr, BVSc CertAVP(ZooMed) MRCVS (pictured right), said: "I am absolutely delighted that Valley Veterinary Hospital has met the grade to achieve the first RWAF gold status in Wales. I believe that rabbits are just as deserving of excellent veterinary care as cats and dogs, and I am so pleased that I work in a veterinary hospital where we have the facilities to provide this standard of care.
"Rabbit medicine has always been an interest of mine, and I’m very grateful to Vet Partners for investing in such great facilities and to RWAF for considering our application and granting us Gold status."
Applications for the Awards are assessed by Dr Richard Saunders BSc Hons MSB CBiol DZooMed MRCVS, one of the UK’s leading specialists on rabbit welfare and veterinary advisor for RWAF.
Dr Richard Saunders BSc Hons MSB CBiol DZooMed MRCVS, who assesses applications on behalf of the RWAF, said:
"As a dedicated rabbit charity aiming to improve the wellbeing and welfare of domestic rabbits throughout the UK, our requirements to meet a Gold standard in rabbit care are very high. Valley Vets has met all of these standards and I’m delighted to reward a practice in Wales who have demonstrated that they are as passionate about rabbit care as we are.”
The RWAF has published a list of award-winning rabbit-savvy practices on its website which can be viewed here: https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/
Any veterinary practices interested in applying for the Rabbit Friendly Vet List should visit https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-vets/vet-membership/
The apple-flavoured, gastro-resistant granules can be mixed with dry feed to make administration easier for owners.
Animalcare says that up to 37% of leisure horses and 93% of race horses are reported to be affected by gastric ulcers1, for which the most prescribed treatment is omeprazole.
Equizol’s granule formulation has been developed to support owners who find syringe administration difficult or wasteful. It is presented in packs of 28 sachets, each containing sufficient omeprazole to treat 200 kg body weight. Owners mix the appropriate number of sachets into a small amount of the horse’s feed.
Animalcare Product Manager James Beaumont said: “Offering innovative product solutions which better meet our customer’s needs is our goal and Equizol is a perfect example. Our established equine healthcare range includes products for pain management, infusion therapy and microchips. Now, with the launch of Equizol, we are offering an innovative, easy-to-use and cost-effective solution to the common problem of gastric ulcers, based on tried and trusted omeprazole. We are delighted to add it to our range.”
Reference
Ellie Baggs, who qualified in 2008, and Sarah Reilly, who qualified in 2016, decided to launch the service after seeing the problems that cat owners were having in transporting their animals to the not-for-profit clinic where they worked.
They considered setting up a nurse-owned veterinary practice, but decided the costs were too great, and the overheads presented too much of a risk if they didn't get enough clients through the door.
Being a mobile nurse clinic also means they can offer their service in a more comfortable, stress-free environment for their patients.
That's not to say that starting a home service is all plain sailing. Sarah said: "Lots of things we're taken for granted, such as deliveries, rules, regulations etc were not straightforward to set up"
Ellie said: "There is a lot of competition out there so the worry is what is making us stand out - why choose us?
"We are hoping being cat-only and uniquely nurse-owned and holding ISFM nurse certificates will show everyone we are dedicated to cats and their wellbeing."
Whiskers 'n' Beans will launch at the end of June 2024.
Good luck, ladies!
The guide explains:
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/features/standards-and-advice-update-advice-published-on-amended
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/veterinary-medicines-guidance-notes-vmgns
The Blue Cross is calling for nominations from veterinary practices across the country for its Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award 2008.
The annual award is presented at the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) Annual Congress. It recognises the contribution of veterinary nurses in educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the welfare of pets in the community.
This year's Congress will take place on 10-12 October at the Kettering Conference Centre, Northamptonshire.
Last year's award was won by Anna Hatchett for her outstanding contribution to animal welfare, both within her veterinary practice and among the local community in Whitby, North Yorkshire.
Anna Hatchett was nominated by two vets, Edward Gillams and Kate Loomes, who previously worked with her at The Beck Veterinary Practice in Whitby. Ms Loomes commented: "Anna is an exceptionally dedicated and talented nurse. She has an amazing memory for clients and takes time to enquire as to how their individual pets are. She doesn't hesitate to take in and care for stray and lost animals and works well over her working hours when animals are in need of help."
Nominations for this year's award can be made by completing the nomination form on The Blue Cross website at: www.bluecross.org.uk/BVNA2008or by contacting Sally Leathem on 01993 82557.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 15 August 2008.
The course helps veterinary practices manage their dispensaries with up-to-date information on medicines regulations. It covers the main aspects of dispensing including an overview and update on legislation, using the cascade and the storing and disposal of medicines. There will also be sessions covering controlled drugs, dispensing mishaps and what to expect from an inspection.
Tutors Pam Mosedale, Donal Murphy, Michael Stanford, Mike Jessop and John Millward will deliver lectures via webinars throughout the day, which ends with a live streamed interactive Q+A session.
The course is suitable for vets, vet nurses and other staff who deal with the dispensing of medicines and the pharmacy.
Attendees will have access to supporting resources for approximately two weeks after the course, including electronic course notes and lectures from the day and an active discussion forum.
The Association says course meets the RCVS practice standards veterinary hospital dispensing course requirements and is ideal for the new PSS Medicines Award CPD requirement.
It is also AMTRA accredited and carries 43 AMTRA CPD points.
Attendance for the day is compulsory and an attendance register will be taken for the Live Q&A session.
Course organiser Pam Mosedale said: “We are very excited to be able to deliver the BSAVA Dispensing Course online and still allow for interaction between speakers and delegates in the live session. With Practice Standards and VMD visits restarting, it is fantastic that we are still able to support practices in these difficult times by ensuring they are complying with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.”
The course costs £150.00 (incl. VAT) for BSAVA members and £225.00 (incl. VAT) for non-members. To book visit https://www.bsava.com/Education/CPD/Event-Detail/dateId/2099
The research, which was conducted by a team at the Royal Veterinary College led by Professor Holger Volk and Dr Benjamin Andreas Berk alongside canine behaviour and welfare scientist Dr Rowena Packer, tested the effects of an MCT oil supplement on seizure frequency in dogs with drug-resistant epilepsy.
For the double-blinded study, 28 epileptic dogs received MCT oil for three months and a placebo oil for three months.
The researchers say that overall, dogs had significantly fewer seizures during the MCT phase compared the placebo phase, and an improved owner-reported quality of life. New therapies are urgently needed to improve the quality of life of affected dogs and their owners and the results of this study offer a promising addition to other methods commonly used to treat canine epilepsy.
Dr Rowena Packer, BBSRC Research Fellow at the Royal Veterinary College, said: “Epilepsy is often a challenging and distressing condition for dog owners to manage, particularly when dogs don’t respond to anti-seizure medications in the way their owner and vet might have expected or hoped. Historically, diet has not been considered a key part of epilepsy management, but along with other recent findings, these results indicate that nutrition likely plays an important role in seizure control.
"Our novel findings indicate that a relatively small change to the diet of dogs’ with hard-to-treat epilepsy can potentially reduce the number of seizures they have, while also improving their medication side effects and overall quality of life. MCT oil offers a promising addition to the wider epilepsy management tool-kit."
Anna started at the age of 16 as an animal nursing assistant in a first opinion clinic, becoming Head Nurse for its four clinics in Middlesex and Surrey.
She then managed four clinics in London, before become Managing Director of a group of Hampshire practices.
She then spent a short time working for a pharmaceutical wholesaler as veterinary business manager, but found she missed being in practice.
Anna holds a post-graduate certificate in Veterinary Business Management from the University of Liverpool.
She is also a Suitability Qualified Person - Companion Animals, a clinical coach and was a presenter at BVA 2024 within its showcase stream.
Anna said: “I am thrilled to join Lumbry Park as Hospital Director. It is a world-renowned multidisciplinary practice, with an a tremendously talented team of specialists, along with industry-leading equipment and facilities.
“In my new role, I promise to continue to support the team in providing exceptional treatment and care for our pets and their owners.
"I also want to continue to foster strong open relations with our referring clinics, including developing first opinion vets and their teams through Lumbry Park CPD events.”
www.lumbrypark.co.uk
Elisa, pictured right next to Bill Oddie, is the founding member of a craft conservation charity called Blankets for Baby Rhinos. In less than three years the group has amassed a Facebook community of around 3,500 members, primarily knitters, crocheters and crafters, to make blankets and other items to supply to wildlife centres taking in orphaned and sick rhinos in Africa, as well as other wildlife threatened by poaching.
Originally from South Africa, Johannesburg-born Elisa had planned to work as a vet treating wildlife but found herself working in small animal practice in Cape Town before moving to the UK.
Still, colleagues and friends often told her of the injuries they saw inflicted on rhinos targeted for the illegal trade in their horns, so she and a friend decided to help.
After building a following and supplying thousands of blankets for a growing number of wildlife orphanages in Africa, she wanted to harness the enthusiasm of members to help meet the other practical needs of the centres, as well as helping rangers and dogs working in anti-poaching units.
Now a registered charity, members supply all kinds of equipment including animal feed, medicine and veterinary supplies to a wide list of centres, as well as food for anti-poaching dogs while continuing to run appeals which crafters can assist with. Currently they are asking knitters to knit hats, scarves and blankets in black or dark colours for rangers, so they can keep warm at night without being spotted by poachers.
James Sawyer, UK Director of IFAW, said: "Elisa’s pioneering approach to harnessing practical public support to help rhinos and other rescued African wildlife is really impressive and she is a great example of animal welfare in action. We hope her efforts will inspire the next generation of animal welfare and conservation campaigners. She is a very deserving winner of IFAW’s Vet of the Year Award."
Merseyside police are urging members of the public and veterinary practices to exercise caution following the theft of some prescription veterinary medicines from a commercial vehicle in Prescot.
The missing medication is around ten 100ml bottles of Micotil, a prescription-only veterinary medicine used to treat respiratory problems in cattle and sheep, but which could prove fatal if taken by humans.
The drug, which was packaged in cardboard with Spanish labelling, was stolen from a lorry that had parked last Thursday night on an industrial park at Caddick Road, Prescot, prior to making a delivery to a company in Speke.
PC Dufton-Kelly of Huyton Police Station's Crime Management Unit said: "We believe this was simply an opportunist theft, which has left the offenders with a rather unusual product on their hands, with little or no opportunity for gain.
"We would like to alert the veterinary industry, particularly in the Merseyside area, in case the goods are handed in or offered for sale. The drugs could present a danger to the public if they fall into the wrong hands."
Anyone who finds the drugs is asked to contact their nearest police station via 0151 709 6010. Anyone with information about the theft can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All information provided will be treated in strict confidence.
Clomicalm contains Clomipramine hydrochloride, a broad-spectrum tricyclic antidepressant that inhibits the neuronal reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. A non-sedative, Clomicalm is used in combination with behavioural modification techniques to help separation anxiety.
Itrafungol is an oral solution containing Itraconazole for the treatment of ringworm in cats, administered orally directly into the mouth by means of a dosing syringe.
Both Clomicalm and Itrafungol are available to order from the veterinary wholesalers.
For more information, speak to your Virbac Territory Manager.
The BVA is also calling on Government to tighten pet import rules.
The advice follows news about a positive Brucella canis test in a rescue dog imported from Belarus in March this year.
The woman fostering the dog was hospitalised after coming into close contact with it, in the UK’s first confirmed dog-to-human transmission.
The foster animal and four pet dogs who were exposed to the disease, three of whom also tested positive, all had to be euthanised.
Data released by the Government shows a steep rise in confirmed Brucella canis cases since the start of 2020, rising from just three before that year to 107 till July this year.
The dogs were all either imported, had returned from holiday overseas, or been bred with an imported dog.
BVA is asking veterinary teams to:
British Veterinary Association President Justine Shotton said: “This recent case of Brucella canis in a foster dog is extremely tragic and highlights why vets have long raised concerns over the real and serious risks of importing ‘Trojan’ rescue dogs with unknown health histories into the UK.
“We know there is an added public health risk too, including for veterinary teams who treat and handle these animals, from contact with an infected dog’s contaminated body tissues and fluids.
"BVA continues to call on the Government to take urgent action to introduce stricter pet import measures, including mandatory pre-import testing, so we can minimise the spread of Brucella canis and other emerging diseases.
"We are also calling for the strengthening of enforcement provisions and checks on dogs brought into the country through the commercial route."
The 2021 B. canis risk view and statement by Public Health England (now UK Health Security Agency) contains vital information and recommendations for veterinary professionals: here:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/960013/20210210_Brucella_canis_statement.pdf
BVA’s recommendations on tightening pet travel legislation: https://www.bva.co.uk/uploadedFiles/Content/News,_campaigns_and_policies/Policies/Companion_animals/BVA%20Position%20on%20Pet%20Travel%20Full.pdf
A single 0.5ml vaccination provides 12 months immunity against all three pathogens, which will make vaccination more convenient and should help improve levels of compliance against variant strains of RHD which is currently estimated to be at around only 60% of the vaccinated rabbit population.
Nobivac Myxo-RHD Plus is available in a pack of five, single dose vials, with a shelf-life of two years. The vaccine can be used from the age of five or seven weeks onwards to achieve the full duration of immunity. Immunity is provided within three weeks of administration.
Leonora Bell, Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "It's clear that this year the usually busy spring season, where purchasing and vaccinating rabbits is at its highest, will not be as predictable as previous years. Vaccinating rabbits is unlikely to be at the top of your agenda. MSD Animal Health's new Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS has arrived, however, so this is a good opportunity to understand how to safely switch vaccinated rabbits and introduce new rabbits to vaccination. This is a time when clients can be encouraged back into your practice, ideally prior to the increase in infectious disease which we tend to see during the peak summer months.
"The variant RHD-2 strain appears now to predominate in cases of rabbit haemorrhagic disease and readily transfers over long distances via flies and the wind. Vaccinating rabbits that live both outdoors and indoors is therefore vital. Rabbits are popular pets and rabbit owners are highly motivated to seek veterinary advice once they are made aware of their pet's specific health needs. They are, however, much less likely to take their pet to a veterinary practice than cat or dog owners or to seek advice on vaccination, neutering or other routine health matters."
Leonora added: "Production of our existing Nobivac Myxo-RHD vaccine will necessarily be replaced with the new Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS to ensure that rabbits are vaccinated in the most appropriate way. Following the correct switching protocol is therefore vital. For unvaccinated rabbits it's a simple case of starting with the new vaccine. For rabbits due for a booster of Myxomatosis, RHD1 and RHD2, again, vets can simply switch to the new vaccine when the booster is normally due. Where rabbits have already only been vaccinated with the existing Nobivac Myxo-RHD vaccine it is recommended that vets vaccinate the rabbit with an inactivated RHD-2 vaccine, such as Filavac or Eravac vaccine, as soon as possible. For boosters due later this year and all subsequent boosters, use Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS."
The launch of the vaccine is being supported by a range of educational materials designed to help vets switch and encourage new rabbit owners into the practice. A new website is also in the pipeline, with rabbit owner support videos, an educational launch webinar, a detailer, practice posters, noticeboard materials and e-mail templates as vaccination reminders for rabbit owners.
For further information contact your MSD Animal Health account manager or visit www.nobivacmyxorhdplus.co.uk.