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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.
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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.
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The company points out that poisoning cases rise dramatically over Christmas, when food that is poisonous to dogs is more likely to be left out and owners are more relaxed (is that a euphemism, TVM?).
For that reason, the Emedog bumper pack contains 20 x 1ml single use vials - four times more than the regular pack and retails at £251.76 a saving of 10% compared to purchasing four regular packs.
Dosage is one vial injected subcutaneously per 10kg and vials have a three-year unopened shelf life, which should minise wastage.
Will Peel MRCVS, Product Manager at TVM UK said: "The number of poisoned animals seen by vets rises dramatically over the festive season so it’s vital that vets have enough product to see them through this time. The Emedog bumper pack will ensure that they are prepared for Christmas with the resources they need to deal with such cases."
The Emedog bumper pack is available from November 2019 from all veterinary wholesalers.
The College says that 1CPD has been designed to facilitate the new outcomes-focused CPD model which was introduced in 2020 and becomes mandatory from 2022.
An important part of this new model is reflection, so 1CPD encourages veterinary nurses to reflect on the quality, relevance and impact of their CPD activities.
Dr Linda Prescott-Clements, RCVS Director of Education said: "Although the outcomes-focused element of these changes won’t become mandatory until January 2022, we recommend that you incorporate reflection in your cycle of planning, doing and recording CPD as soon as possible, and our new 1CPD app makes this much easier to do than before.
"Research has found that reflection enhances the quality, impact and relevance of CPD as professionals consider what they have learned, how they will apply their learning and how it will improve their practice. To support this CPD model, which research has shown has a positive impact on both professionalism and patient outcomes, the 1CPD platform facilitates reflection by allowing you to record your reflective notes on your recorded CPD activities, through a variety of means including text, audio or uploading a document."
The old PDR was taken offline last Friday and all of the data saved in the PDR has been transferred to 1CPD.
The 1CPD app is now available for both Apple and Android devices, available on and off line, and through a new dedicated website, all of which is now accessible using the same credentials used to access My Account.
Richard Burley, RCVS Chief Technology Officer, said: "1CPD provides a range of enhancements to RCVS’ previous offerings in this space and represents an important step forward in the College’s digital approach. Built on the latest best-practice technologies, it improves on every aspect of our previous approach to CPD support, delivering the first stage of a new, integrated, career-long CPD support capability for members."
The launch of 1CPD also coincides with a change to the way that the College assesses CPD compliance, moving to an annual CPD requirement of 35 hours a year for veterinary surgeons and 15 hours a year for veterinary nurses.
More information on the CPD changes, along with accompanying resources, can be found on the RCVS website: http://www.rcvs.org.uk/cpd2020.
So that practices can make sure everyone in their team is aware of the changes, the RCVS has also produced a poster which can be downloaded at: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/publications/cpd-poster/.
For more information, contact the Education team on 0203 795 5595. For technical advice about 1CPD, email the RCVS at onecpd@rcvs.org.uk.
Dr Henry faced one charge, that in January 2020 she wrote and/or signed an undated letter confirming that a ewe had died in transit to the surgery due to dystocia and peri-parturient stress, when in fact she had euthanised the animal at the veterinary practice the day before. The letter, which was addressed 'To whom it may concern’, was on practice letterheaded paper and signed "Louise Henry MRCVS".
The second part of the charge outlined that her conduct concerning the letter was dishonest.
The Committee heard that the ewe was lambing and brought to the practice by a client. Dr Henry was on-call at the time and advised a Caesarean section. The client agreed and Dr Henry delivered two live lambs and one dead lamb.
Dr Henry was concerned about the welfare of the ewe post-surgery because of the risk of peritonitis and advised that the ewe should be euthanised.
The client agreed to the ewe being euthanised and then asked Dr Henry to write a letter in which it was stated that the ewe had died in transit on route to the practice. Dr Henry agreed to write the letter in which she falsely certified that the ewe had died in transit.
The letter came to light when the practice director found it in an insurance file. The practice arranged an investigatory meeting with Dr Henry where she admitted that writing the letter was an error of judgement. When asked about her conduct, Dr Henry explained that the client had subsequently been dissatisfied with the letter she had written and asked her to change it. She refused to amend the letter and told him that it was wrong of her to have written it in the first place and that she regretted having done so.
Dr Henry told the Committee that she valued integrity very highly and that she was deeply ashamed that she had been prepared to write the dishonest letter.
The Committee heard several testimonials from people who had worked with or studied alongside Dr Henry, who all attested to her skill as a veterinary surgeon and that they had no concerns about her integrity and honesty. She self-reported her actions from January to the RCVS and from the outset admitted the facts of the charge. During the hearing, Dr Henry submitted that her action of dishonest false certification amounted to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
Dr Martin Whiting, chairing the Committee, and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee considered that, in this case, the aggravating features were limited and the mitigating factors extensive. There was no premeditated dishonesty or financial gain involved, there was no actual harm or risk of harm to an animal or human and this was a single incident in an otherwise unblemished 13-year career. The Committee found that the shame and remorse expressed by Dr Henry were entirely genuine. Her conduct on this occasion was entirely untypical of her practise.
“After careful consideration, the Committee concluded that the substantial mitigating features permitted it to take the somewhat unusual course of issuing a reprimand in a case involving dishonesty. In taking this course, the Committee attached significant weight not only to the isolated nature of the event but also to the genuine insight shown by Dr Henry and the lasting impact this event has had upon her. In the Committee’s assessment, a reasonable and fully informed member of the public would, in this particular case, regard a reprimand as a sanction which protected the public interest in the profession and upheld its standards.”
The full documentation for the hearing can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
BSAVA’s client information leaflets are designed to be used as part of the veterinary consultation and provide information to help owners understand what is involved in a procedure or examination, including the reasons for it, the preparation required, any associated risks and what happens during and after the procedure.
They are available in a PDF format which can be printed and stamped with the veterinary practice details or emailed to clients.
Elise Robertson, ABVS American Board-Certified Diplomate Feline Practice and author of the endoscopic Client Information Leaflets, said: ‘The client information leaflets were created due to the need for accurate and reliable information from reputable sources."
BSAVA’s Head of Publishing, Ian Mellor, said: "This new factsheet brings our total number of client leaflets to 178. Our client leaflets have been downloaded more than 10,000 times in the past year and are an important part of our drive to improve the health and welfare of small animals by providing practical resources to the veterinary profession.’
The new leaflet is available via the BSAVA Library (https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/cilgroupprocedures).
Access to the entire range of client information leaflets (including canine and feline behaviour, exotic pets and medicines) is available for an annual subscription of £40; BSAVA members have access to these leaflets as one of their membership benefits.
BSAVA welcomes suggestions for new topics to cover in its client information leaflets.
Send your ideas to publications@bsava.com.
The company says that by encouraging socialisation, natural behaviour and good health practices, the campaign will help puppy owners get their journey off to a good start and, with their vet, raise a dog that is healthy and family friendly.
The initiative comprises a range of practice materials, including health advice, training and behaviour tips, and a new owner video covering the essentials of puppy ownership.
The materials include digital content to use in email campaigns and on practice websites and social media channels.
Further support on how to optimise social media channels is also available to practices through PetNatter – Boehringer's free veterinary resource designed to help practices make the most of the opportunities social media provides.
Evelyn Murphy, senior brand manager for NexGard Spectra, said: “The ‘Relax, it’s a Puppy Thing’ initiative is a breath of fresh air and will provide puppy owners with just what they need to help them nurture a puppy through its formative life-stage, while easily and effectively supporting practices in communicating with owners on puppy health and welfare.”
For further information, contact your Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager.
Suicide postvention is the response and provision of support after a suicide.
It aims to support recovery, and to prevent further adverse outcomes in the aftermath including the prevention of further deaths by suicide.
The new guidance is intended for people who have been affected by the suicide of a veterinary professional, people who support those who have been affected, and for managers and leaders in veterinary workplaces who are working to prevent suicide.
The guidance examines veterinary workplace considerations after a suicide, including immediate aftermath and longer term.
It also covers communication, including talking both with colleagues and clients, and publicly on social media and elsewhere.
It finishes with a checklist of actions for veterinary workplaces affected by suicide considering immediate, short term, and ongoing actions for support and postvention.
As well as providing this guidance, Vetlife can provide individualised support to practices and individuals who have experienced a suicide through its Postvention Service.
If you are a UK veterinary professional who has been affected by suicide or wants support for a veterinary workplace, contact 0303 040 2551.
You can download the guidance here.
Virbac is launching a nationwide consumer campaign directing pet owners into practice with a special £1 off Indorex voucher promotion.
Indorex product manager Victoria Hudson said: "Participating practices also have the chance to win £250 worth of shopping vouchers for themselves. The practice returning the most client vouchers, plus two runners up, will each win Love2shop shopping vouchers which can be spent at thousands of high street stores, restaurants and attractions across the UK!"
Victoria added: "Indorex is such an easy product to use providing owners with 12 months protection against fleas in their home with just a single application. Even in the summer months, the product is UV stable so it can also be used in sunlit areas such as cars and conservatories."
Vouchers can be obtained from your local Virbac territory manager or downloaded at www.fleafreezones.co.uk/. Following customer redemption each £1money off voucher can be reclaimed by the practice with proof of purchase.
The deadline for nominations for Practice of the Year, Vet of the Year, Vet Nurse of the Year, Practice Manager of the Year and Practice Support Staff of the Year, is 16th January.
The award ceremony will take place on 2nd April 2020 in Birmingham.
James Barnes, Head of Sales & Partnerships at Petplan, said: "We’ve been recognising the brilliant work of the UK’s veterinary professionals through the Petplan Veterinary Awards for 21 years now and every year the standard of entries just gets higher.
"The nominations are a testament to the hard work of all of those involved at practices who care for animals and clients all year round.
"The awards are a perfect opportunity for you to showcase your practice and your colleagues. Being acknowledged is great for team morale and a wonderful opportunity to raise the profile of the practice to new and existing clients alike. If you haven’t already I’d invite you to nominate someone today!"
You can nominate a colleague or your own practice at petplanvet.co.uk/vetawards, before nominations close on 16th January 2020.
The platform, which is available to Premier Pet Care Plan and Animal Healthcare clinics, is designed to help practices increase the number of sign-ups to health care plans.
Romain Regnier (pictured right), PVA’s Business Analyst Manager said: "The current situation has accelerated the need for a digital transformation.
"To help vet practices reach this goal, we have created a highly customisable digital sign-up solution, which mirrors the practice’s branding and can be used in communications to the customer, giving you more possibilities to promote your plans."
With a digital platform, practices can now encourage owners to sign up whilst waiting - socially distanced - outside, or from home.
Debbie Saunders, PVA’s Customer Experience Manager said: "It’s a two-pronged solution; reducing the impact that limited interactions with clients is having on health care plan signs ups and allowing practices to advertise their plans more efficiently.
We are encouraging practices to post about their new digital sign-up links on social media, so pet owners complete their forms anywhere. It will make a big difference to veterinary staff, reducing the amount of administrative pressure from plans but also allowing a direct call to action from advertising."
Each practice will be given unique urls, tiny urls and QR codes which link to the platform, alongside additional marketing materials. The marketing packs contain some customisable content, including social media assets, website banners and printable posters, all free to use to promote the new sign-up platform.
The digital sign-up platforms come with personalisation options, allowing practices to customise their webpage with their own logos, text, and branding, with the help of their PVA trainer.
If you are a Premier Pet Care Plan or Animal Healthcare clinic and are interested in integrating a digital sign-up form into your practice, contact your PVA trainer or call 0117 370 0300 .
The RCVS assessor’s report said: "The premises are genuinely state of the art, with all the space and equipment needed to provide a full multi-discipline referral service.
"The outstanding feature of this visit was the level of inpatient care, which is impressive with dedicated team leaders and thorough handovers for continuity of care, and the depth of knowledge of the clinical and nursing teams.
"Special mention must be made of infection control and inpatient modules in which all the award points available were obtained."
The assessor's report added: "You have all produced a centre to be proud of, and the feeling of pride and commitment of the team, came across very clearly. I wish you every success as your reputation grows."
Rebecca Lunn, operations co-ordinator at Paragon, said: "Pets always come first at Paragon so to receive four “outstanding” awards from the RCVS is a great compliment and achievement.
"Naturally we are delighted. It’s a real tribute to our entire team and our determination to deliver quality care, excellent service and a compassionate approach to ensure the best possible treatment for our animals.
"To achieve this, we have invested heavily, not only in the best, highly-experienced diplomates but also the most advanced specialist equipment within veterinary science.
"That level of commitment will continue on all fronts as we strive to be the very best we can be."
The new course equates to 50 CPD hours and is delivered entirely online to give busy vet nurses the flexibility to fit their studies around their job.
The BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Awards are designed for the motivated nurse in primary care practice, offering structured CPD for those who have an interest in developing their knowledge and skills, without the commitment of a certificate or diploma.
To achieve the award certificate and badge students must show understanding through a final online assessment.
BSAVA Head of Education Lucie Goodwin said: "Nurses who have completed a VNMA tell us that they return to practice enthusiastic about putting their new knowledge to work, and feedback shows that practices are keen for their nurses to complete the awards and are sending their nursing teams on multiple courses."
The new Behaviour VNMA, which will be available in early 2020, will be led by IAABC Certified Dog and Cat Behaviour Consultant Linda Ryan RVN (pictured right).
The course aims to give delegates:
an introduction to and grounding in companion animal behaviour.
practical instruction in working with pet behaviour concepts and how to apply them.
veterinary nurse-focused training.
an understanding of pets’ behavioural requirements and learning ability, in the context of their emotion and welfare needs.
an understanding of pet behaviour, which in turn allows effective communication to effect positive changes in human-animal interactions.
a foundation in detecting abnormal behaviours, and how they should be approached for the best patient outcome.
The other VNMA subjects on offer during 2020 are ECC and Anaesthesia (March), Dermatology (April) Wound Management (May) Diagnostic Imaging and Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy (September).
For further information and bookings, visit https://www.bsava.com/Education/VN-Merit-Awards
The first meeting takes place on Thursday 27th May from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. It will look at how veterinary practices have had to work differently and adapt to the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Chris Tufnell, RCVS Council Member and Innovation Lead (pictured right), will be chairing the session. He said: “In the past 15 months we have been in innovation overdrive, adapting at a unprecedented pace to transform how we work, serve our clients and patients, and continue to function as veterinary businesses in less-than-ideal circumstances.
"This event is an opportunity to take a step back, look at what has happened, how we have changed and consider what aspects of these changes we might carry over when we return to near normal working conditions.
"For those who join us, we would like to know what kind of innovation solutions you and your colleagues have developed, and share your stories and ideas to help and inspire others.”
Joining Chris on the panel will be a selection of veterinary professionals who will share their own experience of how they have had to adapt the way they work during the pandemic. Participants include Anita Patel, an RCVS-recognised Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology, who runs her own dermatology referral service, and Richard Artingstall, Clinical Director of Vale Referrals in Gloucestershire.
The event, which will feature short presentations followed by a reflective discussion, is free to attend and can be signed up to via its Eventbrite page at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/152857028487
More meetings are planned for later in the year:
If you have any questions about the sessions or would like to take part as a speaker, email the ViVet Manager, Sophie Rogers on s.rogers@rcvs.org.uk or info@vivet.org.uk
The interviews give an insight into the career advice the interviewees got from their school, what steps they took to secure their place to study for their qualification, what hurdles they had to overcome and what can be done to address issues around the under-representation of some groups within the profession.
The College says the aim is to help inspire school age children to consider a veterinary career through frank conversations with role models who have chosen a vet or vet nursing career.
The first film is an interview with Rheanna Ellis, a 2021 Nottingham Vet School graduate who is now working as a veterinary surgeon at a West Midlands practice. In her interview she talks about her passion to become a vet from a young age, how she went about researching and preparing for her job, and the importance of perseverance.
To help promote the videos and the College’s ongoing work on diversity and inclusion, the RCVS has partnered with the official Black History Month campaign and website which will also be hosting the videos.
Many of the interviews have been carried out by Mandisa Greene, RCVS Senior Vice-President, who helped lead the RCVS Black History Month activities last year as the College’s first ever black President.
Mandisa said: “It’s important that we demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion and have a role in acknowledging and accentuating diverse voices within the professions. Throughout these video interviews I’ve had the opportunity to speak to some inspiring newly qualified and student veterinary professionals who are all clearly very passionate about supporting animal health and welfare.
“I hope that school children from all backgrounds who watch these videos will get the chance to see how rewarding and enjoyable a veterinary career can be and that they’ll be inspired to consider becoming a vet or vet nurse in the future.”
The RCVS will be publishing more video interviews on its YouTube channel through October and beyond.
The flowchart, which was produced in partnership with the National Animal Health and Welfare Panel (NAHWP) and with support from Dogs Trust, outlines what vets and nurses should consider when a client presents an animal with a pet passport and aim to help them navigate client confidentiality, how to report concerns of illegal imports, and an overview of how local authorities are likely to respond.
The Association says that in recent years, vets have mentioned finding it 'difficult' or 'very difficult' to report concerns to Trading Standards in the BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession surveys. Other concerns included breaching client confidentiality, a lack of proof or sufficient evidence to investigate, a perceived lack of interest from local authorities if a case was reported, and uncertainty about whom to contact and how to report suspicions.
Findings released by Dogs Trust earlier this week show broadly similar concerns about reporting suspected illegal pet import cases.
BVA and NAHWP have issued the following advice for veterinary professionals:
Report any suspicions that the animal in your care does not comply with Pet Travel Scheme requirements to your Local Authority Animal Health Function – either Trading Standards or Environmental Health Services.
Find out how to contact your local authority via a pre-agreed number for your practice. Find a direct contact number for your local Trading Standards or call Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 04 05 06, who will refer you directly to the relevant local authority.
Note this number down on the joint BVA and NAHWP compliance flowchart and put up the poster in visible locations around your practice for staff to refer to.
BVA is also in talks with local authority forums in Wales and Scotland and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland to launch similar guidance and compliance resources for vets in the devolved administrations.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: "Veterinary teams can often be the first to suspect that an animal may have been illegally imported when an owner takes their pet for its first check-up. But our surveys have identified a compelling need for clearly defined routes and mechanisms for vets to more easily report suspected cases of illegal import.
"Our flow chart and supporting guidance aim to empower vets to report any such cases, thus helping to tackle the scourge of illegal importation and protecting animal welfare, both of the imported dogs and the larger canine population in the UK.
"I would encourage veterinary teams to put up the poster in their practices and use it to help report any suspicions to relevant authorities with ease."
The flowchart is available as a pull-out poster in this week’s Vet Record and can also be downloaded along with accompanying guidance notes here: www.bva.co.uk/illegalimportguidance
The letter, which was coordinated by BVA President Daniella Dos Santos, reads as follows:
"We are a mixture of volunteers and paid professionals, who give our time to lead and support the veterinary professions, and we are extremely honoured to be able to do so.
But we are increasingly concerned about the tone of some of the debates that are taking place in the veterinary world, particularly by the disparaging and demeaning language used against us or our colleagues.
As leaders in the professions, representing various different organisations, we absolutely expect to receive criticism and challenge of the work we do. But the right to criticise and challenge does not extend to the right to personally attack us as individuals.
Some of the most useful and informative discussions we have are those where our views and actions are questioned with dignity and respect. But the use of derogatory and offensive language to describe or refer to us as individuals is simply not acceptable.
Personal attacks and vilification could also make tomorrow’s leaders think twice before putting their name forward for such roles and subjecting themselves to such treatment by their peers. We might never know what a loss this could be for the future direction and advancement of our professions.
This behaviour is particularly prevalent in online forums, where closed groups and computer screens seem to embolden members of our professions to use language that is wholly inappropriate and which falls far short of the expectations of professionals. As we have seen in the national political arena, we also note with concern that it is often our female colleagues, and those from minorities, who face the worst of it.
We welcome challenge and debate. But please remember that it is possible to disagree with a person or organisation without resorting to personal attacks. Before posting online, please consider how this may be interpreted by the recipient.
Our professions are rightly focused on mental health and wellbeing, and the work of the Mind Matters Initiative and Vetlife are excellent examples of what is being done in this area.
#BeKind extends to those in leadership positions too."
List of signatories by organisation: Katie Roberts: AVS President, David Charles: AVS Senior Vice President, Izzie Arthur: AVS Junior Vice President, Susan Paterson: BSAVA President, Phil Lhermette: BSAVA Senior Vice President, Ian Ramsey: BSAVA Vice President, Sheldon Middleton: BSAVA Junior Vice President, David Godfrey: BSAVA Hon Treasurer, Carl Gorman: BSAVA Hon Secretary, Amanda Stranack: BSAVA CEO, Daniella Dos Santos: BVA President, Simon Doherty: BVA Senior Vice President, James Russell: BVA Junior Vice President, Kathleen Robertson: BVA Scottish Branch President, Ifan Lloyd: BVA Welsh Branch President, Susan Cunningham: BVA Northern Ireland Branch President, David Calpin: BVA CEO, Jo Hinde: BVNA President, Wendy Nevis: BVNA Senior Vice President, Jo Oakden: BVNA Junior Vice President, Peter Kettlewell: BVZS President, Liz Mullineaux: BVZS Junior Vice President, Niall Connell: RCVS President, Amanda Boag: RCVS Senior Vice President, Mandisa Greene: RCVS Junior Vice President, Kit Sturgess: RCVS Treasurer, Lizzie Lockett: RCVS CEO, Anna Judson: SPVS President, Cat Curtis: SPVS Senior Vice President, Nick Lloyd: SPVS Junior Vice President, Nichola Watson: SPVS CEO, Richard Casey: VMG President, Gillian A Page: VMG Senior Vice President, Georgina Hills: VMG Junior Vice President, Miles Russell: VMG Finance Director
The BVA was not prepared to name and shame specific instances of derogatory language being used, or the specific social media websites that are implicated. However, Daniella said: "Online veterinary forums can be a fantastic place for us to share ideas or concerns and support one another but they can also have a darker side. I’ve become increasingly aware of people using forums and other social media to attack and criticise individuals who I know are working hard for our profession.
"I’ve personally been on the receiving end of it, being described as foul, lacking in integrity, incompetent, unsuitable to lead, rotten, idiot, shameful, corrupt or a token. But I know colleagues who have faced far worse and enough is enough.
"It’s high time we collectively speak up and I’m incredibly grateful to those who have co-signed this open letter to our colleagues. Every single vet or vet nurse who volunteers or works as an officer or committee member within the veterinary sphere and all of our lay colleagues work hard on behalf of our professions.
"Our key message is that the mantra to #BeKind, that is so prevalent in our veterinary community, extends to those in leadership positions too.”
The VN Golden Jubilee Award was given to Kirsty Cavill RVN (pictured right), a trained animal physiotherapist who has used her skills and knowledge to help older dogs with canine arthritis and train and advise others on therapeutic techniques.
A new award, called the Compassion Award, was given to Olivia Wassell RVN for her work at the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in London, where she has been praised by her colleagues for her professionalism, positive attitude and dedication to animal health and welfare as a relatively new member of staff working under difficult conditions during the pandemic.
Other awards given this year were:
Queen’s Medal - to Dr John (Iain) Glen MRCVS (pictured right) who, at AstraZeneca, was responsible for the discovery and development of the anaesthetic drug propofol, one of the world’s most common anaesthetics for medical and veterinary use.
Honorary Associateships - Two were awarded this year. The first went to Professor Stuart Carter, Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Pathology at the University of Liverpool’s Institution of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences. The second was awarded to Anthony Martin, a philanthropist with a particular interest in supporting national and international charities working with the veterinary profession to improve animal welfare.
Impact Award - Two were awarded this year. The first went to Alison Lambert, the founder and owner of veterinary business consultancy Onswitch which helps veterinary businesses create customer-centred practice so that pets, horses and livestock receive the best care. The second was awarded to Dr Gwenllian Rees for her involvement in the Arwain Vet Cymru (AVC) project, a collaborative national antimicrobial stewardship program for farm vets in Wales.
Inspiration Awards - Daniella Dos Santos MRCVS was nominated for her leadership role at the BVA during the early stage of the coronavirus pandemic. The second award went to Professor Mandy Peffers, a Wellcome Trust Clinical Intermediate Fellow in Musculoskeletal & Ageing Science at the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences at the University of Liverpool.
The International Award was posthumously awarded to Emeritus Professor Michael Day, the prolific researcher and writer.
Another Compassion Award was given to David Martin MRCVS for his work helping practitioners identify the signs of non-accidental injury.
Another new award this year is the Student Community Award, given to Jack Church, who - on top of his studies - has been volunteering on a covid ward, and Lavinia Economu, for her work to inspire young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and different socio-economic backgrounds into the veterinary professions.
Mandisa Greene MRCVS, RCVS President, said: “I am so impressed by the breadth and depth of the awards nominations that we received this year which demonstrate the very best that the veterinary professions have to offer.
“From veterinary students to veterinary surgeons and nurses who have been practising for decades, all our award winners demonstrate that veterinary professionals and veterinary science has a profound and positive impact not only on animal health and welfare but also wider society. I am immensely happy and proud for them all and look forward to formally being able to present them with their awards later this year.”
A formal awards ceremony, hosted by Mandisa, will take place on Thursday, 23 September 2021. Further details on the event and how to attend will be published later this year.
The Case Reports session has been devised by BSAVA’s programme committee to support RVNs who want to develop their presenting ability. It is specifically aimed at those with little or no experience of presenting and includes mentorship support for the selected candidates.
Claire Woolford RVN VTS (Anaesthesia), who sits on the BSAVA Congress Programme Committee said: "Case reports represent an engaging and interactive method for nurses to discuss unique cases or new techniques. What’s particularly special about the initiative at Congress 2020, is that we want to use the case report platform to support aspiring veterinary nurse speakers who could become speakers at Congress or other BSAVA events.
"We are particularly encouraging nurses with limited experience of presenting and offering the positive environment of Congress for them to develop their skills. All successful candidates will be assigned an experienced mentor who will aid them in preparing the final report to present at Congress."
A total of 8 winning applicants will be selected by the BSAVA Congress programme committee to present their case report. Each successful applicant will be given a 15-minute slot to present at Congress 2020, together with a complimentary Congress nurse pass for the whole of Congress for BSAVA VN members, or for Saturday 4 April for non-members. The presenter of the best case will also be awarded a BSAVA Manual of their choice.
For a chance to be involved, BSAVA is asking nurses to submit a brief synopsis of their case by 4th November 2019. The Case Report must focus on small animal cases, but any species and discipline can be discussed. Full submission information is available at www.bsavaevents.com
BlueSky says that conventional treatment for equine sarcoids, which are induced by tumour antigens E6 and E7 of the bovine papillomavirus, have only limited effect and typically result in the recurrence of the tumours.
However, research published by the company in PLoSONE1 showed that sarcoids treated with delNS/E6E7 were completely and permanently eliminated.
For the study, 29 horses were treated with different regimes involving direct injection into the tumours over three years.
Visible and very significant regression of the sarcoids was achieved in 20 of the treated horses, and 100% regression of the sarcoids in 10 equine patients.
Thomas Muster, CEO of BlueSky Immunotherapies said: "The complete elimination of very aggressive and difficult-to-cure equine sarcoids is yet another important proof of the potential offered by our delNS platform."
In addition, the systemic delNS-mediated immune stimulation eliminated non-injected sarcoids and the papillomavirus that caused the sarcoids.
Thomas added: "We are therefore confident that we will also be able to successfully heal and/or eliminate the cervical tumours of the women enrolled in the clinical trials currently under way."
Reference
Zenalpha provides restraint, sedation and analgesia during non-invasive, non-painful or mildly painful procedures and examinations intended to last no more than 30 minutes2.
It is administered intramuscularly and takes effect within 5-15 minutes1, 2.
Dechra says patients also recover more rapidly2, potentially avoiding hospitalisation and allowing them to get home sooner.
Zenalpha contains the active ingredients 0.5 mg/ml medetomidine hydrochloride and 10mg/ml vatinoxan hydrochloride.
Medetomidine is an alpha-2 agonist used for its sedative and analgesic properties.
Vatinoxan is a peripherally selective alpha-2 antagonist which Dechra says has limited penetration across the blood-brain barrier, so it works to antagonise only the alpha-2 receptors located in the periphery, reducing cardiovascular side effects without impacting the quality of sedation or analgesia.
In a study of 223 dogs1 comparing a traditional alpha-2 agonist with Zenalpha, Zenalpha was found to minimise cardiovascular side effects while preserving reliable sedation and analgesia.
Claire Westoby, brand manager at Dechra said: ‘The next generation of alpha-2 agonists have evolved to provide the same effective and reliable sedation and analgesia, but with reduced cardiovascular side effects and a reduced chance of vomiting.
"This improves the sedation experience for the canine patient, as well as reducing the associated stress commonly experienced by veterinary teams and dog owners.”
Matt Gurney FRCVS, an RCVS and EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and hospital director at Anderson Moores, said: “It is really exciting to see the launch of an innovative new product, especially one with a unique mechanism of action that will improve the sedation experience for the vet team and our patients.
"Zenalpha not only provides a solution to cases where IV placement is not possible and a rapid onset IM option is required, but it also offers a rapid and complete recovery which ensures that dogs can be reunited with their owners and return home as soon as possible.”
Zenalpha is presented in a 10 ml glass vial in individually packed cardboard boxes.
For more information: www.dechra.co.uk/zenalpha or contact your local Dechra territory manager.
To watch Matt Gurney’s ‘Zennovation in sedation – the next generation of alpha-2 agonists’: www.dechra.co.uk/academy.
References
The Osurnia Ear Health Hub includes information about the treatment of canine otitis externa from dermatologists Sue Paterson and Natalie Barnard, advice about responsible antibiotic use, expert tips for vets to use in the consulting room and dog owner educational materials that veterinary staff can use in practice and online. It will also include a podcast interview with Sue.
The hub also provides information, videos and research about Osurnia.
Elanco Animal Health UK Marketing Manager, Rebecca Bryant said: "We know all too well the challenges vets face when treating canine OE and the significant impact the condition has on the quality of life of both the dog and the owner.
"The Osurnia Ear Health Hub is a new disease resource hub on MyElanco, which provides helpful resources for veterinary professionals looking for answers or to enhance their understanding of the disease. We hope that with more easily accessible information, this will help vets to treat OE cases and communicate with their clients."
Visit the canine ear health hub at: www.myelanco.co.uk
Whilst on the subject of information resources, this one has come to my attention. It's a list of other veterinary blogs and information resources: https://blog.feedspot.com/veterinary_blogs.
Ms Parody faced two charges, the first of which related to her treatment of a cat named Shadow, which had multiple elements:
The second charge was that her conduct in relation to all parts of the first charge was dishonest.
At the outset of the hearing Ms Parody’s counsel admitted to the majority of the elements of the first charge, although denied she had removed the microchip in order to mislead others about Shadow’s identity.
Ms Parody also admitted that her failures to inform the owner that euthanasia had not been carried out, of the treatment plan, of the removal of the microchip and that she had taken Shadow home was dishonest.
However, she denied dishonesty in relation to failing to make adequate records.
The Committee went on to consider the facts of the remaining, contested charges.
After hearing evidence from a number of witnesses, the Committee concluded that it was not proven that Dr Parody removed the microchip in order to mislead others about his identity, and that, in this respect, she had therefore not acted dishonestly.
In relation to whether Ms Parody was acting dishonestly in relation to failure to make adequate clinical records, the Committee also found this not proven.
Having determined the facts of the case, the Committee went on to consider if the proven charges amounted to serious professional misconduct.
In terms of aggravating factors, it considered that there was actual injury to an animal – albeit small and while the cat was under sedation - and that Ms Parody had engaged in conduct that was in breach of a client’s trust.
In mitigation, the Committee considered the immense pressure that Ms Parody and her colleagues in the practice were under at that time due to the coronavirus pandemic and the fact that she had acted in a way which she thought was best for Shadow’s welfare and which clouded the rest of her decision making.
Furthermore, the Committee considered this was a single isolated incident, that she took the decision without the opportunity for full reflection and the length of time since the original incident.
However, it found Ms Parody guilty of serious professional misconduct in relation to all the proven charges.
Paul Morris, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “However well-intentioned, Dr Parody made some serious errors of judgment with regard to her approach to Shadow and embarked upon a course of dishonest conduct, which started with her failure to inform the owner about her decision not to euthanase Shadow, was followed by her treatment of Shadow, including his castration and microchip removal, all without the consent of the owner, and ended with her taking Shadow home over Christmas, again without the owner’s consent.
"In addition, she failed to make adequate clinical records with regards to Shadow.”
The Committee then went on to consider the most appropriate sanction for Ms Parody.
It heard a large number of positive testimonials as to her character and professionalism from both clients and former and current work colleagues.
The Committee also considered further mitigating factors such as the fact she had no previous disciplinary issues, had a long and unblemished career both before and since this isolated incident, her open and frank admissions regarding some of the charges, the significant impact she displayed regarding her misconduct, and her genuine expressions of remorse and apology.
Paul Morris added: “The Committee recognises that there is a scale of seriousness of dishonesty and therefore gave careful consideration as to where Dr Parody’s dishonest conduct fell to be judged.
"The Committee was concerned with her conduct between 20 December and 31 December 2021, as found proved.
"What led to what she has admitted as dishonest behaviour, was her acting to protect the welfare of the cat.
“The Committee was confident that she most certainly did not set out to act dishonestly.
"She made an initial error of judgement and everything that followed flowed from that.
"What she went on to do was something of a panicky attempt to cover up what she had done initially, so that she could decide on how to rectify it but, the Committee was satisfied, all done with the best of intentions and in the best interests of the cat and its owner.
"She had not acted out of any personal or financial gain or malicious intent.
"She had created a mess and she was trying to sort that mess out.”
After deciding that a reprimand was the most appropriate and proportionate sanction to impose, Paul Morris concluded: “In all the, somewhat exceptional, circumstances of this case, the Committee was satisfied that a reprimand would provide adequate protection to animals, as it was satisfied Dr Parody was most unlikely to ever make such a flawed set of decisions again.
"The Committee was satisfied that Dr Parody does not represent a risk to animals going forward, indeed from the character evidence it is clear that she always puts the welfare of animals first.
"She has also shown, since this episode, that she can work under pressure and not resort to making bad decisions and thus the Committee considered the wider public interest would be served in this case by a reprimand.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
Licensed for use from 6 weeks of age - and in pregnant and lactating bitches and queens - Evicto provides adulticidal, larvicidal and ovicidal flea protection, which can also help to control environmental flea infestations in areas where the pet has access. It also treats ear mites, biting lice, intestinal roundworms, sarcoptic mange in dogs, intestinal hookworms in cats and can be used to prevent heartworm disease with monthly administration.
Evicto is presented in packs of 4 pipettes which are transparent so owners can see that the full dose has been applied. The company also highlights that with Evicto pets can be bathed 2 hours after treatment without loss of efficacy.
Claire Lewis, Product Manager at Virbac said: "We are pleased to add Evicto to our award-winning range of parasite protection products.
"Evicto can also be used concurrently with Milpro, making it the perfect product partnership."
Evicto is available from the veterinary wholesalers now.
For information, speak to your Virbac Territory Manager.
The course has been designed for RVN’s with an interest in nursing, welfare and conservation of non-domestic animal species.
The course will be offered as a Graduate Certificate and a Postgraduate Certificate, which will allow RVN’s from any academic background to gain the RCVS Cert AVN.
The course lasts one academic year and will be studied mainly online.
Student finance is currently available for students applying to study the 60 credit Graduate Certificate.
Funding is available for a full MSc (180 credits) at postgraduate level, for which the PgC in AVN Exotics, Zoo and Wildlife can make up one third of the study credits, if completing an MSc over 3 years.
More information can be found on the Student Finance website.
AZEVN Chair, Matt Rendle RVN said: “Finally, we have an RCVS recognised qualification that will allow RVN’s from all academic pathways to show the high level of knowledge and understanding they have.
"The modules allow veterinary nurses taking the qualification to have a focus on the species or area that they are personally passionate about, be that axolotls, aardvarks or adders!
"This is a huge leap forward for veterinary nurses in the UK.”
www.azevn.orgwww.harper-adams.ac.uk
Kirsty, who works at Nordhealth, Jo, Practice Manager at Stroud Road Vets, and Sarah, Practice Manager at Hale Veterinary Group, have all decided to work towards the Certificate (CVLM), after which they will be eligible to study for the final stage, the Diploma (DVLM).
The AVLM awardees studied four topics: leadership theories and leadership styles, motivation and reward, emotional intelligence and personal development planning.
As they embark on their Certificate, the next module will look at their organisations, examining brand, vision, mission and purpose.
After this they can take two further optional modules from a list of 15, with the aim of completing the Certificate in Summer 2022.
Another successful candidate was Mike Kitchen, Business Manager of the German Veterinary Clinic in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
He said: “The knowledge I have gained has already helped me to identify improvement opportunities and apply some new ideas and strategies that will support the team and further enhance our working environment.”
Course Director Dr Hannah Perrin said: "We’re so proud of our first AVLMs. We congratulate them on their achievement and hope they will enjoy putting what they’ve learned into practice in their workplace and look forward to supporting them as they take their next steps towards the Certificate.”
The September cohort has just started the course, and the next intake will begin studying in April 2022. More information is available at: www.vetmg.com/cvlm.
Paragon’s clinical director, Sophie Adamantos, said: "Nursing Skills is aimed at our nursing team and student nurses, addressing issues like performing CPR, radiography interpretation and enhanced support for bereaved pet owners.”
The first Nursing Skills Club is on Wednesday 24th June, when ward team leader Lydia Barry will discuss how to perform CPR. Then, on Thursday 13th August, Nick Coleman RVN will discuss endoscope care.
To sign up for the CPD sessions, visit www.paragonreferrals.co.uk/veterinary-professionals/cpd