The BSAVA has put together a collection of resources on anaesthesia to support the veterinary profession during the coronavirus pandemic.

The BSAVA Library Collection, which is freely available until the end of June 2020, includes resources relating to total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) and anaesthetic monitoring in addition to a new guidance document on the administration of anaesthetics during the pandemic, which has been endorsed by the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists (AVA).

Kerry Woodhouse, author of the guidance document, said: “In line with RCVS recommendations to promote safe practice and social distancing, anaesthesia for routine procedures should be stopped during the current restrictions relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. There will however remain a need for anaesthetics for emergency and urgent procedures on welfare grounds. This guidance document provides practical information on administering anaesthesia while conserving oxygen supplies."

BSAVA President, Sue Paterson added: “The potential prioritisation of oxygen cylinders into human medicines means that we must be ready and able to revert back to using some more basic anaesthetic techniques. BSAVA is pleased to be able to support the profession during these challenging times through the provision of up-to-date guidance and resources to address these concerns.”

The new  Anaesthesia Resources collection can be found here: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/update 

The Association is also reassuring the profession that there is no indication of a shortage of medical gases.

In preparation for an escalation of coronavirus cases, BOC has been building stocks of medical gases to ensure its supply chain is in the best position to respond to customer requirements.

BOC has also implemented a ‘Full for Empty’ supply of all medical cylinder gases and customers with medical oxygen are being encouraged to manage their cylinders in an effective manner and ensure that empty cylinders are available promptly for collection. The company has also increased the frequency of deliveries and collections to help with cylinder turnover.

Customers are being asked to be vigilant and ensure that medical gas cylinders are kept as secure as possible to deter potential misuse or theft.

BSAVA understands that if a practice is closed for the foreseeable future, BOC will collect cylinders free of charge.  

For further information, call BOC’s Customer Information Centre on 0800 111 333 or visit https://www.boconline.co.uk/shop/en/uk/customer-information 

For more BSAVA resources relating to coronavirus, visit https://www.bsava.com/adviceforCOVID19 

An independent Somerset practice with branches in Wells and Shepton Mallet is celebrating its 100th year in business. 

Founded in 1922, the practice has come a long way from the days when its founder, Tom Patterson did his rounds on a motorbike with a sidecar.

It's now a successful farm and small animal two branch practice with over 60 staff.

To celebrate its centenary, Shepton Vets published a book called '100 years of Shepton Vets' and held a large summer party.

In September, the practice will be holding a 100km fundraising cycle ride to raise money for the Farming Community Network charity.

The farm animal practice has also organised the ‘Tour de Yorkshire,’ a trip to visit three farms based in Yorkshire who are modernising and adapting their dairy businesses to be resilient and successful in the changing industry. 

Senior director, Paddy Gordon, said: “Turning one hundred is important. We may have grown substantially but we haven’t lost the family and community feel. We want to bring our community, near and far along with us on this celebration.”

It may not be quite the same as a telegram from the Queen, but VetNurse.co.uk wishes Shepton Vets a very Happy Birthday!

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) is calling on vet practices to support the #VaccinesWork campaign.

Starting in the New Year, the benefits of vaccination will be communicated to both farmers and pet owners, initially focussing on farm use. 

The aims of the campaign are to raise awareness of how and why vaccines work and the range of diseases they protect against, to review and improve how vaccines are stored and administered, and to encourage better uptake of existing vaccines. 

Further information and tips on storing and using vaccines correctly will be shared, to help ensure that vaccines used will be effective.

NOAH says that research has shown that:

• Only 53% farmers know the correct temperature for vaccine storage
• 73% do not have a separate thermometer or data logger
• Less than 10% check fridge temperatures daily

Dawn Howard, NOAH’s Chief Executive said: “It is encouraging that vaccination of the UK’s calves and sheep against livestock diseases has risen to one of the highest levels in seven years¹. This increase is encouraging, however still more needs to be done in relation to uptake, storage and usage. We are asking the vet profession to support the #VaccinesWork campaign by spreading the messages with their clients and engaging on social media."

"We will be providing information for farmers e.g. if vaccines are not stored correctly, it will impact on their potency, meaning they could be less effective – not only will there be the potential for the vaccine to fail to protect animals against disease but also farmers may have wasted their efforts – and may be deterred from vaccinating again."

Whilst correct use by farmers is the initial focus, the campaign will include pets. Dawn said: "The topic of vaccine hesitancy is becoming increasingly important. Recognised by the WHO as one of the top 10 global health threats for people in 2019, this phenomenon is translating to the veterinary sector as well, especially in companion animals. The PDSA reports an ‘alarming’ drop in pet vaccinations: the proportion of pet dogs, cats and rabbits receiving a primary course when young has fallen by 18% over the past 3 years, down to 66%³.”

"This is bad news for the health and welfare of the nation’s pets, who are increasingly at risk of disease, and we need to work to address this."

NOAH is asking practices to support the campaign by sharing messages and materials which will be published on its website (https://www.noah.co.uk/campaigns/vaccineswork) and on social media, @UKNOAH

References

1. https://ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/use-of-vaccines-in-cattle-and-sheep-2018-sales-update

2. https://www.noah.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/NOAH-Vision-Paper-8pp-A4-Sep-19-vf.pdf

3. https://www.pdsa.org.uk/media/7420/2019-paw-report_downloadable.pdf 

Everyone (in the veterinary profession) is invited to The Great Vet Together, a social camping festival being held in Cornwall next week from 2nd-5th June. 

The event, which is being organised by Colin Whiting MRCVS and his wife Lizzy (also MRCVS), is taking place at Killaworgey Farm, Black Cross, Newquay, TR8 4LU

Performing on the outdoor stage at the event are the Ceilidh Band and Spit Roast, a covers band. 

Catering includes a licensed bar, wood-fired pizzas, log-roasted chicken, pulled pork burritos, pasties and cream teas. 

There'll be a quiz night, fancy dress and an outdoor showing of the film Trainspotting. 

And if all that weren't enough, you'll be just a stone's throw from Newquay and its nearby beaches, and about 30 mins drive from the Eden Project. 

Colin said: "The whole vet world family is welcome.

"We've got people coming from Liverpool vet school straight from rotations, practices bringing their EMS student along: bands, bar, party field, outdoor roasts and burritos, indoor pasties and wood-fired pizzas, and - to cap it all - a 6-shower, 8-loo toilet block newly completed for the camping field, with a 2-metre urinal in the gents as well, but that's not so much of a selling point...

"Visitors are very welcome to come earlier or camp longer too; there's a warm welcome for all at Killaworgey."

Fore more information, visit: https://www.killaworgeyfarm.co.uk/ 

The Dick White Academy is celebrating a 94% first-time pass rate for its students sitting the VetSkill L3 VN diploma exams, way above the national average of 75%. 

Academy principal Ali Heywood (pictured right) said: "We’re specifically set up to provide one of the best training facilities in the country and these results are absolutely fantastic. 

“We offer excellent levels of support to the learners and teach in smaller class sizes than a lot of other providers.

“All of our team are experienced nurses as well as being trained OSCE examiners, so the students are being taught the most up-to-date methods and trust the fact that they are being tutored by people who truly understand the exam process. 

“We also spend a full term preparing students for both their professional discussion and their OSCE examinations with lots of mock exams so hopefully muscle memory takes over when it comes to the real exam.”

Ali added: “We are looking to start an online L5 diploma in general practice nursing but we are also mindful of not diluting the quality of the provision that we already offer.

“The ultimate aim is to grow, though, and be able to regularly generate highly-skilled and resilient vet nurses to help support not just Dick White Referrals, but the wider veterinary profession too.” 

For more information visit www.dickwhitereferrals.com

Helen Rooney from the Pet Blood Bank has been announced as PetPlan's Vet Nurse of the Year 2023.

Helen was presented with the award at a black tie event in Manchester yesterday.

She said: “I love what I do – I love the organisation, and as of veterinary nurse of 27 years I remember before Pet Blood Banks were set up and all the difficulties we had then when animals needed transfusions. I’ve seen the difference these products make first-hand and I don’t know where we would be without them”

The other winners were:

• Claire McCabe, Craemill Veterinary Clinic, Vet of the Year
• Milfeddygon Williams Vets, Vet Practice of the Year
• Louise Newman, Blue Cross Vets, Practice Manager of the Year
• Laura Cameron, Lomond Veterinary Clinic, Support Staff of the Year

Petplan’s Sales and Marketing Director, Bella von Mesterhazy said: “All of the night’s winners are so deserving of the accolade, thanks to their true commitment to their profession, and like all those who sent in nominations, Petplan is incredibly grateful for the outstanding services provided by not only our winners, but veterinary professionals around the country.”

Vets4Pets has produced a new film to champion the work of all vets, nurses and support teams. 

The company says it thinks the film is an industry first because it depicts veterinary professionals in a way that they have never seen themselves before: cinematically showing the highs and lows of a typical day in veterinary practice.

Vets4Pets also says it wants the film to generate greater recognition for everyone working within the industry, not just its own staff, by showcasing the passion, dedication and commitment that unites them.

Keith Leonard MRCVS, Practice Owner at Vets4Pets Leeds Birstall where some of the video was filmed, said: “While there are no words that can do justice to the sheer passion and determination demonstrated by the entire veterinary community, taking part in this campaign and seeing the result is really emotional.

“After an unimaginably turbulent few years, this campaign makes me feel incredibly proud of my whole team.

"It genuinely shows what it’s like to work in veterinary practice and I can’t thank each and every one of my team enough for their outstanding dedication to the care of our clients – both the pets we care for and their owners.

"We all live and breathe what we do, and I hope they feel a sense of pride when they see this campaign.”

Gordon Dunn, People Director at Vets4Pets, said: “The veterinary sector has experienced immense pressure following years of unprecedented challenges and as an industry we need to do our utmost to ensure that veterinary professionals are supported in their development and careers. But alongside this, we need to understand that recognition goes a long way too. 

The charity Vetlife has expanded its charitable objectives so that veterinary nurses can now have full membership of the organisation and benefit from additional support.

Full membership means veterinary nurses can now stand for nomination as trustees, allowing them to represent the needs of nurses and help guide the future direction of the charity.

It also means that the Vetlife Financial Support service, the part of the charity which for more than a century has offered financial support to veterinary surgeons and their dependants in the UK, will also be able to consider future applications for financial aid from veterinary nurses.

BVNA JVP Charlotte Pace said: “The BVNA is very excited about this development that now recognises the contribution of veterinary nurses.

"We hope that allowing veterinary nurses to stand for nomination as trustees will allow our voices to be heard far and wide.

"Veterinary nurses, just like vets, have pressures and demands in and outside the workplace, that sometimes can benefit from a little outside help, especially from such great charities like Vetlife.”

Photo: Graham Dick, Vetlife President, signs the Notice of Resolution

The Privy Council has partially upheld and partially dismissed an appeal submitted to it by Dr Gerhard Schulze Allen against a decision by the Disciplinary Committee in January 2018 to have him removed from the Register.

The Disciplinary Committee had found Dr Schulze Allen guilty of four charges, namely that he had been convicted of the criminal offence of petty theft in the US which rendered him unfit to practise, and that on three subsequent occasions, twice to the RCVS and once to a notary in California, dishonestly represented that he had no criminal convictions. 

Following the DC hearing, Dr Schulze Allen submitted an appeal to the Privy Council. The basis of his appeal revolved around whether, under Californian law, his conviction for petty theft was a conviction for a criminal offence or an infraction, and whether an infraction under US law was a criminal offence.

The RCVS had argued that while the theft is not a criminal felony in California, it would be considered so under English law. 

However, the Board of the Privy Council which heard the appeal – comprising Lords Wilson, Carnwath and Lloyd-Jones, found the College had not proven beyond all reasonable doubt that Dr Schulze Allen was convicted of a criminal offence under Californian law. It therefore upheld his appeal against the DC’s finding that he had committed a criminal offence.

The Privy Council then considered Dr Schulze Allen’s appeal against the third and fourth of the charges against him - that he was dishonest in his representations to the College that he did not have a ‘criminal’ conviction and did not have a ‘criminal record’. The Privy Council found that, since the conviction for petty theft was an infraction, and was not a criminal offence and did not leave Dr Schulze Allen with a criminal record, then, strictly speaking, his representations to the RCVS were not false and so upheld his appeal against these two charges.

The Privy Council then considered Dr Schulze Allen’s appeal against the College’s second charge against him. This charge was that he had, in a written application for restoration to the Register, represented that he did not have any cautions, criminal convictions or "adverse findings". The College argued that he still had a responsibility to make a full and frank disclosure about his infraction, even if it did not meet the threshold of ‘criminal’ under Californian law. 

The Board of the Privy Council said it had, on Dr Schulze Allen’s behalf, done its best to identify some argument that his conviction for a petty theft infraction did not amount to an "adverse finding", but failed. Rather, it found that "the conviction obviously amounted to an adverse finding." 

The Board added that "there is no material by reference to which the Board [of the Privy Council] can depart from the [Disciplinary] Committee’s conclusion that, in answering “no” to that question, he knew that his answer was untrue. In other words, his denial was dishonest."

The Board therefore allowed the appeal against the DC’s conclusion on the first, third and fourth charges. But it dismissed the appeal against its conclusion on the second charge, namely that in that regard Dr Schulze Allen had been guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect."

The Board then set aside the original sanction, that Dr Schulze Allen be removed from the Register, and tasked the Committee with identifying the appropriate sanction in relation to the second charge.

The Disciplinary Committee will now hold a further hearing to decide the sanction, at some time in the future. In the meantime Dr Schulze Allen remains on the Register of Veterinary Surgeons.

Independent Vetcare (IVC) has now officially unveiled 'Online Vets', its veterinary consultation service for pet owners, claiming to offer them a saving of nearly £100 a year on veterinary bills.

A 15-minute consultation with Online Vets on the IVC-owned www.myfamilypet.co.uk website costs £16, compared to the three other players in this marketplace: Pawsquad, Vet AI and Firstvet, which all charge £20.

The other significant difference is that Online Vets is backed by IVC's extensive network of 800+ bricks and mortar practices, so they have somewhere to refer cases that need treatment and they undertake to deduct the online consultation fee from the final bill if that happens. 

Douglas Veitch MRCVS, Head of Online Vets (the affable-looking chap pictured right) said: "In human healthcare, an online doctor can prescribe medication to their patients. However under the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) legislation, vets cannot do that. This impacts the wallets of our clients, as it will often mean they pay twice; once for the online consultation and then for the subsequent consultation in practice. That’s why we have launched our Online Vets service as the digital vet team can refer into one of our 800+ practices and ensure the initial online fee is deducted from the bill."

That sounds like a bit of a pop at the RCVS being responsible for legislation that impacts clients' wallets, so it might be worth reflecting whether the GMC would allow doctors to prescribe medication online if their patients were all deaf, mute and had a mental age of less than one, which I assume is the intellectual capacity of the average dog.

That's by the by. It is this ability to offset Online Vets' consultation fee against any treatment needed offline that forms the basis of IVC's claim to save pet owners nearly £100 per annum on veterinary bills.

Of the other online service providers, only one (Vet AI) undertakes to refund the fee if offline treatment is then required. Online Vets says pets typically need 5 consultations per annum, and if they all need a subsequent consultation (and presuming none use Vet AI), £20 x 5 would therefore be down the drain, or, as the French would say, hors de la fenêtre. 

I think that claim is a bit punchy myself. It would be interesting to see the research that shows pets need 5 consultations per annum. My dog rarely sees the vet more than once in a year. And even if it did, I'll bet at least a couple of those consultations could be handled online.

But really, isn't this a bit of a red herring? The truth is that all these services are still in their infancy, and online consultations still make up only a tiny fraction of the overall number of veterinary interactions. So really, whether you'll actually save a few quid using Online Vets vs one of the others is probably not the point.

The really big savings for pet owners will surely come when bricks and mortar veterinary practices, IVC included, offer online consultations between clients and their normal vet, who can already prescribe medications remotely if the animal has been seen recently enough. That'll save me a lot more than £20 a visit.

In the meantime, if I was using one of these services to consult about my dog (and I might), the bigger deal for me would be to have the reassurance of knowing the advice was backed by a bricks and mortar practice, which is why I find it curious that the only mention of IVC (and all its resources) on the www.myfamilypet.co.uk website is, er, in the cookie policy.

Vetoquinol has launched Felpreva (POM-V), the only spot-on parasiticide for cats which provides three months’ protection against fleas and ticks plus treatment against roundworms, tapeworms and ear mites in a single dose.

Felpreva contains emodepside and praziquantel, with tigolaner, a novel bispyrazole active ingredient. 

Felpreva is licensed for treatment of cats with, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infestations/infections.

Vetoquinol points to a survey revealed conducted last year in which 43% of cat owners said that giving parasite protection to their cat makes them feel guilty, stressed, or worried¹. 

Felpreva provides an option to reduce the frequency of treatments, lessening stressful interactions between owners and their cats.

Vetoquinol says that with Felpreva’s convenience and longer-lasting flea and tick protection, it aims to help support compliance and thus improve the wellbeing of feline companions.

Helen Hunter, Senior Product Manager at Vetoquinol UK, said: “The launch of Felpreva is a truly proud moment for Vetoquinol, demonstrating our expertise, passion, and commitment to innovation in this essential category of companion animal medicine.

"It will allow us to safeguard the health of cats by bringing longer-lasting protection, convenience, and ease of use – for both pet owners and veterinary professionals.

"At a time when vets are treating more pets than ever before, the need for a breakthrough endectocide solution like Felpreva has never been greater.”

Felpreva is in wholesalers now.

For more information, contact your local Vetoquinol representative.

Reference

1. Vetoquinol UK Felpreva research report, 4Media, 062021

Ceva Animal Health has launched Isemid (Torasemide), a once-a-day diuretic for the treatment of congestive heart failure in dogs which the company says is as effective as furosemide.

The new drug represents the fruit of 8 years of product development and more than 11 proprietary studies performed by Ceva R&D teams. 

Marie Boutot, development project leader said: "Isemid is an original drug developed by Ceva, and was the subject of full pivotal efficacy and safety studies."

Ceva says the new drug has been recognised by the European Medicines Agency as a "2018 Innovation, advancing animal health". 

Isemid is presented as pork-flavoured, scored tablets in three strengths: 1, 2 and 4 mg. They can be administered orally once daily, with or without food. The company's research showed a 98% owner compliance (compared to 92% for furosemide, p<0.05) and 80% voluntary acceptance.

Emilie Guillot, DVM, Ceva Technical Manager for Cardiology said: "With Isemid, we seek to help veterinarians in their goal to improve survival of dogs with heart failure.

"But above all, thanks to its potent action and long half-life which allow once-daily dosing, we hope to ease owner compliance."

Scientific communications with data on Isemid were presented at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine forum in Phoenix in June and will be held at the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine congress in Milan in September.