The Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the AHT has identified a genetic mutation which causes a severe progressive disease in Parson Russell Terriers (PRTs).
Late onset ataxia (LOA) affects coordination and balance, making everyday movement and tasks increasingly difficult. The new DNA test can accurately predict the risk of developing the disease in 97-100 per cent of PRTs and will effectively reduce the number of LOA cases in the breed.
Dogs usually develop the disease between six months and one year of age but because there is no cure, sufferers are usually euthanised around two years after onset as their quality of life diminishes.
After testing DNA of over 200 PRTs in total, the AHT's scientists were able to isolate the genetic mutation which causes the disease and establish that LOA is an inherited recessive trait; therefore dogs must have two defective copies of the genetic mutation, one from each parent, to be affected.
The test results will inform dog owners if their dog is clear from, a carrier of, or affected by LOA.
Cathryn Mellersh, Head of Canine Genetics, at the AHT said: "This is great news for PRT breeders as we believe LOA is an emerging condition in the breed and through this test we should be able to cut the disorder 'off at the pass', before the mutation becomes any more widespread.
"Interestingly, our research also suggests that there may be other causes of ataxia in the breed. It is important for breeders to understand that a clear result using the LOA DNA test will not exclude the formal possibility that dogs could still develop a genetically different form of ataxia."
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "LOA is a relatively new but devastating condition and we are delighted that we've been able to work with the Animal Health Trust to develop a DNA test that will give breeders the opportunity to significantly reduce this disease. We will keep working together to develop tools and information for breeders, so that they are able to select dogs that will have healthy puppies."
The DNA test for LOA is available from the AHT at the price of £48. Full details are available at www.ahtdnatesting.co.uk.
Zea Sciences has announced that its natural rodenticide has been certified under the European Biocide Directive Program, known as Annex1/1A BPD 98/8EEC.
The rodenticide is made from powdered corn cob (PCC) which, according to Zea Sciences, causes rats and mice to die of hypovolemic shock within 4-7 days of starting to feed on it.
The company says PCC poses no health risk to human or non target animal species, such as cats, dogs and birds. It is also the first of its type and class to be officially acknowledged as using naturally biodegradable and environmentally friendly material.
PCC is available from a number of retail and trade outlets, under various different brand names. However, the company said that if there was sufficient interest by vets in stocking the pet-friendly product, it would look at making it available through veterinary wholesalers.
Martin Holland, Managing Director of Zea Sciences said: ''I hope the profession will help spread the word about PCC-based rodent control - it might mean you have to reach for the vitamin K a little less often."
Ella, a Bloodhound Doberman cross, is the first cold scent dog to work with anti-poaching units in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
She has been trained specifically to work on crime scenes which are more than a day old and can follow poachers’ tracks to determine their entry and exit points to reserves, as well as their shooting positions.
Medivet says that during her first year, none of the reserves where Ella has been active have lost a single rhino. A number of court cases are also ongoing in other reserves as a result of evidence she has uncovered at crime scenes.
The cost of training Ella, her handler, support vehicle and accommodation has all been funded by the Medivet Rhino programme and by the generous donations of Medivet clients, through the Pennies digital charity box scheme.
To date, Medivet Rhino has raised more than £315,000 via Pennies to help fund this rhino protection programme.
Dr William Fowlds from the Wilderness Foundation Africa (and former Medivet employee) said: "As a cold scent tracking dog, Ella brings a formidable skill set to our anti-poaching units. Her ability to track human footsteps across a variety of terrains, day or night, is a significant deterrent to those thinking of killing our rhinos. In addition, her gentle nature makes her an endearing member of the team so, even though she’s a working dog, we can sneak a little cuddle in every now and again."
He added: "Ella is a game changer in our efforts to protect rhinos. The difference she has made to our work in just one year means that we are now working with our partner, the Chipembere Rhino Foundation, to extend our canine resources. We are indebted to Medivet and its clients for supporting our work by giving us this wonderful dog."
Dr John Smithers, Senior Partner and Project Co-ordinator for Medivet Saving the Rhino, said: "We could not be prouder of Ella’s work to track poachers during her first year in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
"With her incredible sense of smell, she has brought a new dimension to rhino protection in this region, and all of the agencies involved in protecting this iconic species benefit from her presence.
"We are deeply grateful to all our clients and staff who have supported Medivet Saving the Rhino (through Pennies and other donations) and wish Ella and her support team another successful year ahead."
The Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) is launching its new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) scheme today, designed to ensure that the Authority's registered Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) keep up to date with the latest animal medicines information.
In order to maintain their SQP status, every SQP will have to achieve a minimum number of CPD points during each AMTRA CPD period, running for two years from July to June. However, in the initial stages of the scheme, this first period will run for 33 months, from October 2008 to June 2011, allowing AMTRA to fine tune the system if required and give its SQPs time to get used to the new structure.
During these CPD periods, SQPs are required to obtain a minimum number of CPD points depending on their SQP type:
SQP Type: Modules; VPS medicines supplied; CPD Points R-SQP: FAM+EQM+CAM; All VPS Medicines; 70 points G-SQP: FAM+EQM; VPS-farm animals and equines only; 50 points K-SQP: FAM+CAM; VPS-farm and companion animals only; 50 points E-SQP: EQM+CAM; VPS-equines and companion animals only; 50 points L-SQP: FAM; VPS-farm animals only; 30 points J-SQP: EQM; VPS-equines only; 30 points C-SQP: CAM; VPS-companion animals only; 30 points
(FAM - Farm Animal Module, EQM - Equine Module, CAM - Companion Animal Module)
In essence, this means that 20 points are required per animal group, plus a further 10 points. Dr Roger Dawson, Secretary of AMTRA comments, "There is no maximum number of CPD points that SQPs can accumulate and we will be encouraging them to gain the benefit of as much CPD as they can."
Those SQPs who do not achieve the minimum number of CPD points by the end of the period will not be eligible to renew their status for the following year. However, such SQPs will have the option of sitting an examination before the end of that CPD period in order to maintain their SQP status and eligible be to renew for the next year.
SQPs will have a range of avenues through which to gain CPD points, ranging from four types of AMTRA-accredited CPD Events, to online study and personal study. With CPD Events and online studies, accreditation and points will be awarded by the AMTRA CPD Accreditation Panel. With personal study, AMTRA accepts a degree of self-certification of this form of CPD, however the points gained in this way are limited to a relatively small proportion of the minimum required in a CPD period.
Throughout a CPD period, all SQPs are required to attend at least ONE CPD Event. These events will comprise a range of modules that will be assessed for coverage, of relevant topics ranging from legislation, regulations and prevalence & effects of parasites and pathogens, to control of disease management, resistance, warnings and SARS.
Dr Dawson says, "The new CPD scheme has the necessary flexibility to allow SQPs to gain the required CPD points via a number of routes, from accredited CPD events and online study to personal study. Furthermore, the structure of the scheme ensures that their studies will be properly assessed to ensure they have gained the necessary knowledge to secure their CPD points."
Genitrix has announced the reformulation of Cerusolve, which cleans and deodorises the external ear canal of cats and dogs.
According to the company, the reformulation has enhanced Cerusolve's exfoliant and keratolyic properties and has given it a new fresh fragrance. Cerusolve ingredients now include:
Cerusolve is presented in a 100 ml bottle with a soft canula for application. It is priced at £5.65.
Genitrix Marketing Director Rob Watkins said: "Cerusolve has proved itself in practice as a gentle but effective ear cleaner in dogs and cats. The reformulation has given us the opportunity to increase the acidity of the product following a recent study which suggested that topical acidifying products could be therapeutically beneficial for cutaneous yeast infections.
"We believe the new ingredients will enhance the product and, to celebrate its arrival, we're offering practices the opportunity to buy five bottles of Cerusolve and get one free."
Further details are available from Genitrix on 01403 786345.
Mr Wood was convicted of three offences which involved the download of 38 videos and 13 indecent images of children, at Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court in December 2017.
In January 2018, he was sentenced to a three-year Community Sentence for each offence, to run concurrently, and was made subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
He was also fined £1,000 and ordered to pay costs of £340 and a victim surcharge of £85.
Mr Wood was also placed on the barring list by the Disclosure and Barring Service and required to register with the police pursuant to the Sexual Offences Act 2003 for a period of five years.
Mr Wood appeared before the Disciplinary Committee, admitted his conviction and accepted that it rendered him unfit to practise veterinary surgery.
In determining the sanction, the Committee says it took into account a number of mitigating factors: his conviction involved no actual harm or risk of harm to an animal; there was no financial gain; he had engaged in open and frank admissions at an early stage; he was experiencing mental ill-health at the time of the offence; he had taken subsequent steps to avoid a repetition of such behaviour; there had been a significant lapse of time since the incident; and he showed insight into the harm caused by his offence.
The Committee also considered that the purpose of a sanction is not to punish, but to protect the welfare of animals, as well as maintain public confidence in the profession and declare and uphold proper standards of conduct. On consideration of the appropriate sanction, the Committee decided that postponement of judgement was not appropriate, and that taking no action was not an option.
The Committee then considered whether a reprimand or warning was appropriate, but they considered that would not match the gravity of the offence – a period of suspension would also mean Mr Wood would automatically return to the Register after the period of time without the College being able to review his fitness to practise, rendering it an inappropriate sanction. The Committee therefore determined that the removal of Mr Wood from the RCVS Register was the only way to protect the wider public interest and maintain confidence in the profession.
Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee has not taken this decision lightly, and, lest it be misinterpreted, it has not taken it in order to satisfy any notional public demand for blame and punishment.
"It has taken the decision because in its perception, the reputation of the profession had to be at the forefront of its thinking and ultimately it was more important than the interests of the Respondent.
"The decision is not simply based on the fact that these offences were of a sexual nature but because they were repeated frequently over a significant period of time, and at the time, the Respondent knew on his own admission that what he was doing was wrong.
"Accordingly, the Committee had decided that removal from the Register is appropriate and proportionate in this case. The Committee will direct the Registrar to remove the Respondent’s name from the Register forthwith."
Mr Wood has 28 days to appeal the Committee’s decision after which, if no appeal is received, the Committee’s judgment takes effect.
VetNurse Reactions now gives members a quick and easy way to say 'thank you' for sharing something in the forums or the photo/video galleries, and, in the future, for VetNurse.co.uk to reward those members whose contributions are most appreciated by the community.
In addition to saying 'thank you', members can also say they 'agree' or 'disagree' with the content of a post, a far more precise expression than the previous rating system, in which 'one star' which could be interpreted as meaning almost anything.
VetNurse Reactions also give you a quick and easy measure of how much a contributor has been thanked, agreed with or disagreed with by other members.
With a number of new features introduced over the last year, VetNurse.co.uk now offers far more compelling reasons to hold clinical discussions in its forums, rather than other other social media platforms:
VetNurse Profiles are visible to all logged in members, so you can see the professional credentials of the person who posted advice or opinion.
VetNurse 'Claim CPD' allows you to record time spent in clinical discussions, and claim a downloadable VetNurse CPD certificate towards your annual CPD requirement.
VetNurse forum discussions are far, far easier to follow and refer back to than Facebook discussion threads, which are more transient in nature.
VetNurse.co.uk Editor Arlo Guthrie added: "As for 'thank you', I don’t know why I didn’t think of it years ago. 'Thank you' is something missing from almost every other social media platform I’ve ever seen, and yet it’s SUCH an important courtesy.
"So, remember, if you see something on VetNurse posted by another member which you found helpful, don’t forget to hit the 'thank you' button. If they’ve had one of those days when every client seems utterly thankless, some appreciation from their peers might make a lousy day bearable."
Defra has confirmed that equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in two horses in Wiltshire following importation from Romania via Belgium.
The premises is currently under restriction and the two infected horses will be humanely destroyed in line with existing regulations. The other horses on the premises will be subject to epidemiological investigation in the coming weeks. A further two horses have also been under investigation and test results have proved negative.
The animals arrived in a group of 10 horses, nine of which originated from Romania and one from Belgium. The nine Romanian horses were tested for EIA as part of routine post-import testing. Seven horses all tested negative. The horse that originated in Belgium is due to be tested shortly.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens said: "This is the first case of equine infectious anaemia infected animals being imported into Great Britain since 1976 and shows the success of our post import testing regime. These were apparently healthy horses carrying a notifiable disease that we are keen to keep out of Great Britain. After considering the risk I have decided to take appropriate action and humanely destroy these two horses that tested positive."
A 17-year-old collie cross called Barney picked arguably the best place in the world for an old dog to fall into a canal last Saturday, when it was rescued by one of the teams taking part in the kayaking stage of the Vet Charity Challenge, an event where there were at least 150 vets on hand to help.
Barney had wandered off through an unlocked gate and fallen into the canal where he was spotted by a team from Kruuse UK. They managed to haul the struggling animal onto their kayak and take him down the canal towards a waiting group of vets and nurses. From there he was taken to Drove Vets in Swindon to make a full recovery.
Andrew Groom from Kruuse said, "It was sheer luck that we happened to be paddling past at that point. The poor chap was struggling on the steep banks of the canal and kept slipping back in. He was getting very tired and at risk of drowning, and judging by his gums and heart rate, going into shock."
Karien White from Drove Vets said: "Barney was a bit hypothermic when he was brought into us with a lot of bumps and bruises. We managed to warm him up and get him cleaned and after a little while his tail started wagging and he seemed very happy and friendly."
News of Barney was posted onto a Pewsey Facebook page which helped his worried owners trace him to the vets.
The Vet Charity Challenge took place on Saturday 27th September at St Francis School, Pewsey, near Marlborough, Wiltshire. The day consisted of 50 of teams of four orienteering, cycling and kayaking as well as undertaking mental and physical tasks. The charity raised over £70,000 in its first two years, with this year expected to boost the funds even more.
Gavin Mitchell, from founding sponsors, BCF Technology, said: "We never dreamt that while trying to raise money for our partner charities, that we would end up saving the life of a pet in such a direct fashion. Had Team Kruuse not been passing at that point, the dog would almost certainly have drowned. It highlights the real commitment and passion that the vet profession feels towards helping animals. Through our event we hope to reach out to help even more animals. People can donate directly to Vet Charity Challenge by contacting us via www.vetcharitychallenge.co.uk."
The RCVS has issued a summary of the key decisions made at the June Council meeting.
The summary is below, but for those who prefer, Nick Stace has done a four-minute piece to camera:
24/7 & PostnominalsCouncil agreed in principal to changes to the supporting guidance of the Code of Professional Conduct regarding 24/7 emergency care and to put the brakes on a decision regarding the removal of all postnominals from the RCVS Register of Members.
AccountsAlso at the meeting, Council agreed to the 2013 Annual Report and Financial Statements, which is this year in a new format - the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2005) - on the recommendation of the Audit and Risk Committee. The Annual Report will be available to download shortly (www.rcvs.org.uk/publications).
In addition, Council agreed a freeze on retention fees for both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses for 2015 - the fifth year in a row, and an effective decrease over this period of over £40 for veterinary surgeons.
CharterCouncil also agreed to an amended version of the proposed new Royal Charter, which will now go to the AGM on 11 July 2014 for endorsement by members. The updated text, together with an explanation of the changes, can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/newcharter.
Governance reviewNearly a year on from the introduction of the new Operational Board and other governance changes designed to streamline decision-making, Council took the opportunity to review how this new structure was working. It agreed that, going forward, the Operational Board would appoint members of all committees and that papers for Council meetings should include minutes of all committee meetings.
Council also agreed that the Operational Board should take responsibly for registration matters, which are currently within the remit of the Standards Committee. Terms of reference for the Audit and Risk, Specialist Recognition Appeals and Standards Committees will be revised. Whether the Education Committee should be responsible for all decisions on the recognition of registerable degrees (as opposed to Council in its entirety) will be discussed further at the November meeting of Council.
Registration RegulationsThe planned discussion on updated Registration Regulations was postponed until the November meeting, as feedback is awaited from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Alternative dispute resolutionCouncil agreed to the trial of an alternative dispute resolution service to start before the end of the year. The service will help the College to deal with complaints which, while they do not give rise to issues of serious professional misconduct, may have some substance. The trial will be carried out with Ombudsman Services and will focus on concerns relating to small animals received by the Professional Conduct Department. It will be limited to no more than 150 cases at a cost not to exceed £120,000.
Risk RegisterCouncil discussed and approved an updated Risk Register. The Risk Register is confidential.
Practice Standard Scheme updateCouncil gave approval for the general direction of travel of the review of the Practice Standards Scheme, including a new modular framework; an IT system that would be available to all practices, not just those in the Scheme; new training and assessment for inspectors; and increased practice fees to cover these developments.
Also at the meeting, Amanda Boag was elected Treasurer, a post she will take up at RCVS Day on 11 July.
Reports were also presented from the Audit and Risk, Education, Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Liaison, Standards, Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Committees, and the Veterinary Nurses Council.
Finally, on behalf of Council, President Neil Smith gave thanks to retiring Council members Christine Shield, Peter Robinson, Clare Tapsfield-Wright and Caroline Freedman, also thanking Peter Lees, in his absence.
More detail about these topics, and other issues discussed at Council, will be available in the minutes in due course. The papers for the Council meeting can be viewed at www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/rcvs-council/council-meetings/5-june-2014.
See also the June issue of RCVS News, which can be downloaded from www.rcvs.org.uk/publications shortly.
Dr Thomason initially denied both heads of charge, but on the third day of the hearing he changed his plea and admitted the charge in its entirety.
The first part of the charge related to the fact that the seller of the horse was a both a client of Dr Thomason’s practice and a personal friend of his, and he therefore had a potential and/or actual conflict of interest.
Dr Thomason did not disclose this professional and personal relationship to the prospective purchaser before the pre-purchase exam.
The prospective purchaser only discovered Dr Thomason’s relationship with the seller when reading the vetting certificate at home, and stated that, in the past, she had had a similar experience in which the horse was then found to be lame. She later found out the extent of the personal relationship, when invited to join the seller on a social media site.
The Committee found that, in this set of circumstances, Dr Thomason should not have undertaken the pre-purchase exam at all, and, at the very least, disclosed his personal and professional relationship with the vendor.
The Committee also found that although Dr Thomason did have a system in place to inform any prospective purchasers if the vendor was a client of his practice, this failed to work on this occasion and neither the practice nor Dr Thomason told the prospective buyer that the seller was a client before booking the pre-purchase exam. Dr Thomason had no similar system in place to disclose any close friendships with sellers.
Dr Thomason did not consider there was a conflict of interest as he felt confident he could carry out the pre-purchase exam impartially. In addition, it was his belief that the seller had been alerted to the conflict through a system in place at his practice, implemented to safeguard against this type of error. He stated that he in no way attempted to hide his relationship with the seller to the prospective purchaser.
It was not alleged that Dr Thomason had acted dishonestly.
Ultimately, the Committee found Dr Thomason not guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "Whilst the Committee concluded that the respondent’s view of his obligations to disclose both the professional and personal relationships he had with the vendor was mistaken, it did not find any improper motivation on his part. It has already noted that he sought to disclose to the prospective purchaser through his system the fact that the vendor was a professional client of his.
"The Committee has weighed all these matters very carefully. It is for the client to determine whether or not to proceed with a PPE when in possession of all relevant facts in relation to any potential conflict of interest, and not for the veterinary surgeon to decide. The autonomy of the client must be respected. The Committee was firmly of the opinion that a failure to comply with the Code is very serious. However, taking into account the particulars of this case, the Committee does not consider that the actions of the respondent amount to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect."
Gillian, pictured right, trained as a veterinary nurse at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS) in Edinburgh before gaining further experience and becoming Head RVN in a small animal practice.
From 1997-2000 she lectured in veterinary nursing, becoming Centre Manager of The College of Animal Welfare in 2000. As Deputy Programme Leader, she helped set up Scotland's first degree in Veterinary Nursing – a collaboration between The College of Animal Welfare, Napier University and the R(D)SVS.
In 1999, Gillian then co-founded the Ayrton Veterinary Hospital near Edinburgh, making her one of the first RVNs to own a veterinary practice.
The business opened in a small Portakabin in 1999, progressing to a purpose-built RCVS-accredited Veterinary Hospital in 2006.
Gillian was part of the design team and co-project-managed the year-long build. She led the sale of Ayrton to Independent Vetcare in 2017 but continues in the role of Business Director, in which she oversees the smooth running of the hospital.
Gillian said: "In today’s competitive and fast-changing veterinary sector, strong leadership and management have never been more important. At the VMG, we support the professional and personal development of those working in leadership roles to help them to manage their teams effectively and to optimise the performance of their veterinary businesses.
"2018 was an exciting year as our membership reached almost 1,000 and I am looking forward to harnessing the skills and experience of my board colleagues to ensure that we provide an even higher level of support to our members in 2019."
Vetoquinol has made changes to Zentonil®, its liver support range for dogs and cats.
New Zentonil® is the UK's FIRST palatable and divisible tablet range of S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe) supplementation and now comes with the added benefit of choice: Zentonil® Advanced which contains pure SAMe plus silybin and Zentonil® Plus which contains pure SAMe only.
A patent pending microencapsulation technique protects the SAMe from the harmful effects of stomach acid, even when the tablet is split or chewed.
The ability to split the tablets makes administration more accurate and also makes the product more cost-effective for clients.
Vetoquinol's new Zentonil® formulations have proven SAMe bioavailability curves in a market where this particular type of data is often lacking
Simon Boulton, product manager said: "Our customers told us that they had difficulties associated with SAMe supplementation. We have listened to their comments and provided the solutions."
The new formulations will become available as wholesalers' Zentonil® stocks are depleted. If you wish to try new Zentonil® now, you can place an order for Zentonil® Advanced or Zentonil® Plus with your wholesaler.
For more information, please contact your local Vetoquinol sales representative or telephone the free practice support number - 0800 1698197.
Would-be candidates in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon Council and Veterinary Nurse Council elections are reminded that the nominations deadline is 5pm on 31 January 2013.
Veterinary surgeons need two nominations from veterinary surgeons, and veterinary nurses two nominations from veterinary nurses, to stand in the respective elections.
Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses not presently on either Council can nominate one candidate each.
Nomination forms, full instructions and guidance notes are available from www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil13 and www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil13.
Six seats are due to be filled on RCVS Council, and two on VN Council. Those elected will take their seats on RCVS Day next July, to serve four-year terms. Council members will be expected to spend at least six to eight days a year attending Council and Committee meetings, working parties and subcommittees (for which a loss-of-earnings allowance is available).
Hertfordshire-based, multi-specialist veterinary referral centre Davies Veterinary Specialists' new pro bono scheme has saved the life of a young German shepherd dog twice in fortnight.
'Apollo' first impaled himself on some broken fence panels whilst playing. A splinter of wood, which was around 5cm long and 1.5cm wide, became lodged between his heart and lungs. However, because he initially had no symptoms and there was no obvious puncture wound, his owner Sam Russell from Leighton Buzzard wasn't aware that anything was wrong. It was a week later when the dog suddenly became very anxious, uncomfortable and was struggling to breathe, that Sam rushed him to her local vet practice, Heath and Reach in Bedfordshire.
Hannah Johnston's initial diagnosis was that the dog had some foreign material lodged internally that was causing an infection. Without an urgent CT scan and surgery his chances of survival were minimal, but his owner was uninsured and had no means of affording the treatment. Hannah had recently read about a pro bono scheme introduced by Davies Veterinary Specialists and believed that Apollo's case fitted the criteria.
She said: "It was heart wrenching to think that a young dog, with such a caring owner, was very likely to lose his life and I was determined to do anything I could to help. I couldn't help shedding a tear when DVS agreed to treat him, as I knew Apollo now had a chance. His owner had recently had an awful spate of bad luck and was so deserving of DVS's help."
Manuel Jiménez Peláez, European Veterinary Specialist in Surgery at DVS, who operated on Apollo, said: "A CT scan showed a large, fluid-filled cavity, a partially collapsed lung and a sharp, thin, elongated structure, lodged between Apollo's lungs and his heart. We drained the cavity and successfully removed the foreign body. We also had to remove most of the irreparably damaged left lung."
Apollo was in hospital for two weeks, five days of which were spent in intensive care in a critical condition. Sam was thrilled when she was eventually able to take him home, but two days later disaster struck again. Apollo was diagnosed with gastric dilation volvulus. He needed surgery within six hours to survive the condition and DVS once again stepped in to operate as an emergency, free of charge.
Apollo has made a full recovery is now back at home with the Russell family. Sam Russell said: "Apollo has always been so determined and full of life. Even when he was dangerously ill and in intensive care he wouldn't give up and tried to rouse himself to come home with me. For Davies Vet Specialists to save my dog once is nothing short of amazing but for them to save him twice makes me speechless with gratitude. To be shown such kindness after a dreadful run of bad luck would leave anyone stuck for words."
All first opinion practices are eligible to apply for the DVS pro bono scheme, which will allow an average of one patient per month to receive free treatment. Requests will be based on advocacy from the clinical head of the referring practice and on genuine need. To find out more visit http://www.vetspecialists.co.uk/ or call Dr Clive Elwood, Managing Director, on 01582 883950.
Suitable for both puppies and adult dogs, Eradia is presented in a bottle with an award-winning1 'All-In-One Smart Cap' which stops the person administering the product from coming into contact with the solution, is child proof and offers flexible dosing options.
Available in 30ml and 100ml bottles to cater for all dogs, Eradia can be administered either directly into the mouth or on to food.
Virbac says that Eradia has been shown to be accepted by 100% of dogs2, thereby alleviating any possible problems administering metronidazole.
To find out more about Eradia and any of the other products in the Virbac antibiotic range, please contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
References
The National Equine Health Survey is a snapshot survey conducted by the Blue Cross in conjunction with the British Equine Veterinary Association during the month of May each year, sponsored by Dodson & Horrell and Zoetis. Last year 5,235 people took part and returned records for 15,433 horses.
The 2017 survey found that 39% of those who carry out faecal worm egg counts do so at four-monthly intervals, 22% do so at 8-12 week intervals and 2% do so at six-weekly intervals.
Dr Wendy Talbot, equine vet at Zoetis said: "The NEHS results show that there’s still a lack of understanding about the purpose and benefits of FWECs during the grazing season. For the most effective results FWECs should be conducted every 8 to 12 weeks between March and October. They will indicate which horses are passing the most worm eggs in their droppings and mean that horses are only treated when necessary.2 Remember though that FWECs don’t remove the need to treat horses at specific times of year for encysted small redworm, tapeworm and bots, none of which will show up in FWECs.3"
References:
Mr Fioletti was found guilty of the murder of Stephanie Hodgkinson at Bournemouth Crown Court in January, and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum 15 years.
The hearing for Dr Fioletti took place on Thursday 6 June, with the Committee deciding to proceed in his absence after Dr Fioletti said in correspondence that he did not want to attend the hearing nor be otherwise represented.
The Committee found the facts of the case proven by the certificate of conviction and went on to consider whether the conviction rendered Dr Fioletti unfit to practise as a veterinary surgeon.
Aggravating factors in terms of fitness to practise included the fact that it was an offence involving violence and loss of life and the injuries caused by Dr Fioletti to Ms Hodgkinson.
The sentencing remarks, which were cited during the disciplinary hearing, also made clear the devastating impact that Dr Fioletti’s actions had on Ms Hodgkinson’s family, including her two young children.
Paul Morris, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee considers that, when consideration is given to the ferocity of the attack on Ms Hodgkinson and the number of stab wounds she suffered, when taken together with the finding by the sentencing judge, who presided over the trial, that the respondent “represent[ed] a significant danger to any female with whom you find yourself in a relationship”, members of the public would find it abhorrent for a veterinary surgeon to have acted in this way and would be concerned at the risk the respondent posed to some members of the public.
“This Committee considers that the offence of murder is so inherently deplorable and shocking that it must constitute conduct falling far short of that to be expected of a member of the profession; and is certainly liable to bring the profession into serious disrepute and undermine public confidence in the profession.”
The Committee then went on to consider the most appropriate and proportionate sanction for Dr Fioletti.
In terms of the aggravating factors in this case, Mr Morris said: “The misconduct in this case relates to a savage, sustained and ferocious attack with a weapon on a defenceless woman in her own home.
"His victim trusted him to be in her home.
"He knew that she was the mother of two young sons, of whom she had custody, and to whom he knew she was devoted.
"He would have known that the effect of his attack on her would have devastating consequences for her sons and her other close relatives – and it did.
"This conduct constitutes disgraceful conduct of the most egregious and reprehensible kind.
“The Committee also considers that the misconduct raises serious concerns about the reputation of the profession in the eyes of right-thinking members of the public.
"This was abusive and controlling conduct of the worst kind and conduct of which the respondent had been guilty of in past relationships, as the sentencing judge found.
"Such acts by their very nature run contrary to the very essence of the practice of the profession of veterinary surgery, which is intended to protect and enhance the welfare and well-being of animals and of work colleagues.”
In mitigation the Committee noted that Dr Fioletti had no previous criminal history and had a hitherto unblemished career as a veterinary surgeon.
The Committee found that only complete removal from the Register was appropriate in this case.
Paul added: “The Committee has reached the conclusion that the respondent’s behaviour is fundamentally incompatible with being a veterinary surgeon.
"The respondent’s behaviour was so serious that removal of professional status and the rights and privileges accorded to that status is considered to be the only means of protecting the wider public interest and of maintaining confidence in the profession.”
The Committee expressed its condolences to the family of Stephanie Hodgkinson for their incalculable loss.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings
National Veterinary Services has announced the winners of its 'Cyclone' competition held at BSAVA this year.
Visitors to the company's stand were asked to climb into a perspex box and grab as many fast-moving balls as they could in 45 seconds. Balls meant points. Points meant prizes
Julie Godwin, NVS Marketing Manager said: "All entrants appeared to have a fabulous time with some coming back for more! It bought fabulous traffic to our stand and provided light hearted relief between lectures."
The four people who obtained the highest scores from each day were:
They were put into a prize draw with Paul Wilson being drawn for first prize of a mini laptop. The rest received quality food & wine hampers.
The RCVS has published new guidance for veterinary surgeons on 24-hour emergency first aid and pain relief, providing greater definition of the professional and legal responsibilities of veterinary surgeons in the provision of emergency care, as well as owners' responsibilities for their animals.
Two sections of the supporting guidance to the Code of Professional Conduct have been updated - Chapter 2 'Veterinary care' and Chapter 3 '24-hour emergency first aid and pain relief' - placing a greater emphasis on owners' legal responsibilities for their animals while obligating veterinary surgeons to provide full details of their 24-hour emergency cover provision to clients.
Although veterinary surgeons are professionally obliged to take steps to provide 24-hour emergency first aid and pain relief, the new supporting guidance clarifies situations where delaying or declining attendance to an animal may be appropriate. It is hoped this will assist and empower vets to decline to attend an animal away from practice where they feel it is unnecessary or unsafe.
The changes are the culmination of an evidence-gathering process with both members of the profession and animal owners about each group's expectations around the provision of 24-hour emergency care.
This process began with a call for evidence at the end of 2013, which garnered some 656 pages of written evidence, as well as a petition on home visits with over 2,800 signatures. Following this, in March 2014 there was a three-day hearing in which 15 organisations and 10 individuals were invited to attend to give evidence to the RCVS Standards Committee. Also taken into account were more than 1,000 responses from veterinary surgeons taking part in the Survey of the Professions and an online survey with 1,250 animal owners.
After a thorough review of the evidence the Standards Committee developed the new supporting guidance, which was agreed in principle by RCVS Council in its June meeting.
Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar, said: "Following the considerable disquiet within the profession following the Disciplinary Committee's decision on the Chikosi hearing in June 2013, we decided that only a thorough evidence-gathering process with all parties could resolve the apparent gap between the expectation of the public regarding 24-hour emergency care and the profession's ability to meet this.
"We are very happy with the way that this process was carried out and would like to thank the many individual veterinary surgeons and animal owners, as well as representative organisations, who have contributed to this outcome.
"By making the legal and professional obligations of veterinary surgeons and the welfare obligations of animal owners clearer we hope that this new guidance should allay some of the frustrations and concerns of the profession."
The new supporting guidance for Chapter 3 '24-hour emergency first aid and pain relief' can be viewed at www.rcvs.org.uk/247care, while the additional guidance for Chapter 2 'Veterinary care' can be viewed at www.rcvs.org.uk/vetcare
A webinar in which Gordon Hockey and Clare Tapsfield-Wright, former Chairman of Standards Committee, explain the guidance in greater detail takes place at 8.30pm tonight.
Visit www.thewebinarvet.com/rcvs to register.
The sample was submitted by the Inglis Veterinary Hospital in Dunfermline, part of the group that has been practising in the area for over 50 years. To mark the occasion, Idexx territory manager Sandie Crawford visited the team at Inglis to present a commemorative plaque and find out what aspects of the service they find most useful.
Rachel Motion MRCVS from Inglis said: "VetConnect Plus allows me to check when a sample has arrived at the lab and what its status is. This can be particularly useful as it allows me to reassure owners that might be worried about the health of their pet. It’s also really helpful to be able to add on any extra tests if they are required."
Following last weekend's Mail on Sunday revelation that a number of well-known organisations have been routinely serving meat from animals which have not been humanely slaughtered, the BVA has written to the companies involved, both to express concerns about animal welfare and to renew calls for clearer labelling.
The Mail on Sunday found that meat slaughtered under certain religious rules without pre-stunning (including kosher and some halal meat), is entering the mainstream food chain without being labelled as such. The investigation found that the meat is being used in schools, hospitals, pub chains and sporting venues.
The investigation follows news reports that GateGourmet, one of the largest airline caterers, is considering making the majority of its meals halal.
The BVA is concerned that consumers are confused by existing food labels and supports moves by the European Parliament to introduce mandatory labelling of meat from non-stunned animals, including use of the meat in other products. The BVA also supports the concept of one clear EU-wide label that would indicate higher welfare throughout the food chain.
Professor Bill Reilly, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: "Whilst we understand the need to respect religious freedoms the BVA believes that all animals should be stunned before slaughter to ensure the highest possible welfare for the animals.
"The exemption for religious slaughter should therefore be kept to a minimum. Meat from animals slaughtered according to these religious rules should not used in the mainstream market, particularly if it is not labelled as such.
"Earlier this year the European Parliament voted in favour of the compulsory labelling of meat from non-stunned animals and the British Veterinary Association strongly welcomed this move.
"We believe that consumers do want to make choices based on higher animal welfare and not cause unnecessary suffering. They should have the right information to make those pro-welfare choices."
Genitrix has launched Dentagen, billed as the UK's first dental plaque protection system for dogs and cats.
The active principle in Dentagen is a plant extract called RF2 and the product operates as an ‘anti-biofilm' treatment by modifying the membrane of oral bacteria to prevent them from producing plaque even at low concentrations.
Dentagen wax is presented for practice use in a syringe for easy application to the gingival layer and the buccal area of teeth. The initial protective coating of wax is applied to dogs or cats at end of dental procedures in practice and while the animal is still sedated. The coating lasts for two to three days. Dog owners can then maintain the protective coating by giving their pet Dentagen plaque prevention chews every other day.
The chews, impregnated with RF2 and of a specially designed shape and consistency, are supplied in two sizes with the larger size designed for dogs over 8 kg and a smaller size for dogs less than 8 kg.
Vet Katy Horton of White Hart Lane Vets, who has trialled the product, commented: "The Dentagen wax was certainly very easy to apply and, from the small sample of dogs we've so far tried it on, the palatability of the chews was good. While tooth-brushing remains the gold standard for dental care, we recognise that it can be difficult for owners and believe that this new approach could be a valuable alternative."
Five syringes of Dentagen for application in practice cost £12.50. Packs of nine small chews cost £5.10 while a pack of the larger chews costs £6.50.
The College of Animal Welfare has opened a business school at its training and education centre in Chord Business Park in Godmanchester.
CAW Business School provides accountancy courses accredited by the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) and leadership and management courses accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
Leslie Heaton Smith, Director at The College of Animal Welfare, said: "The opening of our Business School is a new development in a long line of achievements and marks an exciting new venture. Whilst our focus has always been towards developing technical animal and veterinary related knowledge and skills to make significant improvements in animal welfare and veterinary care, we also recognise that quality of care is also highly dependent on the management and leadership of those controlling and investing the organisation's often scarce resources. Thus in order to provide high quality welfare to animals entrusted into their care, organisations need to be able to employ people with such skills".
The leadership and management courses are already underway and can be studied entirely online, or online with study weekends.
The College says the majority of AAT courses will start in September 2013, however an 8 week Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping course starts at the beginning of June. The College is also an AAT approved exam centre, meaning that students can sit their exams whilst at college.
For further information, call the College on 01480 422060 and speak to one of the Business School tutors. Alternatively, visit www.caw.ac.uk or book a place on the next open day on Wednesday 22 May from 9am-12pm or 6-9pm.
Fifty young people from low and middle income backgrounds will have the opportunity to learn what it takes to become a vet and prepare to apply to a veterinary school, at a summer school run by the Sutton Trust and the Royal Veterinary College.
The RVC joins nine other UK universities in providing 1900 summer school places this year, helped by a three-year grant of £750,000 to the summer school programme from Barclays.
Each year, around 1,500 applicants apply for 664 places at the seven veterinary schools in the UK.
The 50 successful applicants to the RVC summer school this year will enter a week-long residential course with all expenses covered. The academic programme will focus on Bioveterinary Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Nursing taught by full-time academic staff. It will include practical dissections, clinical skills, farm-based sessions and laboratory periods. The participants will also be given sessions on the application process and interviews.
Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust and of the Education Endowment Foundation, said: "I'm delighted that the Royal Veterinary College has joined the Sutton Trust UK summer school programme. Veterinary courses are highly competitive, but it is vital that young people from low and middle income backgrounds have a fair chance to access them.
"Veterinary life is an attractive career choice for many bright young people, not just for the interest and variety of the work but also for the earning opportunities. The 50 students who enrol at the Royal Veterinary College this year will be given the best opportunity to prepare for university courses through our highly successful summer school model." Professor Stuart Reid, Principal at the Royal Veterinary College, said: "For many years the Royal Veterinary College has been focused on widening access to veterinary education to the most able students regardless of their background. The Sutton Trust has a long and successful tradition of supporting under-privileged students into higher education and we are proud to be working with the Trust's summer school programme.
"We hope that the summer school will demonstrate the broad range of exciting opportunities available to students with an interest in veterinary science and encourage more students from non-traditional backgrounds to consider a veterinary career."
Young people interested in applying to Sutton Trust summer schools can find more information at http://www.suttontrust.com/students/uk-summer-schools/