Norbrook has launched a new iPhone app designed to give veterinary professionals essential pharmaceutical product information at the touch of a button.

The Norbrook Veterinary Excellence Tool includes information on the company's full range of animal health medicines including pharmaceutical presentation, uses, dosage and administration, withdrawal periods, contraindications & warnings and pharmaceutical precautions.

Mr Jorge Rodrigues, General Manager at Norbrook said: "Norbrook is committed to providing the best possible service to our customers. Time is a precious commodity for veterinary professionals and with the range of products on the market it can be very time-consuming to access essential product information. We have designed the Norbrook VET app to give our customers a quick and easy reference tool for all our products with the facility to filter searches for product information by species, category or brand. And of course the beauty of the iPhone app is that the information is accessible anytime, anywhere so if a customer is out at a client's premises, in their practice or at home, the information is readily available."

The Norbrook VET app also has a facility which will keep users up-to-date with relevant industry and company news and a dedicated Contact Us section which will allow customers better communication channels with the company.

Katie Norton, Web SEO Marketing Co-ordinator said: "It is our intention that the Norbrook VET app will become a key communication channel with our customers. The app will be updated regularly and we will continue to add new features to enhance the service we offer to our valued customers."

The Norbrook VET iPhone App is available to download direct from the iTunes store.

Ceva Animal Health is launching Fiprospot, a new spot-on for dogs and cats.

Fiprospot contains fipronil, with its proven efficacy against fleas in dogs and cats and against ticks in dogs. The product is packaged in a novel dosing pipette which can be placed on its stand before gathering the dog or cat for their treatment. There are five pack sizes available for Fiprospot: one for cats and four for dogs, with either three or six pipettes per pack.

To find out more about Fiprospot and other products in Ceva's antiparasite range, telephone the customer support team on (01494) 781510 or contact your local Ceva territory manager.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has called for comment on a new draft health protocol which aims to deal compassionately with veterinary surgeons who have health problems, such as alcohol or drug addiction or mental health issues, while continuing to protect the public interest.

According to independent legal advice sought by the College, such an approach is appropriate and necessary in order for the RCVS to fulfil its regulatory responsibilities - similar systems exist within other regulators.

RCVS President Peter Jinman said: "At present, where veterinary surgeons suffer from health problems that affect their fitness to practise, they may be referred to a formal and public Disciplinary Committee inquiry and stopped from practising. But it is recognised that this is not always in the public interest, which could be protected by a more compassionate approach, involving medical help, workplace supervision and continued practice, subject to conditions."

As a result, the draft Protocol has been developed by the RCVS Preliminary Investigation and Advisory Committees. It formalises and builds on steps taken by the Preliminary Investigation Committee in the past to help veterinary surgeons to recover from health problems affecting fitness to practise, without referral to the RCVS Disciplinary Committee. Often those veterinary surgeons are also receiving help from the Veterinary Benevolent Fund's Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme.

The Protocol encourages anyone coming into contact with veterinary surgeons - including other veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, members of practice staff, clients and healthcare professionals - who have concerns about a veterinary surgeon's health to report those concerns to the RCVS as soon as is reasonably practicable. Veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who are concerned about the health of a veterinary surgeon must also take steps to ensure that animals are not put at risk and that the interests of the public, including those of their colleagues, are protected.

A similar protocol would be introduced for Registered Veterinary Nurses when the equivalent disciplinary system comes into force next year.

The draft protocol, together with recommended changes to the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct to support the change, is available online (www.rcvs.org.uk/healthprotocol) and comments are requested by 8 October 2010. The comments will be considered by Advisory Committee and then RCVS Council.

 Comments should be sent to Simon Wiklund, Advisory Manager, on s.wiklund@rcvs.org.uk. A hard copy of the consultation document is available on request.

National Veterinary Services has announced that from 14^th January, veterinary practices will be able to place their daily orders up to 8pm, 7 days a week.

The veterinary wholesaler will also be providing a telephone ordering service on Saturday mornings from 9am until 12pm.

 Martin Riley, NVS Managing Director said: "We are always keen to understand practice needs and to deliver on their requests. This is a significant change for the industry and with the introduction of more new tools and services later in the year we believe NVS will make a great difference to our customers."

For further information please contact 01782 770319.

Equine vets at the Animal Health Trust are appealing to horse riders to help with a research project, to assess the interaction between horse, saddle and rider.

Dr Sue Dyson, Head of Clinical Orthopaedics at the Centre for Equine Studies at the Animal Health Trust and Line Greve, PhD student, are conducting the study to find out how the horse, rider and saddle can influence each other. They are trying to understand better why a saddle may persistently slip to one side in some horses. 

Line said: "Saddle slip is a problem seen in all sorts of horses and ponies and can contribute to back pain and thus impaired performance. Research suggests that 25% of British dressage horses have a history of back-related problems and subsequent reduced performance. Our preliminary studies involve just over 700 riders but for a more accurate picture we would like to bump this figure up to 1000 plus. We are urging all riders, whatever their level or ability, to help by completing the questionnaire."

The online questionnaire should take no more than 15 minutes to complete and all answers remain anonymous. The questions cover saddle types, fitting, use and maintenance; rider experience, training and 'handedness'; as well as horse type, use and any previous lameness or back-related problems.

To take part in the study, complete the questionnaire here: http://www.aht.org.uk/cms-display/premise_questionnaire.html. The AHT says that by doing so, you'll be helping to protect and improve the future health, welfare and longevity of the ridden horse.

The results will be presented at the Saddle Research Trust Conference in 2014.

The Kennel Club is calling on the profession to support Get Fit With Fido, its new campaign to help tackle the growing dog obesity crisis by educating owners about the range of different ways to get fit with their dogs..

In addition to the education campaign, Get Fit With Fido also includes a challenge that rewards the dog and dog owner who jointly lose the most weight, and the dog owner and dog who individually lose the most weight, as a result of exercising together. Prizes include a one night stay at the dog friendly, 4* boutique townhouse hotel Flemings Mayfair; a luxury dog bed from Charley Chau and Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at the Milestone Hotel.

All dog owners who enter Get Fit With Fido, will receive a 20% discount on Crufts and Discover Dogs tickets; as well as advice, tips and tools for owners.

Veterinary practices are being asked to support the campaign by requesting free flyers and posters from the Kennel Club and then displaying them at reception, or in the waiting room.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "Reports indicate that between 30 and 60% of all dogs are overweight so it is more important than ever we keep our dogs happy and healthy. One of the most serious findings in obesity studies that have proven to be related to being overweight in both humans and dogs is a reduced lifespan. An overweight dog is more likely to die younger than a dog of normal weight. 

"The findings are shocking and we are trying to educate as many dog owners as possible and call on vets to spread the message of keeping your dog fit and healthy."

To get involved in Get Fit With Fido and receive free flyers and posters, contact the Kennel Club press office at gfwf@thekennelclub.org.uk

For more information, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getfitwithfido

Linnaeus, the corporate veterinary group with 130 practices around the UK that was bought by Mars Petcare earlier this year, has made a £60,000 donation to Vetlife, the charity which gives free confidential support to veterinary professionals who have emotional, health or financial difficulties.

The charity, which was set up over 120 years ago, says the number of calls and emails it gets from industry professionals seeking help has increased 500% over the last 5 years; it has received more than 1,500 calls and emails over the past 12 months. 

Lynne Hill, Chief Executive of Linnaeus said: "The veterinary industry is fast-paced and, at times, an extremely stressful environment, so the support on offer from Vetlife is particularly valuable and its worth is demonstrated by the significant increase in contact being made to it.

"We hope this donation will help Vetlife continue to provide the excellent service and support they have given to vets and nurses for so long." 

Vetlife President Geoff Little said: "This donation from the Linnaeus Group is extremely generous. We have seen a dramatic rise in calls and emails to the service over recent years. So much so, we have recruited additional volunteers to cope with the additional contacts.  It’s extremely gratifying to see the number of volunteers who are so willing to put something back into their profession and to help others.

"At Vetlife, we provide support in the shape of three core services, which are the Vetlife Helpline, which provides independent, confidential support 24/7, 365 days a year; Health Support, run by mental health professionals; and Financial Support, which provides assistance to vets or their dependents who find themselves in difficulty. 

"This support from Linnaeus will help us to bridge the gap as the need for support continues to grow." 

Anyone who needs support can contact the Vetlife Helpline on 0303 040 2551 or anonymously via www.vetlife.org.uk. 

Photo: Vetlife President Geoff Little receives the £60,000 donation from Lynn Hill at Linnaeus. 

Royal Canin has announced the launch of its Christmas promotion through which practice clients will be rewarded with activity balls for cats and leashpods for dogs.

The stocking fillers will be distributed to practices along with promotional materials such as posters and shelf wobblers, to encourage clients to buy Royal Canin Veterinary Care Nutrition (VCN) pet food.

Veterinary Marketing Manager, Lindsay Calcraft, said: "Customers who purchase any 1.5kg bag of feline VCN or any 3.5kg bag of canine VCN from their vet will receive a cat activity ball or a leashpod to thank them for their custom and support.

"For those who don't know what a leashpod is, it's a fantastic dog lead handle to help you carry all those essential items needed for walking a dog. It has an integrated bag dispenser, its own scented mini bin for storing smelly used bags and two secure pockets for treats, keys, money or your mobile phone."

For more information about the Christmas promotion, visit www.royalcanin.co.uk or contact your Veterinary Business Manager.

The Kennel Club has announced that it now recognises the Portuguese Pointer, bringing the total number of recognised pedigree breeds in the UK to 212.

The Portuguese Pointer is only the second new breed to be recognised by the Kennel Club in the last five years.

However, as exotic dog breeds have risen in popularity, the Kennel Club reports that many native breeds have fallen out of favour and have been put on its list of 'vulnerable native breeds'; those with less than 300 annual puppy registrations which could disappear from our streets and parks if their numbers continue to decline.

New statistics released by the Kennel Club have shown that whilst vulnerable native breeds have increased in number this year, certain breeds such as the Sealyham Terrier and Otterhound continue to decline. Recent years have seen the Old English Sheepdog and English Setter enter the 'at watch' list. Furthermore, with just 239 Pembroke Corgi registrations so far this year, it is feared the Queen's favourite breed could also become vulnerable for the first time.

By contrast, exotic breeds such as the French Bulldog and Smooth Coated Chihuahua (originally from Mexico) are increasing in popularity with 4,843 and 2,931 registrations respectively so far this year. Between 2003 and 2012 the breeds have increased by 1,232% and 700% respectively.

When the first ever Kennel Club stud book was produced in 1874, just 43 breeds were listed, including many native breeds that are now considered to be vulnerable, such as the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Clumber Spaniel, Otterhound and Skye Terrier.

Some native breeds continue to thrive, including the English Springer Spaniel, the Cocker Spaniel, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the Bulldog, the Golden Retriever, and the Border Terrier, all top ten breeds. But others in the top ten are from abroad.

Visitors to Discover Dogs, which is taking place at Earls Court on November 9^th and 10^th will be able to meet more than 200 breeds of dog under one roof, including the vulnerable breeds and the latest pedigree dog breeds in the UK.

The newly added Turkish Kangal Dog will also be coming to the event. This breed was added earlier this year and was the first new breed to join the Kennel Club register in almost five years. The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, officially recognised from 1 October 2008, was the last dog recognised by the Kennel Club prior to the two new additions for this year.          

Organiser of the Kennel Club's Discover Dogs event, Vanessa McAlpine, said: "The UK is lucky to have so many wonderful dog breeds, and at our Discover Dogs event people have a unique opportunity to meet more than 200 of them, including those that might never cross your path in day to day life because they are so rare, those that are new to our shores and those that have been working with people in Britain for hundreds of years."

To find out more about Discover Dogs, visit www.discoverdogs.org.uk/.  

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched new, more palatable Metacam Chewable Tablets.

According to the company, the tablets are proven to be taken by 90% of dogs voluntarily¹ and 80% will even take them from the floor¹ which aids compliance. Available in pop-through blister strips of seven for easy dispensing and administration, the 1mg and 2.5mg Metacam Chewable Tablets are packed in boxes of 84 and priced the same per tablet as the current tablet range.

Claire Fowler, companion animal marketing manager at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "The existing Metacam Chewable Tablets are readily accepted by most dogs. However, to appeal to as many dogs as possible, we have launched an even more appetising 'beefed up' meaty flavour."

For further information on the new flavoured Metacam tablets, including special offers, please contact your Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager or call 01344 746959.

European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatology Natalie Barnard MRCVS and Clinical Animal Behaviourist Dr. Emily Blackwell are calling on general practitioners to think more carefully about treating otitis externa to make it a positive experience for both dog and owner.

In a short video produced by Elanco Animal Health, Natalie highlighted how critical pet behaviour is to achieve a clinical cure: "Many of our cases that are referred for surgery are because the owner can’t apply treatment. However, we still treat the majority medically, alongside behavioural therapy.

"Prioritising your diagnostics in the consult, especially ear cytology, being able to identify subtle behavioural cues and potentially taking treatment back into the practice can all help achieve first-line treatment success."

Emily said: "Treatment doesn’t need to be merely 'tolerated'; it should be a positive experience. Just one bad experience can be hard to overcome so it’s important to get it right first time."

According to a survey commissioned by Elanco¹, 45% of owners struggle to administer ear medications at home. 55% of those said the dog finds it stressful, while 43% said their dog hides from treatment. 

Natalie said: "Owners often won’t admit that they struggle to apply ear treatments so it is up to us to ask the right questions and make them feel at ease in order to find out."

Emily added: "Owners often feel guilty and think they should be able to apply the treatment. We frequently underestimate how stressful this can be; having to apply treatment once a day to a painful dog is really difficult for any owner and can seriously affect the bond with their pet."

Natalie says treatment choices should be influenced by subtle behavioural cues in the consultation and in some cases veterinary surgeons should consider taking the burden of treatment away from the owner and into the practice in the first instance, to prevent negative experiences and unnecessary stress. She said: "We often find that applying a long-acting treatment in the consultation can make a big difference. It has less of an impact on the pet-owner bond and can help prevent behavioural issues that develop all too commonly."

Elanco highlights a recent clinical study² which looked at the impact of Osurnia on quality of life, which concluded that: "A veterinarian-administered otic gel provided equivalent efficacy and higher QoL to dogs with otitis externa and their owners, compared to an owner-administered topical otic therapy".

Natalie said: "It’s our responsibility to proactively prevent the negative association with ear handling, making ear treatment a positive and easy experience. By thinking more about how we handle our patients and what we’re dispensing, potentially using a product that can be applied in the practice and less frequently, we can make the whole experience a lot better for dogs and owners."

References

CEVA Animal Health has published a trial which, according to the company, shows that horses suffering lameness caused by bone spavin can show marked improvement following treatment with a Tiludronate infusion, in combination with controlled exercise.

Bone spavin is a chronic aseptic osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints which, says CEVA, is considered to be one of the most common forms of hindlimb lameness in the horse.

The double-blind, multicentric, placebo-controlled trials were carried out on a total of 108 pleasure horses, show jumpers and eventers of a variety of sizes and breeds, all of which had been clinically diagnosed with bone spavin. The horses were rigorously selected, having to show clinical signs of spontaneous lameness of at least six weeks but less than a year's duration and had to be in daily exercise. Horses suffering proximal suspensory desmitis were excluded.

Horses were defined as suffering from bone spavin if they displayed a chronic hindlimb lameness which improved with distal tarsal joint analgesia and showed radiographic evidence of bony changes associated with bone spavin in the distal tarsal joints. The horses were treated at day zero with a single Tiludronate infusion or a placebo and reassessed 60 days later after a period of controlled exercise.

Eighty seven horses completed the trials, comprising 42 Tiludronate treated horses and 45 placebo cases. By day 60 approximately 60% of the Tiludronate treated horses had improved in lameness by two grades or more, scored on a ten point system.

Horses with bone spavin experience abnormal bone remodeling changes, occasionally with excessive bone resorption in the tarsal bones. Tiludronate works by regulating this bone remodeling through a decrease in the resorptive process, slowing down the degradation of the bone structure when the condition is progressing and alleviating the pain associated with abnormal bone lysis.

CEVA has recently produced a leaflet specifically to help horse owners to understand the diagnosis and treatment of bone spavin. For copies of this leaflet and CEVA's comprehensive veterinary brochure on the product please contact CEVA Animal Health on 01494 781510 or visit the website at http://www.tildren.com/

Tiludronate infusion in the treatment of bone spavin: A double blind placebo-controlled trial

Reference 
M. R. GOUGH*, D. THIBAUD† and R. K. W. SMITH‡ (*CEVA Animal Health, Bucks, UK; †CEVA Animal Health USA, Kansas, USA; and ‡Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, UK). Equine vet. J. (2010) 42 (5) 381-387 doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00120.x

The problems associated with brachycephalic breeds have been highlighted again after glamour model Jodie Marsh posted a video on Facebook yesterday showing her giving CPR to her bulldog Louie after he collapsed.

The video has already been viewed a staggering 4.6 million times. 

In the Facebook post and subsequent comments Jodie explained that her 12-year-old rescue bulldog collapses every couple of months. She highlights the dangers of walking flat-faced dogs in hot weather and the choking hazards that eating can present for dogs with an abnormal soft palate.

BVA President Gudrun Ravetz, said: "This is a very distressing video that demonstrates just how serious BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome) is as a condition for those dogs living with it.

"No dog should have to endure the distress of regularly collapsing, though sadly this is a reality for many flat-faced dogs. We would strongly advise anyone with a pet suffering these symptoms to talk to their vet urgently to agree the best way to ensure the health and welfare of their pet. This may include opting for surgery and will definitely include taking special measures in hot weather.

"BVA has been highlighting the significant health problems suffered by flat-faced dogs, such as bulldogs, and asking potential owners to choose healthier breeds or crossbreeds."

Hopefully, Jodie's video might just cause a few potential owners to do precisely that.

Photo: Facebook/Jodie Marsh