What's New In The Veterinary Nursing Profession

Bayer blogs about chips

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:21:00 GMT

Bayer Animal Health and Tracer Advance have launched a new blog about microchips, designed to promote responsible pet ownership.

The blog will be introduced by a new "virtual" pet expert called "Tracey from Tracer", with the character providing information about the importance of microchipping. Weekly updates from Tracey will seek to highlight differences between microchips, the associated databases, and details the whole process of microchipping; including information such as who the pet owner should call if they lose their pet, how a lost pet is reunited with their owner, and what do pet owners need to do to ensure the best possible chance of being reunited.

With over 300,000 pets going missing each year, the blog also aims to encourage owners who have already microchipped their pet to locate their registration documents and ensure they have useful contact details to hand in order to take the necessary action should it be lost or stolen.

Bayer says that according to a survey it conducted recently there is confusion about microchipping, with just under half of those owners who have had their pets microchipped having no idea which brand of microchip their animal is implanted with, and nearly three quarters of those surveyed being unaware which database their details are registered to.

Markus Edingloh from Bayer Animal Health said: "We are delighted to introduce "Tracey" and the new blog which is a method of focusing pet owner's attention on the topic of microchipping their animals. Microchipping pets is an established method to help reunify pets with their owners, but it is also important that owners are fully aware of the range of technology available and the differences in services provided with the microchip, such as the associated database which provides the reunification service. Our new blog aims to provide information about all aspects of microchipping in a bid to increase microchipping awareness and the number of lost pets being reunited with their owners each year".

The blog can be seen at: www.tracermicrochippingblog.co.uk

New publication about the latest advances

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:10:00 GMT

A new quarterly veterinary publication - Companion Animals - has been launched to provide veterinary professionals with a structured summary of the best international literature published in the past three months.

The peer-reviewed publication is backed by an educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, which says it is part of the company's commitment to invest in education and continue to support vets in practice.

Companion Animals contains expert commentary and analysis on recent advances in veterinary medicine and has an international editorial and advisory board. The board comprises Virginia Luis Fuentes from the Royal Veterinary College, Daniel Holden from the County Veterinary Clinic, Jacques Penderis from the University of Glasgow, Scott Brown from the University of Georgia, Brice Reynolds from the National Veterinary School of Toulouse, Rob Rayward from Coast Veterinary Referrals, James Oliver from North Kent Referrals, Sarah Smith from Sarah Smith Cardiology, Mark Lowrie from Davies Veterinary Specialists, Marieke De Vries from the Animal Health Trust and Patricia Ibarrola from University College Dublin.

In addition, each issue contains an original review article. The leading article in Volume 1, Issue 1 is titled 'The recognition and management of acute and chronic pain in cats' and is authored by Louisa Slingsby from the University of Bristol.

To register an account and receive all content free of charge, courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, please contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica territory manager or telephone 01344 746959.

Microchips may become compulsory

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:47:00 GMT

Acoording to news reports, a government minister has said that a package of measures to encourage responsible pet ownership is on the way, and that may include compulsory microchipping.

Replying to a question in the House of Lords, Lord Taylor of Holbeach said the government would put forward its arguments for and against microchipping when it announces its new strategy on dog ownership.

However, according to the BBC report, Conservative peer Lord Renton said ministers must think "carefully before" taking such a step: "There are many dogs that take very badly to having a chip in them," he said. "They get very sore."

Who ever said the Lords were out of touch, eh?

Norbrook to give old dogs a new lease of life

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:12:00 GMT

Norbrook Laboratories Ltd has launched Propentofylline, a new product designed to reduce lethargy and improve general demeanour and exercise tolerance in older dogs.

Michelle Jones, Brand Manager at Norbrook said: "We launched Propentofylline to the UK market at the recent VPMA Congress where it was warmly received by the delegates with plenty of positive comments on both the lively design of the campaign and the opportunities for use of this product in practice. The product is indicated for improving dullness, lethargy and general demeanour in dogs to essentially give them a new lease of life."

Available in 50mg and 100mg tablets, Norbrook says Propentofylline can be prescribed to help boost a dog's willingness to exercise and improve exercise tolerance.

Speaking at the launch of the product at the VPMA Congress, Ms Pauline Graham, VPMA President from Capontree Vets said: "Propentofylline, as an active ingredient, is widely prescribed by vets with its properties that assist increased blood flow, particularly to the heart and skeletal muscle. Also increasing the blood flow to the brain and therefore its oxygen supply, it is a well recognised treatment for older, lethargic dogs to help encourage brightness as well as tolerance and willingness to exercise. I am pleased to see Norbrook offering this product as another high quality and cost-effective addition to their small animal range."

Michelle added: "Veterinary practices can avail themselves of a range of promotional support material for our Propentofylline product including a technical brochure and waiting room posters. We will also have an introductory offer which our Territory Managers will be pleased to discuss with their clients."

New campaign to help explain joint health to clients

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:33:00 GMT

Merial Animal Health, manufacturer of Previcox, has launched a new campaign in small animal practices across the UK to continue to spread the message of 'total joint health'.

As part of the campaign, Merial has produced 'The A-Z of Canine Mobility' - a series of short articles and bite-sized information which can be disseminated to clients, helping to educate dog owners about canine osteoarthritis and the treatment options available.

Previcox Brand Manager Kathryn England said: "We are providing regularly updated articles and information to interested practices in a form that is easily pasted into a newsletter, eshot or fixed to a waiting room wall so that they can communicate with their clients quickly and easily. It's essentially free information to encourage owners to bring their dogs in for a joint check up."

Merial says the message about the importance of joint health and osteoarthritis is not well understood by pet owners, as demonstrated by a recent survey¹ which found that only 53% of the owners of old dogs considered reduced willingness to exercise as serious enough to require veterinary attention.

Merial's Technical Manager, Kevin Whelan said: "The results highlight the fact that owners of older pets, even those who would be considered as responsible pet owners, do not consider signs such as unwillingness to exercise or hind leg stiffness to be particularly important. It's therefore important to educate and engage pet owners on this topic to encourage them to seek advice from their vet"

To sign up for regular free updates contact your Merial Territory Manager or call or call 0870 6000 123.

Reference

^1. (Davies, 2011)

National Veterinary Services announces Webshop

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:32:00 GMT

National Veterinary Services has launched NVS Webshop, an online veterinary shop that practices can bolt on to their own website, or setup as a standalone online shop.

NVS says the shop, which is branded with your practice livery, includes the following features:

Self-administered. In other words, you choose the products to sell, the mark-ups and the delivery options.
Ability for you to run special offers for defined periods.
An analytics function which allows you to identify which products are selling well, so you can adjust your range and prices accordingly.
Ability to advertise your own practice promotions within the shop
Secure online payments

For more information visit: http://www.vet2pet.co.uk, email: salesandmarketing@nvs-ltd.co.uk or call 01782 770326.

YourVets opens new clinic in Dagenham and expands at Wythall

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:28:00 GMT

YourVets, the network of privately owned small animal veterinary practices has opened a new clinic in Dagenham, Essex and is re-opening an expanded and improved practice in Wythall, Birmingham later this month.

YourVets already has five clinics operating throughout the West Midlands and Essex, with the philosophy of providing a friendly, caring and high-quality service at an affordable price.

YourVets says its Dagenham clinic is a new, purpose-built facility while the Wythall premises has been enlarged and improved to supersede the old Pet Vaccination Clinic. The Wythall clinic has also been re-branded under the YourVets name, to reflect that fact that its veterinary care has grown to encompass the full range of veterinary procedures, rather than just vaccinations.

The clinics are equipped with high-tech equipment and top-class facilities. They offer a walk in appointment service to provide clients with maximum convenience and flexibility and have easy access to YourVets' own affordable 24-hour emergency service. Owners can also register their pets and order prescriptions online, for added speed and efficiency.

Jonathan Stirling, Managing Director of the PVC/YourVets group, said: "At Dagenham and Wythall, as with all our clinics, visitors and staff will be able to benefit from outstanding facilities, including air conditioned buildings, easy parking and the very latest medical equipment in a relaxed, fun and welcoming atmosphere."

Faye Fraser, Practice Manager at the YourVets Coventry clinic, says: "I love my role at YourVets. It gives me immense satisfaction to know that so many pets and owners have access to our truly affordable prices and professional veterinary service. We all care deeply about the animals we treat, and my love for animals extends into my home life, too. I have two rescue cats Tarot and Sorrell, who both need lifelong medical care."

YourVets currently has clinics at Coventry and Nuneaton in the West Midlands and Rayleigh in Essex. YourVets Dagenham opened on 4^th February 2012 and the new-look YourVets Wythall will launch on 12^th February 2012, with a special open day.

For more information about YourVetsvisit http://www.yourvets.co.uk/.

Petplan wins Best Pet Insurance Provider

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:18:00 GMT

Petplan has been named the UK's Best Pet Insurance Provider at the Consumer Moneyfacts awards.

Voted for by over 17,000 consumers, the awards recognise the best financial products available to consumers in the UK.

Petplan, which says it has recently strengthened its policies to provide pet owners with more comprehensive cover, was chosen by consumers for its market leading policies and outstanding customer service.

Petplan Director Neil Brettell said: "The award is great recognition for the fantastic job that our team at Petplan does to keep pets healthy and owners happy.

"Our Covered for Life policies truly do what they say, they ensure that a pet can get the best possible treatment throughout its life without the owner having to worry about the cost. It's great to be recognised for the service that we've been providing to the nation's pets for over 35 years."

For information about how working with Petplan can help your practice call Vetline on 0800 316 8800 or visit www.petplanvet.co.uk

Vetoquinol launches new flea and tick treatment

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:52:00 GMT

Vetoquinol UK Ltd has launched a new flea and tick treatment for cats and dogs.

Flevox is a spot-on solution containing fipronil and comes in unique pack sizes of either single pipettes or large clinic packs of 36.

Product Manager Helen Walker said: "With only 55% of pet owners buying their flea and tick treatment from the vet, we recognise there is a huge opportunity to develop and grow this essential market. In the modern age the consumer expects maximum flexibility, and that is what we aim to provide with Flevox.

Whether it be persuading the price-conscious customer away from buying their flea treatments in supermarkets and the internet, or encouraging those who don't treat their pet at all to give it a try without breaking the bank, we're confident we can help grow flea treatment sales in practice."

Vetoquinol says it is supporting the new product with a range of materials dedicated to veterinary surgeries, providing incentives to encourage client bonding and repeat business with your practice.

Helen continued: "We have also teamed up with the fantastic charity Dogs for the Disabled by making a donation for every pipette of Flevox sold. We're really looking forward to raising the profile of this organisation where these amazing dogs give life changing independence to disabled people. We're confident the donation will strike a chord with clients and really engage them with the charity, the Flevox brand and the practice".

To find out more, contact your Vetoquinol territory manager or visit http://www.vetoquinol.co.uk/

Vetoquinol launches nutritional supplement for horses

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Vetoquinol has launched Myo Power, the latest addition to the Equistro Performance range of nutritional supplements.

The company says that Myo Power has been formulated with the performance and convalescent horse in mind, and that it is an excellent source of easily digestible protein enriched with L-Leucine and other key essential amino acids necessary for optimal muscular cell development, specifically via the mitochondria.

Vetoquinol claims the product is extremely beneficial for young horses being prepared for sales, competition horses in training, and the convalescent or older horse following periods of box rest or restricted exercise.

Myo Power is available in 1.2kg and 2.3kg tubs. For further information, please contact your local Vétoquinol Territory Manager.

BVA updates guide to handling veterinary waste

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:41:00 GMT

Following legislative changes, the British Veterinary Association has updated its 'Good Practice Guide to Handling Veterinary Waste' for England and Wales.

Supported by the Environment Agency the Guide primarily consists of a quick-reference poster enabling vets to categorise and segregate veterinary waste in line with Environment Agency requirements. The poster defines the types of hazardous waste, outlines the types of containers required and sets out the appropriate classification codes.

The Guide is complemented by more detailed web guidance which incorporates useful templates to download.

BVA President Carl Padgett said: "All businesses have a duty of care to ensure that all waste is stored and disposed of responsibly, that it is only handled or dealt with by those authorised to do so and that appropriate records are kept of all waste that is transferred or received.

"The BVA Guide has been a popular resource for the profession since we first launched it in 2008 making it considerably easier for vets to comply with Hazardous Waste Regulations. The revised poster is hopefully an incentive for practices to check if their requirements have changed and ensure they're still up-to-date."

The poster and web advice are available at http://www.bva.co.uk/activity_and_advice/1641.aspx and BVA members will receive a hard copy of the poster to display in their practice.

Novartis launches Atopica for cats

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:25:00 GMT

In case you missed the email last month, Novartis Animal Health has announced the launch of Atopica for Cats (cyclosporine oral solution, 100 mg/ml), a treatment for chronic allergic dermatitis.

This disease, which is apparently one of the most common reasons for pet owners to take cats to the veterinary surgeon², can be difficult to diagnose and causes itching and associated chewing and licking, skin lesions and loss of hair. Atopica for Cats is the first medication approved in the UK specifically for allergic dermatitis in cats.

Novartis says the new product provides relief from the uncomfortable and recurrent itch/scratch cycle, and the majority of improvements are seen in the first four weeks^3-5. The company also says that in clinical trials, 84 per cent of cats diagnosed with allergic dermatitis were considered to be "uncomfortable" at the start of the study⁵. After six weeks of treatment with Atopica for Cats, 78 per cent of cats were considered "comfortable" with satisfactory levels of grooming³ - a key indicator of a healthy cat. Additionally, Atopica for Cats is proven to significantly reduce unsightly and painful skin lesions and has a proven safety profile.

Anne-Laure Driscoll, Atopica Brand Manager, Novartis Animal Health UK, said: "Veterinarians and pet owners understand the discomfort and frustration of an itchy pet. We are pleased to add Atopica for Cats to our proven family of Atopica products, offering an effective treatment for cats suffering from the extreme discomfort associated with allergic dermatitis."

Developed specifically for domestic felines, Atopica for Cats is an oral solution which Novartis says is easy-to-dose and administer. In studies, approximately one-third of cats took the medicine in their food and two-thirds were dosed directly into the mouth^3,4. According to the company, the product offers a unique mode of action that specifically targets immune cells such as the T-lymphocytes involved in the allergic reaction. In this way, Atopica for Cats blocks the production of inflammatory cytokines, molecules that fuel the allergic response, breaking the recurrent itch/scratch cycle.

Dr. Keith Hnilica, DVM, MS, MBA and DACVD, and author of Small Animal Dermatology: A Color Atlas and Therapeutic Guide (3rd ed), said: "Atopica for Cats has the potential to change how our profession treats the itchy cat. For the first time ever, we have a safe, highly effective, approved treatment for cats with allergic dermatitis. And because Atopica for Cats is not a corticosteroid, I can prescribe it for long-term use without worrying about the health risks that can be associated with steroids."

References

Atopica for Cats is indicated for symptomatic treatment of chronic allergic dermatitis in cats in the EU, and for control of feline allergic dermatitis in the US.
Veterinary Practice News, April 2011: Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), top 10 pet medical conditions of 2010, p10.
Novartis data on file. Study summary CYCINT-0105.
Novartis data on file. Study summary CYCINT-0205.
Novartis data on file. Study summary NAH-07-0028.
Lowe AD et al. Glucocorticoids in the cat. Vet Derm, 2008, 19, 340-347

New film about a veterinary surgeon's nervous breakdown

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:07:00 GMT

The Veterinary Benevolent Fund has launched a short film about a veterinary surgeon's experience of severe depression and her inspiring recovery.

The charity says it hopes the film, published on the Vetlife website today, will encourage the veterinary profession to talk more openly about stress and depression in the workplace and will motivate veterinary employers to adopt best practice in supporting their staff's mental health.

Nick Short, the VBF Director responsible for the development of the Vetlife website, said: "We are so grateful to the veterinary surgeon concerned for having the courage to share her story and for her insights into what could be done to make recovery easier for other vets. We were delighted to hear that she felt she was treated well and got the help she needed from the Veterinary Benevolent Fund and the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme.

"Recent press reports have estimated that the cost to the UK economy of stress, depression and suicide is £26 billion per year. We know that the profession has a high incidence of these problems, so it follows that depressive illness must have an alarming economic effect on it. This means it is essential to invest in improving awareness and support.

"The VBF wants to produce more web videos on issues that veterinary surgeons, students or nurses commonly encounter such as debt, addiction, professional conduct or employment problems. However, we need to secure additional sponsorship in order to fund this work - each 5 minute video will cost about £2,500 to produce. If you or your organization would be interested in supporting this work, please contact the VBF office at 7 Mansfield Street, London W1G 9NQ, telephone 020 7908 6385 or email info@vetlife.org.uk. Donations can also be made online at www.justgiving.com/VBF"

Rory O'Connor, National Co-ordinator at the Veterinary Surgeons' Health Support Programme said: "Many of us will have mental health problems at some point in our lives but most can make a full return to work with the right support. As highlighted in the film, it is really helpful if employers are willing to explore adjustments to working conditions or to the working environment such as flexible working hours or changes to working responsibilities. I am always available to help both employers and employees with these kinds of discussions and we are currently developing content on mental health support in the workplace for the Vetlife website. All advice is completely confidential."

The film was made by John Somers and Ben Sheriff at the University of Exeter using an actress to speak the words of the veterinary surgeon.

Burgess launches complete food for rabbits and guinea pigs

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:29:00 GMT

Burgess Excel has launched The Excel Food Cube, billed as the first truly 'complete' food for rabbits and guinea pigs, aka 'fibrevores'.

According to the company, it's the first time that rabbit and guinea pig owners will be able to feed a convenient and portion controlled all-in-one food that caters for all of their pets' dental, digestive and emotional needs.

Historically, there has been debate as to whether any one food alone can be classed as 'complete' for these pets. Many foods on the market currently labelled 'complete' only meet the nutritional needs of these pets, because, historically in the world of dog and cat food, that's all a complete food needs to cater for. However, according to Burgess Excel, 72% of vets say that any food labelled as 'complete' for rabbits and guinea pigs should cover dental, digestive and emotional health. To be just 'nutritionally complete' is not enough, because diet accounts for so much more in keeping these pets alive and healthy.

Justin Heaton, Head of Marketing for Burgess Pet Care said "Once again we are incredibly excited and proud to be launching a pioneering new product to the market. Our studies revealed foods labelled 'complete' are generally fed alone, without the hay necessary for fibrevores. As the UK's leading veterinary brand for fibrevores we felt obligated to create a truly healthy, 100% complete food to ensure that pets are being correctly fed. The additional beauty of this product is that it really drives home to fibrevore owners that hay IS food!

The Excel Complete Food Cubes consist of compressed cubes of long fibre Timothy hay for dental and digestive health, together with high fibre tasty nuggets, which contain short fibre, supplements and prebiotics, also necessary for digestive health and to promote foraging. Topped with flowers and beneficial herbs they deliver a visually exciting, innovative solution, inside and out for pet owners."

Justin continued "Excel was the first to expose the myth about 'complete feeds' and identify what the real requirements of these pets are, the first to develop a specific and dedicated feeding plan, the first to identify fibrevores as a subset of small animals and the first to campaign for complete diets to include dental, digestive and emotional health - all of which are why Excel is still the UK's No.1 veterinary recommended food for fibrevores.

However, in today's fast paced and busy world, consumers are always looking for the easiest, least hassle and most convenient ways to feed their pets. To date it has never been easy to find a solution to do this for fibrevores, without compromising their health........ that is until now!"

Burgess says Excel Food Cubes will be available in March but that more information and pre-orders can be taken from your local Burgess representative now. Alternatively, contact Justin Heaton for further information at: Justin.Heaton@burgesspetcare.co.uk

Pfizer and CVS launch national veterinary benchmarking database

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 11:57:00 GMT

Pfizer Animal Health and Central Veterinary Services are collaborating in a new venture to create a unified National Benchmarking Database open to all veterinary practices.

In what it says is an unprecedented move, Pfizer will integrate 15 years' worth of data from its Performance Index practice benchmarking service (formerly known as the Fort Dodge Index) with that of the Central Veterinary Services' Management Analysis Indices (MAI). These two benchmarking services have been in co-existence for a number of years, each using different databases. Combining the data from the participating practices within each benchmarking service will create a database of almost 300 practices, representing in excess of 10% of all UK companion animal and mixed practices. This, says the company, will provide a more accurate and relevant benchmarking of UK companion animal practice performance.

The first combined reports from this new National Database will be available in May providing a comprehensive analysis for the first quarter of 2012. For Performance Index practices, this will be available via a new web portal.

Participating practices will continue to access their reports and services independently via their respective portals for PI and MAI, but will benefit from the larger database providing greater accuracy, granularity and relevance of exactly who a practice chooses to benchmark itself against. This, in turn, should provide all participating practices with an even better understanding of both their critical success factors and where there are clear opportunities for growth. Pfizer says that as ever, practice data confidentiality will be guaranteed for all subscribing practices.

Ned Flaxman, Director Business Innovation, at Pfizer Animal Health said: "We have recognised that what veterinary practices really need is to be far more specific about who they benchmark themselves against. There is little relevance to a rural mixed practice in the Lake District employing 3 full time vets (FTVE) benchmarking themselves against a large 5 FTVE companion animal practice in the centre of Manchester - you are comparing apples and pears! My vision for creating the National Database was really to increase the business benefits of practice benchmarking and enable practices to compare apples with apples. With the new system, the large urban practice in Manchester should be able to compare its performance against other urban practices in the North of England employing 5FTVE!

"To ensure practices have accurate and relevant data from which to make informed decisions to grow and thrive in these turbulent conditions, the creation of a single national benchmarking database is the only sensible solution. Although we are effectively levelling the playing field by enabling other veterinary suppliers to offer benchmarking, we believe it is the right thing to do for veterinary practices and the market as a whole. For Pfizer Animal Health, the needs of our veterinary clients are the driving force for our business decisions, veterinary support services and product development."

Martin Barrow, Managing Director of Central Veterinary Services said: "We fully agree that a single benchmarking database is the right solution for the market. The creation of this National Database, open to all practices irrespective of their supplier, will provide the participants with unique tools to give them powerful insights for their practices' future continued success.

"MAI and the Performance Index have competed with each other for years and provided a very useful added value service for their respective subscribers but when we were approached to integrate the two databases, we immediately saw the bigger picture and recognised the significant benefits this could bring to a wider audience of UK veterinary practices.

"The national database uses open standards for data collection and data is accepted from all practices irrespective of which practice management system they use. We believe it is the right thing to do for veterinary practices and brings significant benefits to the whole veterinary profession."

Practices are urged to subscribe to the PI or MAI services either independently or through one of their practice development partners. Although run from a common database each service will continue to be provided with its own unique features.

For further information on Performance Index practices should contact their Pfizer Account Manager, email Pfizer at Vetsupportplusuk@pfizer.com.

For further information on MAI, practices should contact Central Veterinary Services at mai@centralvet.com, or telephone 01359 245310