Kinross-based Loch Leven Equine Practice wins RCVS hamper

Liz Burton at Loch Leven Equine Practice brought home a fantastic hamper donated by the RCVS for winning a competition held at the VPMA Congress.

The winning question was ‘How many principles of practice are set out in the new RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons?’ The answer was five.

Find out more about the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons here.

Free app makes finding or posting animal health sector jobs a breeze

The app is specifically designed for applicants and employers in animal health, agricultural, equine and pet sectors. Using the app is easy and allows you to have relevant vacancies sent to you as they’re posted or even share them with other people.

The new app can be accessed from any iPhone, iPad or iPod and is available via the iTunes store.

Visit Noble Futures for more information.

Getting CPD online is easier than ever

Ordering CPD modules on Vetacademy is now as easy as filling out a form. With a full range of topics from trusted partners including Elsevier, Improve International and The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, you know you’re getting the best online CPD for the lowest price.

Vetacademy is convenient: there’s no waiting for live videos or alloted timeslots – you work through your module at your own pace whenever you like, and there are plenty to choose from. Visit the Modules page for a full list.

Get your online CPD without all the hassle, visit Vetacademy.

Minister hints at compulsory microchipping

Lord Taylor of Holbeach has suggested compulsory microchipping of dogs could be part of a strategy to reduce dog attacks and improve animal safety. The last government voted in favour of compulsory microchipping shortly before the election in 2010.

The government wants to crack down on irresponsible dog owners and the measure is broadly promoted by the veterinary community with an official statement to follow.

Critics of the motion cite the prohibitive costs that would be involved and the administrative nightmare the process would entail. Counter proposals include ownership tests – whereby an owner would have to prove they were responsible enough to look after a dog.

Lloyds TSB and Halifax withdraw 50 000 pet insurance policies

The BVA recommends owners speak to their vets to discuss future cover for pets that are no longer insured. Unfortunately many price comparison sites don’t take important factors into account when showing available insurance policies – veterinary guidance is often necessary.

Claims by insurance companies that rising veterinary fees are to blame have been refuted by the BVA. BVA President Carl Padgett commented:

“Rather than blaming veterinary practices for increasing the levels of treatment available, these insurance companies should do everything they can to ensure their policy holders are not left high and dry.”

If you know an owner that’s been affected direct them to the ABI Pet Insurance Consumer Guide.

For references on why the banks have left the pet insurance market visit Lloyds TSB and Halifax.

Research conducted by Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences find direct link between farm upbringing and immunological disease

The study, supported by DEFRA and the British Pig Executive, has found a solid link between early life in a complex farm environment and an increased number of regulatory T-lymphocytes.

The reasons for this are still not entirely known and additional tests are to be carried out to analyse extraneous factors.

Read the full study at Wiley Online Library.

Make sure your clients are aware of toxins that could affect their pets this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day means lots of flowers and chocolate in the house – both of which can be very toxic to pets. Make sure owners are aware of the dangers of leaving romantic treats around the house.

Roses, lillies, chocolate and artificial sweeteners such as xylitol are likely to be given as gifts or left lying about the house. Remind owners to take extra care in making sure their pets don’t have access to them.

DVM360 has a fantastic article on the risks to pets, and the various treatment options available should something happen.

There are plenty of organisations to help owners should an emergency arise such as the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (UK and EU) and Pet Poison Helpline (US)

Recent updates to Vetstream (with free sample entries)

Laurent Garosi DVM DipECVN MRCVS, Davies Veterinary Specialists
has updated the following Neurology components in Canis:

Hepatic encephalopathy

Hydrocephalus: congenital

Vestibular disease: geriatric

Vestibulocochlear neutritides

For regular clinical updates don’t forget to sign up to the Canis, Felis, Equis, Lapis or Vetacademy newsletters on our Facebook page.

DEFRA Deputy Chief Vet Alick Simmons to answer questions regarding Schmallenberg

Farmers Guardian will be hosting a live web chat with Alick Simmons, National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker and a local vet who has firsthand experience with the disease.

Schmallenberg has migrated from Europe to the eastern England and there are now 11 affected farms in the UK. DEFRA have a page listing what is known about Schmallenberg but the emerging disease is still very much a mystery.

The live web chat will be held at Farmers Guardian at 1pm (GMT) 10 Feb 2012. You can also submit questions in advance to Alistair Driver.

Open your own practice webstore

Online shopping is fast, convenient and rapidly becoming the preferred method of business for a lot of people. The NVS Webshop provides an easy-to-use, secure shop with your practice’s own branding.

Online shopping is booming – make sure your practice takes advantage of this lucrative new market. Visit Vet2Pet for more information.