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.

Elanco announced that the FDA has approved the use of HeifermaX with Rumensin at an elevated dose of up to 40 g/ton (90% dry matter) in two- and three-way feeding combinations for feedlot heifers. The approved combinations include a two-way combination with HeifermaX and Rumensin and a three-way combination with HeifermaX, Rumensin and Tylan. Source: [...]

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.

RCVS Charitable Trust seeks volunteers to participate in website research

The RCVS Charitable Trust is asking vets attending the BSAVA Congress 2012 to help improve their website. Volunteers will be asked whether the RCVS Trust website is delivering a useful service to vets and what can be improved.

All volunteers will receive free three month Library membership or a free literature search. Food and drink will also be available at the focus groups.

To sign up or for more information please e-mail Cherry Bushell or call 0207 202 0714.

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.

RCVS President Dr. Jerry Davies and VN Council to answer questions directly

Vets and vet nurses are invited to put questions directly to the RCVS President and RCVS VN Council. There’s no agenda, the meeting is designed to be an informal space for vets and vet nurses to voice their concerns and discuss issues that affect the veterinary profession.

There will also be surgeries to promote the opt-in accreditation Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) earlier in the day.

The meeting will take place on 08 March at the Mercure Leeds Parkway Hotel in Leeds. The meeting itself starts at 19:15 (buffet starts at 18:30).

PSS surgeries start earlier in the day at 13:00 at the same venue.

To book your place or for more information please e-mail Fiona Harcourt or call 020 7202 0773.

The Elisabeth Svendsen Trust for Children and Donkeys officially merges with The Donkey Sanctuary

The merge comes in a move to save administrative costs, and because the two charities complement one another so well.

Donkeys assist in therapy for children with additional needs and the elderly, and at the same time the donkeys are looked after and cared for by the people they help.

Learn more on The Donkey Sanctuary site.

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.

Three VN students prepare to skydive to raise funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer

Leah Harrop, Emma Page and Caroline Bromley hope to raise £1500 for cancer charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer with a skydive at Whitchurch Airfield.

Emma, 20, commented:
“We feel that it will be an amazing experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives, and doing it for such a good cause makes it even more worthwhile.”

The students took part in a sponsored walk for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People but this is their first major fundraiser – and what a fundraiser to start off with. This is an amazing idea and we at Vetsforum wish them the best.

Donate to the skydive at JustGiving.

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.