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: [...]

With a far reaching range of pet accessories, are most owners aware of what effect ‘pet clothes’ have on their pets?

While they make entertaining pictures for humans, pets dressed in wigs, clothes and other novelty items are becoming a popular and lucrative market. The advent of social networks mean people take a lot more pictures of their pets to show their friends, rarely stopping to think about the effect this has on their pets.

Pet clothing can cause discomfort, behavioral issues and in extreme cases serious injury to pets. Owners should always be mindful that their pets aren’t accessories.

Read the full article on the BBC.

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.

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.

Research abstract submission date and Case Orientated Presentation on feline insulin resistance

Vets are urged to submit research abstracts for SEVC 2012 before 16 May 2012. Full information and submission guidelines can be found on the SEVC site.

SEVC has also released a case study of insulin resistance in cats.
Read more to see the case study.

Crufts returns to More4 in March with over 26 000 entrants

The popular competition sees some of the highest overseas entries recorded, with 1338 dogs representing 38 different countries competing.

According to Kennel Club registrations the Golden Retriever remains the most well represented breed with 516, while the Irish Water Spaniel has decreased to 28. Overall entries to Agility and Obedience have fallen by 1.8% – the reasons for this are cited as economic and a decline in the number of dogs qualifying for Championship Shows.

Apart from More4, Crufts will also be available on YouTube. Learn more about Crufts on their Facebook page.

Partnership to advance equine health through research and educational programmes

Collaboration between Pfizer and the French-based Hippolia Foundation will focus on respiratory disorders and infectious diseases. The Normandy site is a world-class facility in research on racehorses, and the partnership is expected to yield very encouraging results.

The Hippolia Foundation has existing partnerships with hospitals and there is potential for human benefits as a result of equine research.

10% of practices across the UK joined Canine Prostate Awareness Month (CPAM) in November

Feedback on CPAM showed many owners were unaware of the dangers of canine prostate cancer and its prevalance. The campaign, one of Virbac’s most successful, educated owners and led to an increased number of prostate checks.

The campaign ran alongside Movember last November, in which thousands of men grew moustaches to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancer.