Phenylbutazone presence in horses prompts RCVS to remind vets of responsibilities

A small number of horses have tested positive for the presence of phenylbutazone, which, if consumed, can be harmful to human health.

Defra and the FSA have asked for the assistance of the profession in ensuring that treatment with phenylbutazone is properly recorded in Horse Passports and have said that they are working together to understand the cause of the positive tests, and what longer term measures can be put in place to stop this happening.

Read more at RCVS.

Luminol has been used to show differences between viral and bacterial infection which could lead to faster diagnosis and, of definite use to the veterinary industry, less use of antibiotics when they aren’t required. Antibiotic resistance is a widespread problem especially in the farming industry.

The test relies on white blood cell response to Luminol, providing a different reaction when either a viral or bacterial infection is present. Whilst this test is very much in its infancy, any measure to prevent overuse of antibiotics is welcome.

Click here for the full article which is also available in audio format from Scientific American.

BSAVA members can enjoy access to a free app which contains information on over 450 drugs, as well as all information from within the 7th edition of the BSAVA formulary which contains vital information on a variety of treatments for small animals.

The app is available for free on both iPhones and Android phones. The app can be downloaded here from iTunes and here from Android Market.

Mobile apps make information a lot more accessible, especially in key moments when there’s no time to reach a computer or leaf through a study. There are an emerging number of mobile apps in the veterinary industry and we hope it continues: there’s no reason vets should be left behind when technology is capable of such great improvements.

An illegal smuggling ring was shut down with convictions of 13 people recently, prompting fears over illegal distributors of veterinary drugs. Counterfeit drugs, smuggled goods and inappropriate treatments are just some of the dangers faced when using irreputable retailers online.

Whilst this number of arrests is encouraging, there is still a number of illegal online pharmacies — take care to stick with reputable suppliers and ensure that quality and care take precedence over expense.

Read more for the full story by FG.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved two animal drugs. one for the treatment of otitis externa in dogs and the second for the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections in horses.