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Volume 3 Issue 7
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T US I51 I S I V AND ST ON
Volume 3, Issue 7
Veterinary Supplies Magazine (VSM) is the magazine and web/digital resource for the UK community of veterinarians with purchasing authority for equipment, technology, pharmaceuticals and services. Publishing Director Scott Colman t. +44 (0)7595 023 460 e. scott@futurepublishingsolutions.com Editorial Callum Little t. +44 (0)2031 989 619 e. callum@vetsuppliesmag.com Advertising Sales Lynn Amey t. +44 (0)7790 524 513 e. lynn@vetsuppliesmag.com Circulation & Finance Manager Emma Colman t. +44 (0)7720 595 845 e. emma@futurepublishingsolutions.com Production & Digital Jonny Jones t. +44 (0)7803 543 057 e. jonny@futurepublishingsolutions.com
Editorial: All submissions will be handled with reasonable care, but the publisher assumes no responsibility for safety of artwork, photographs, or manuscripts. Every precaution is taken to ensure
Contents
Welcome to VSM
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his is your latest edition of Veterinary Supplies Magazine, covering the most recent news and developments in the veterinary industry. This issue of VSM has numerous interesting articles, such as the one on page 20, written by Lockharts Solicitors which details the best ways to prepare a vet practice prior to sale. We also have articles written by Sara Lole, veterinary business manager at ROYAL CANIN® and Erin Bliss, veterinary nurse and veterinary marketing assistant at ROYAL CANIN®. Both articles are in the companion animal section. Look out for a question and answer with the Managing director of Centaur Services, Brian Topper, on page 14. We have our regular features to keep you
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informed with the latest news on; Practice Matters. Companion Animals, Farm/Large Animals, Clinical and Surgical equipment, and General News. You can also read about preparations for the London Vet Show and some things you can expect at the event.
Callu m Little
On page 26 of issue 3.5 of Veterinary Supplies Magazine, we published an article by VetPlus International which contained two separate stories and were ran as a single piece. We also inadvertently used an incorrect logo for VetPlus International. We would like to offer our sincere apologies to VetPlus International for this error. The corrected articles can be found on page 18 and page 22 of this issue.
About our APP Sponsor (Direct Medical Supplies) DMS Direct Medical Supplies offers a comprehensive range of critical care, IV administration, surgical, and wound-care products to the healthcare and veterinary market. DMS is committed to offering customers more than your normal supplier, by providing unique products and general everyday
requirements for the operating room, intensive care, nursing, wound-care, and infection control. DMS provides a one-source multi-product choice that enables customers to manage their consumable supplies in an efficient and costeffective manner.
accuracy, but the publisher cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of information supplied herein or for any opinion expressed. Subscriptions: Veterinary Supplies Magazine (VSM) is free to qualified subscribers in the UK and Europe. To apply for a subscription, or to change your name and address, go to www. and follow the prompts. No responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of material in this publication can be accepted. VSM is published nine times in 2015 by Future Publishing Solutions Publishing Solutions Copyright 2015. Future Publishing Solutions Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form (including photocopying or storing it in any medium by electronic means and whether or not transiently or incidentally to some other use of this publication) without prior permission in writing from the copyright owner except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act (UK) 1988, or under the terms of a licence issued by the Copyright Licencing Agency, 90 Tottenham Court Road, London, W1P 0LP, UK. Applications for the copyright owner’s permission to reproduce any part of this publication should be forwarded in writing to Permissions Department, Future Publishing Solutions Ltd, Lea Green Farm, Lea Green Lane, Church Minshull, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6ED. Warning: The doing of an unauthorised act in relation to copyright work may result in both a civil claim for damages and criminal prosecution.
Lea Green Farm, Lea Green Lane, Church Minshull, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6ED n + 44 (0)1270 522 132 n info@futurepublishingsolutions.com n www.futurepublishingsolutions.com
Contents
Ltd, and is a registered trademark and service mark of Future
General News
p3-12
Centaur Q&A
p14
Practice Matters
p16-20
Companion Animal
p22-32
Farm - Large Anumal
p34-38
Clinical & Surgical
p40-44
Spotlight - LVS News
p46-48
Equine
p50-56
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vetsuppliesmag.com, click on “Free Subscription – Register Now”
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General News Local Vet Completes ‘Ironman’ Challenge as Practice Steps Up to Help Support Dogs
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aymond Owen, a vet at Ayres Veterinary Hospital in North Shields, has raised almost £700 for Support Dogs by completing the Outlaw ‘Ironman distance Triathlon’ in Nottingham on 26 July 2015. Raymond completed the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile cycle and full 26.2 mile marathon, in a time of 10
hours and 26 minutes, finishing 41st out of more than 1,000 entrants. Raymond’s Iron Man feat is just one of a number of fundraising activities planned this year by the Ayres team to raise funds for Support Dogs, a charity which aims to increase the independence and quality of life for people with medical
conditions by training and supporting specialist assistance dogs. Ayres Veterinary Hospital is part of CVS (UK) Ltd and Support Dogs is its Charity of the Year for 2015. On Sunday 13th September vet Jane Amaku will complete the Great North Run while Lisa Horsborough, receptionist, plans to climb Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest mountain. Later this year, Joy Cook, receptionist at the Whitley Bay branch, who also runs Canine Academy, a dog training centre based in North Shields, plans to host a veterinary-focused Question Time event at Canine Academy. Ayres vet Anthony O’Mahony will be on hand to answer any questions. Commenting on completing his event, Raymond said: “To finish in the top 3% in my first long distance triathlon made training for between ten and fifteen hours a week for nine months worthwhile. It is a
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big commitment on top of full time work but it is important to have a focus outside of work and I hope to do another similar event next year.” Practice Manager Karen Armstrong added: “Support Dogs is an amazing charity. Its dogs are trained to the highest degree and provide life-changing support to their owners, many of whom have Autism, epilepsy or disabilities. We’re delighted to support its work!” Ayres Veterinary Hospital is based in North Shields with branch surgeries in Whitley Bay, Cleadon and Cramlington. It can be contacted on 0191 258 6886. Anyone wishing to support the team members’ fundraising efforts can donate on their justgiving pages or directly at the practice. More details on the veterinary Question Time event at Canine Academy will also be available from the practice.
he endeavours of four outstanding achievers in equine health and welfare have been recognised at BEVA Congress this year. Each meticulously chosen individual was formally presented with a coveted Award on Thursday 10 September 2015. The Awards were established by BEVA, in conjunction with various sponsors, to reflect BEVA’s recognition of and support for significant accomplishments by equine vets and others involved in horse health and welfare. The BEVA Equine Welfare Award, sponsored by Blue Cross, was presented to Miss Johanna Vardon MBE, founder and owner of The National Foaling Bank in Shropshire. The National Foaling Bank provides a nationwide service for horse breeders to pair foster mares with orphaned foals and to provide guidance through the adoption process. Johanna has documented involvement in over 20,000 cases of fostering. Without a doubt equine welfare would have been compromised significantly without the practical support and advice provided by Johanna and her team over many years. The BEVA Richard Hartley Clinical Award was given to Professor Paddy Dixon for “A long-term study on the clinical effects of mechanical widening of cheek teeth diastemata for treatment of periodontitis in 202 horses (2008-2011)” by PM Dixon, S Ceen, T Barnett, JM O’Leary, T Parkin, S Barakzai. The article was published in January 2014, Volume
46 of Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ). The award is given in memory of Richard Hartley, a founder member of BEVA and president from 1974 to 1975. It is awarded for evidence-based papers and the prize is intended to support travel of the senior author and/or co-authors. The BEVA Trust Peter Rossdale Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) Open Award was presented to Dr Andrew van Eps for the paper “Continuous digital hypothermia initiated after the onset of lameness prevents lamellar failure in the oligofructose laminitis model” by AW van Eps, CC Pollitt, C Underwood, CE Medina-Torres, WA Goodwin, JK Belknap. The article was published in September 2014, Volume 46 of the EVJ. This award is given for the paper that best achieves the EVJ’s mission to publish articles which either influence and improve clinical practice and/or add significantly to the scientific knowledge that underpins and supports equine veterinary medicine. The award is made by the BEVA Trust, in recognition of Peter Rossdale’s immense contribution to BEVA and the EVJ. Unfortunately Andrew was unable to make the trip from Australia, so Ben Sykes, fellow Australian and colleague from University of Queensland collected the award on his behalf. The Voorjaarsdagen and BEVA Awards were introduced in 2005 to mark the close relationship between the two Associations.
The award is selected and presented biannually, once at the Voorjaarsdagen Congress and once at BEVA Congress, and is open to all those presenting a Clinical Research paper. This year’s BEVA Award winner is Dr Mathijs Theelen, DVM Dipl ECEIM for his paper on “Ethmoidal infection with Aspergillus spp. in 3 horses: successful treatment by transendoscopic removal of mycotic plaques alone or in combination with systemic itraconazole”. Dr Theelen’s presentation won the award at the Voorjaarsdagen Congress in April 2015; he will present it again during the Clinical Research Sessions at
BEVA Congress. The reciprocal Voorjaarsdagen Award winner will be selected from those presenting Clinical Research papers at this year’s BEVA Congress. Their prize will be free registration to Voorjaarsdagen Congress 2016 where they will have the opportunity to present their paper again. The Sam Hignett Award will be presented for the best clinical research presentation from general equine practice at BEVA Congress, with the winner to be announced after Congress. For further information on the BEVA Awards visit www.beva.org. uk.
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BEVA awards outstanding achievers T
General News 4
Boehringer field sales manager retires after 35 years! B oehringer Ingelheim’s popular field sales manager, Chris Gee, has retired after 40 years in the animal health industry, 35 years of which have been with Boehringer. Having joined the company in 1980 when Boehringer launched in the UK, his first role was as a territory manager in the north west of England, the midlands and Wales. He has held a number of roles since then including national sales manager, head of sales in the UK and ROI and key accounts and business development manager. He was
integral in establishing Boehringer’s new products in the marketplace in the cattle, equine and small animal sectors and was instrumental in the company’s success in launching Metacam and other leading brands. Chris was involved with a variety of industry organisations and associations and he has served on the NOAH exhibitors’ committee for many years, the last few as chairman. He was also made an honorary member of BVOA (British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association). “I am going to miss the many
people that I have been fortunate to have met and worked with over the years – both customers and colleagues - many of whom have become good friends and I hope to keep in touch with them,” comments Chris. “However, I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and I will continue to follow my sporting interests as a spectator, particularly at Anfield, and also attempt to reduce my golf handicap and play more regularly.”
Quality Improvement from Quantum Vet Diagnostics (a division of Woodley Equipment Company Ltd)
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n a continuous effort to improve services to customers, Quantum Vet Diagnostics has introduced a new quality improvement. This quality improvement sees Quantum Vet Diagnostics move from old style pipettors to newly installed bottle top dispensers. The introduction of new bottle top dispensers results in greater ease of reagent dispensing for employees and more accuracy for
Quantum customers. This also eliminates the chance of contamination from reagent dispensing. For further information, contact us: Email: sales@quantumvetdiagnostics.com Tel: 01204 695045 Fax: 01204 695062 www.quantumvetdiagnostics. com
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RapidBacTM Vet launched by Woodley Equipment – A test for Bacteriuria (UTI)
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oodley Equipment is delighted to launch RapidBacTM Vet to the industry. RapidBacTM Vet is a rapid immuno-assay for the detection of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria in urine, for use as an aid in the diagnosis of canine urinary tract infections. Feline validation is currently ongoing. Until now, the only accurate method of determining bacteriuria was by urine culture - an expensive
and time-consuming test performed at specialised laboratories. With RapidBacTM Vet, you can test immediately in-practice and then treat. With a high overall accuracy of 98.5%* and results within 20 minutes, the need to wait for laboratory results to be returned days later is over, meaning effective treatment can commence promptly. This test requires no special apparatus to conduct and can be stored at room
temperature, so adding this to your practice is a cost effective solution. International Sales Manager and Biomedical Scientist, Dave McComas (BSc MSc CSci FIBMS) says, “Woodley are excited to add the RapidBacTM Vet canine UTI test to our ever expanding portfolio of veterinary products. Our mission is to offer unique, specialist laboratory diagnostic solutions, which aid veterinary professionals to diagnose and treat their patients more
effectively. With RapidBacTM Vet, it is possible to detect the presence of gram positive and gram negative bacteria in-practice in just 20 minutes as an aid to the diagnosis of canine UTI infections. This simple, cost effective rapid assay offers Woodley customers a direct replacement for urine culture.” This test is currently undergoing validation for feline use.
Woohlhy Equhhmhnh Launch
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TEST FOR BACTERIURIA (UTI)
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Exhhnh your hn-hrhhtihh hhsting hhhhbhlhhy whhh Woohlhy Equhhmhnh 01204 669033 01204 669034
General News 6
Human element is important for vets using high-tech products, says Hallmarq
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e’ve all experienced the frustration that comes from glitches in a system, transferring old data to a new model, or simply getting high tech to work in the way that we want it to. As the level of technology increases in veterinary practice, it’s becoming an increasing concern. When lives are at stake, professionals can’t afford to be let down by technology. But many practices are not putting enough emphasis on the support available when making
buying decisions about new high tech purchases, say experts at Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging. “To get the best images, you need the best support team you can possibly access,” says Jos Belgrave CEO of Hallmarq Veterinary Imaging. As winners of the Queen’s award for innovation and even more recently, the Institute of Physics innovation award, Hallmarq is the very embodiment of high-tech, yet the company says the human element
plays just as important a part in the delivery of a quality product. Hallmarq’s team of degree level qualified scientists, physicists and engineers are available at the end of a phone, remotely logged on to a PC, via Skype, or even in person. They are not just there to deal with problems, with the most common question being, ‘What do you think about my images today?’ “We really work that closely with clinics every day,” says support team manager Snezhana Chater. The level of personal attention available is perhaps surprising, with the Hallmarq team even sitting in remotely during a scan to ensure that everything runs smoothly. In one case the radiologist was called to an emergency but the neurologist needed more sequences, so Hallmarq took over and scanned the rest of the animal remotely. And just sometimes there is problem solving, as Snezhana describes, “One practice reported noisy images. Everything worked
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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 7 n VSM
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well on the phantom, which is a physical object that we use to run tests on, but when the patient was scanned the noise returned. We decided to send out an engineer who was able to identify that the clinic was using non-MRI approved equipment.” “It’s important to us that we take ownership of any problems and work with the practice to solve them – regardless of the origin of those issues,” says Jos. “But, in fact, what we do most is work with customers to ensure that they get the highest quality images to allow them to make the right decisions about treatment. If your clinic has just installed an MRI you are going to be on a steep learning curve, so you really do have to know that support and expertise will be there when you need it. The take-home message is don’t get too caught up in the gadget – exciting though that is – think about how available the knowledgeable support actually is, because this is one area where you can’t just ‘ask Google’.”
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General News 8
New appointment at pioneering weight management clinic R
OYAL CANIN® is proud to announce the appointment of Georgia Woods RVN as the latest addition to the team at the University of Liverpool Weight Management Clinic. With 12 years’ experience and joining from a senior nursing position with a large veterinary
group in Manchester, Georgia is well versed in running a successful weight management programme for difficult weight loss cases. Now, taking the next step in honing her knowledge and skills in the world’s first referral service dedicated to small animal weight management, Georgia will be working alongside
Alex German, Reader in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Liverpool. The Weight Management Clinic, which has recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary, will be shepherded into a new era with Georgia at the helm. “Improving the quality of life of cats and dogs with obesity is at the centre of all we do here at the clinic,” said Alex. “The research we conduct here centres around real-life cases and has led to astounding improvements in the way we approach and manage obesity, particularly given the strong association with ROYAL CANIN® who considers our findings when formulating
their diets. I look forward to taking the clinic forward in an exciting new direction, and with Georgia’s expertise focusing on prevention well before obesity takes hold.” Georgia added: “With almost 60% of dogs and 40% of cats in the UK and Ireland being overweight or obese, weight management is an issue of the upmost importance. I have spent many years caring for overweight pets and a continual rise in obesity has become ever more apparent. This has inspired me to take on this new role and tackle pet obesity at its root cause.”
Microchip Laws Are Changing! • Not only do all dogs have to be microchipped by April 2016 • You also have to microchip all new puppies by 8 Weeks
Pets will therefore be much smaller when you need to implant microchips meaning that standard chips will be increasingly difficult to administer – you will really need to think about the service you need to supply especially to small breeds.
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General News 10
Henry Schein Animal Health starts the ‘Back to School©’ programme to help children start the new school year feeling confident and motivated
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olunteers from Henry Schein Animal Health recently brought their “Back to School” charity programme to Scotland. The programme helped around 30 children begin the school year prepared for success. School essentials provided to the children ranged from new first day supplies, bought by the Team Schein Members, to backpacks filled with classroom supplies, which were distributed at an on-site event. Team Schein Members had been raising money from June onwards through various events, such as car washing, bake sales and raffle. Also, donation boxes were placed around Henry Schein Animal Health’s facility in Dumfries so that stationery, lunch boxes and other products could be donated to support as many underprivileged children as possible to help them have a great start to the new school year. Henry Schein’s activities in the “Back to School” campaign are part of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility programme, which helps increase access to care for underserved populations globally through three focus areas: wellness, prevention, and treatment; emergency preparedness and relief; and health care capacity building. For 18 years, the Henry Schein “Back to School” programme in the United States has sponsored nearly 32,000 children. “Back to School” is supported by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Inc., an organization that works to help increase
access to health care in underserved communities around the world. David Hinton, Managing Director of Henry Schein Animal Health UK, said: “Henry Schein Cares supports projects of nonprofit organisations that are health care and wellness related, as well as Team Schein Member initiatives for underserved populations. We are very proud that so many volunteer Team Schein Members care about the underprivileged children in our neighborhood. With the launch of the “Back to School” programme in Scotland, we were able to provide the children with clothing and school supplies for their first day back at school, knowing that this will give them the motivation and confidence to start the school year successfully. We are confident that we will be able to carry out this programme in upcoming years.” Rachael Milligan, HR Henry Schein Animal Health UK and leader of the volunteer group adds: “Our team was extremely enthusiastic to implement this great US programme in Dumfries, from the moment we raised the idea. All of our volunteers worked so hard to make this local programme launch a success and to turn it into an unforgettable experience for the children. It really was heartwarming to see and be a part of it.” Henry Schein teamed up with the local YMCA. According to Dean Goddard, Senior Youth Worker at the Dumfries YMCA branch: “Partnering with Henry Schein on the ‘Back to School’ program is a great
opportunity for us to be able to help low-income children and families handle those expenses. We are happy to be part of this new initiative by Henry Schein Cares in Scotland, which helps families get ready for this important time of year.” YMCA is a charitable organisation that sees young people and others as having real value and equal
status. YMCA Scotland invests in Scotland’s young people to help them to realise their fullest potential. The organization’s other important priorities include strengthening families at the heart of local communities and effectively responding to the needs of the most vulnerable children, young people and families.
©2015 MAI Animal Health
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General News 12
Micro-ID Ltd & Vet Direct Services Ltd sign an exclusive distributor agreement.
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he global microchip identification supplier, Micro-ID, is delighted to announce an exclusive distribution agreement with Vet Direct, to take over the distribution of Micro-ID microchips and scanners to the UK Veterinary market as of the 1st September 2015. All current price arrangements will be honoured and in some situations may even save a practice money and all orders over £60 will be delivered free of charge. As an added benefit all microchip products will count towards Vet Directs Monthly Discount Scheme, saving up to a further 12%. Vet Direct will also be running special offers and promotions in their monthly publication “Extra”. To receive your free copy please contact Vet Direct. Technical advice and service will not be compromised. All orders will be handled and distributed by Vet Direct from the 1st September, this will ensure the highest possible standard of service as we continue to get busier than ever with the
compulsory microchipping legislation for dogs getting closer. Leon Wright Chief Executive remarks: “Vet Direct are delighted to have secured UK distribution of the Micro-ID RFID product range. As many of you will know we have moved to a new large distribution centre allowing Vet Direct to improve our services and efficiency. “This new distribution agreement will allow us to work closely with Micro-ID, an ethically sound technology company to help
increase demand for their RFID microchips and scanners.” Richard Fry of Micro-ID says “This move will enable the company to strengthen its UK market share, increase international business and launch new products to the market without increasing overheads. “The pet microchip market has never been more competitive than now with new companies introducing new chip products, some doing it responsibly ensuring that the pet’s details are on a national approved
database, others just selling chips as cheap as possible with no proper traceability. “We will make this transition for our vet customers as smooth as possible and we can ensure this will not affect any orders placed at any time during this period, however if you have any questions please call Micro-ID Ltd on: 01444 831500 or email sales@ micro-id.co.uk
More reasons to go smokefree this Stoptober, say leading veterinary organisations
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n light of recent legislation forbidding drivers to smoke with children in their vehicle, British Veterinary Association (BVA) and British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) are encouraging pet owners to avoid smoking for their pets’ benefit as well. The devastating effects of passive smoking on humans is well documented, but vets are concerned that many animal owners may be inadvertently harming their beloved pets by lighting up when they are together in an enclosed space. The legislation banning smoking in cars coincides with Stoptober, the NHS campaign encouraging people to stop smoking throughout the month of October, and there is more support than ever
to quit. Sean Wensley, President of BVA and companion animal vet, said: “Most smokers understand that lighting up around children is harmful, but fewer people are aware of the impact passive smoking can have on their pets. Sadly this health impact, as in people, may be cancer and owners are often understandably distressed when they realise that their pet’s cancer may be the result of secondary tobacco smoking. This legislation doesn’t apply to animals but we hope owners will take this opportunity to protect their pet either by quitting or by keeping their car and home smoke-free.” A study from leading oncologist Clare Knottenbelt of
Glasgow University Veterinary School, clearly demonstrated a correlation between the levels of nicotine in a dog’s fur and its exposure to cigarette smoke in the home. Ross Allan, of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, said: “Many owners who smoke have never thought about the effects of their habit on the pets, but there is evidence that tobacco smoke increases the risks of lung and nasal cancers in dogs and of lymphoma in cats. As veterinary surgeons we champion the prevention of illness and disease, and many owners might be more likely to give up tobacco for the sake of their pet if they realised the consequence of their smoking.” The study, funded by the
BSAVA’s PetSavers charity, demonstrated that dogs are inhaling and probably ingesting cigarette smoke and that this is known to increase the incidence of cancer in your pet. Professor Knottenbelt added: “While veterinary medicine is advancing all the time and we have the ability to treat some cancers in pets, it is expensive and provides no guarantees of long-term survival. The best way of avoiding damage to your pet’s health is to not smoke around them – or better still give up. It would be good for your own health, too.” Dogs in non-smoking households were shown to have very low levels of nicotine incorporated into their fur compared with animals owned by regular smokers. A third group of pets owned by smokers who only smoke outside the house had intermediate levels of nicotine in their coat.
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Centaur Q&A 14
Question and answer with Centaur Services,
answered by Brian Topper, Managing Director
1
. Tell me about Centaur Services. Centaur Services is a very longstanding veterinary wholesaler that was acquired by MWI, a highly successful US veterinary distributor about five years ago. Our core business is next-day delivery of medicines and supplies to veterinary practices throughout the UK. Because most of our customers buy substantially all of the products they require from us, we view ourselves as a component of their business, a partner, and so we also provide numerous value added services to help these customers to be as successful as possible. In 2014 MWI acquired a large practice management system provider called VetSpace to further develop Centaur’s service offering around wholesaling.
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2. What is your business model? At its core, our business as a wholesaler is to keep much, if not all, of what our customers want in stock. We receive most of our orders electronically and then pick, pack and dispatch this product in reusable totes to our veterinary customers using our own fleet of vehicles. Our margins are typical for wholesaling, which is to say they are very thin, so we are extremely efficient at every stage in the process. We are also governed by several regulatory bodies, including MHRA and VMD so our systems and processes are very robust and strictly monitored. In addition to these core operations, our business model includes providing value added services for our customers. Most of these services generate little to no profit for us, but their impact on our customers’ business is considerable and, therefore, for us. 3. What makes Centaur different to other suppliers? There are three major wholesalers in the UK and they are all very good at providing the core service of delivering product to veterinary practices. We are different both in our very high level of investment in services that complement our core business and our strategy for integrating these services to create value that is greater than the sum of its parts. 4. The Centaur portfolio – what are your more popular products? Although we have 13,000 products in stock, 90% of our revenue is generated by 10% of those products. The top
products are routinely licensed medicines for either companion or production animals. Slower moving products are important to our model of providing a one stop shop and some of these are critically important for very specific ailments or outbreaks. That said, our most popular products are a couple of the value added services we provide to our customers: Inventory Management Consultation and Home Delivery (aka web shops). 5. Of Centaur’s five core values, “Customer Service, Integrity, Dedication, Quality, Innovation” which, if any, do you place most value in and why? It isn’t possible to distinguish a single one of our Core Values as the most valuable for every situation, in part because they are interrelated. Customer Service is a great example of this, because really good customer service will always include integrity, dedication, innovation and quality. Our definition of Customer Service is choosing to consistently exceed the expectations of our customers, suppliers and employees; where it is always our pleasure to serve and if something isn’t possible or available today, it will be tomorrow. This philosophy ensures our customers always buy with confidence from Centaur. 6. How can the use of myCentaur and the iCentaur app benefit your customers? By using ordering templates and other functionality in these tools, our customers can save time by ordering accurately and efficiently, and improve profitability by better managing inventory in their practice. Additionally, myCentaur provides access to historical invoices and management information. Our Territory Managers are really well versed in these tools so they help practices leverage them. 7. Can you explain the impact that social networking and web 2.0 has made on your business? To be honest, we arrived at the social networking party only very recently. The benefit of this is that we were able to see some best practices develop at first movers (and second and third movers). We are very much a business to business operation and we use social networking to keep our customers engaged and informed on everything from new products and product availability
to regulatory and industry issues. Many of our team members use LinkedIn to network with suppliers and customers and some have leveraged that tool for gaining really good referrals. Web 2.0 is a different story: interoperability of systems and sites, as well as really dynamic and interactive content were recognised early as imperatives in our offering for Centaur and VetSpace. While development continues, and always will, we are already providing some interesting modular solutions to help our veterinary customers on anything from inventory management to home delivery. 8. What is Centaur doing to ensure the business continues to develop and grow? Investing directly in services and systems that make our customers successful. This includes development of value added services, exclusive partnerships with high quality service providers and acquisition of other businesses. 9. How long have you worked in your current role and what was your working history prior to working at Centaur? I’ve been in the veterinary industry for about 20 years, much of which I spent in the US. I came to the UK after MWI Veterinary Supply – a company I have worked with for 12 years – acquired Centaur. I’ve been here for four
years (nearly to the day), and have been the Managing Director for the past two years. 10. What is the favourite part of your job? Two things: creating strategy and coaching team members through personal and professional development. The truth is that I don’t spend enough time on either, but I’m working on it as part of my own development. 11. Do you have any pets? I brought my cat Desmond from the US when I moved here four years ago. Unfortunately, his 19 years of bossing me around ended in October 2014. I’m almost ready for a new pet, but Desmond’s, um, shoes, will not be easy to fill... 12. What’s your perfect Sunday? Avoiding work mostly. Icing on the cake would include a long run, ride or hike, a couple of pints of really good beer, and lots and lots of great food. I don’t care if the sun shines or the rain falls. Snow is great as long as there is enough of it. 13. Any new announcements that Centaur would like to make? No thank you. We would prefer to focus on delighting our customers with our Customer Service, Integrity, Dedication, Innovation and Quality.
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T 020 8891 2007 F 020 8891 2686 E info@eickemeyer.co.uk www.eickemeyer.co.uk
Practice Matters 16
Centaur Services launches new mobile enabled website L
eading veterinary wholesaler Centaur Services has launched a new website that is fully accessible on smartphones, tablets and desktop devices and offers customers an improved, more user-friendly online experience along with a wealth of information about Centaur and its services. The design of www.centaurservices.co.uk utilises modern web technologies to create a responsive, fresh, contemporary website that’s easy to use and simple to navigate, replacing the company’s previous site which was not optimised for mobile devices. Existing Centaur customers can continue to log on to MyCentaur, the online ordering and reporting system, in the same way as before but will benefit from a variety of extra information about the services
Centaur offers, its interesting history, the latest company news and much more. “With over 97% of our orders being received online, providing our customers with an easy-to-use, responsive, attractive and interesting website was a high priority for us,” commented Paul O’Connor, Head of IT at Centaur Services. “Every element of our business is geared towards providing excellent customer service and we believe our new look website delivers this, as it allows our customers to access the information they need from a range of devices and locations. It’s also a much better shop window for Centaur as it communicates our range of added value services as well as key information about our wholesale offer and the core values that underpin everything we do.”
NEW EU LICENSED PROBIOTICS
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AVIPRO AVIAN for all birds and vet-only Pro-C Professional for rabbits and furries AVIPRO PLUS IS NOW PREBIOTIC ONLY - FOR ALL SPECIES
For more information about the Vetark range, please contact Vetark Professional +44-(0)1962-844316, or email: info@vetark.co.uk Visit the website: www.vetark.co.uk VSM ads2014.indd 1
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Practice Retail 17
Practice Matters 18
Bayer launches online webinar series: New perspectives on tackling bacterial infections S
ubsequent to a veterinary survey commissioned by Bayer Animal Health on the topic of antimicrobials and their use, Bayer is producing a range of educational resources, as part of the Veraflox What Lies Beneath campaign, to address commonly raised concerns, including those surrounding owner compliance, laboratory testing, and prescribing policies in different clinical scenarios. The research amongst 135 veterinary professionals highlights challenges faced when treating bacterial infections, from selecting the right antimicrobial, to struggling with owner compliance. 73 per cent1 of vets cited poor owner compliance as a frequent cause of treatment failure when tackling bacterial infections, and only five per cent1 of vets said that they send samples for culture and sensitivity testing routinely in cases where they suspect bacterial involvement. To address these issues whilst introducing a fresh perspective, the webinars feature expert speakers from a variety of disciplines within the veterinary profession, who tackle the approach to bacterial infections from different angles. Matt Jones, Microbiology Manager at IDEXX Laboratories leads the first series of short webinars, which focus on the importance of culture and sensitivity testing, and crucially how to interpret results from
these tests. Matt discusses the merits and drawbacks of various testing techniques available, both in-house and from external laboratories. The second webinar features Liz Watkins, founder of Chunk Training, a veterinary training provider who specialises in customer service. Liz provides useful communication tips to improve consultation technique and increase owner compliance when a course of antimicrobials has been prescribed. The third webinar by Ian Battersby, Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine at Davies Veterinary Specialists answers commonly asked questions submitted by vets about antibiotics. Questions range from how to adopt a practice antimicrobial policy, to how to decide when it is appropriate to use antibiotics in GI disease, and how to approach cases that are not responding as expected to antimicrobial treatment, and use specific clinical scenarios to illustrate key points. Hannah Watts, Group Product Manager at Bayer says ‘‘The issues highlighted by the research need to be addressed in order to help promote responsible antimicrobial use. One of the key findings from the survey was the relatively low number of culture and sensitivity tests that are routinely performed. This may in part be due to financial constraints, but in addition to assisting in appropriate
VetPlus International
antimicrobial selection, culture and sensitivity tests often save money for the client in the long run, as well as helping to resolve the condition as quickly as possible, leading to improved treatment outcomes for the pet.‘’ The webinars have been launched exclusively to veterinary professionals as part of the Veraflox,
support 2016 Paralympic
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hopeful Craig Wood
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raig Wood was posted to Afghanistan three weeks after his 18th birthday. Sadly, he was involved in a roadside bomb explosion 12 weeks later. This resulted in Craig losing both legs and his left forearm, earning him the unfortunate title of the youngest soldier ever injured in Afghanistan. VetPlus have worked with Craig for a number of years, and have recently just bought him a new set of sails to
facilitate his dream of competing in the 2016 Paralympics. Craig said; “Speed is absolutely essential in sailing, and keeping up to date with the latest technology is critical. Every year I get faster and more successful. I am currently in the podium potential Paralympic squad. My aim is to compete in the Paralympics in Brazil in 2016 and bring back a gold medal for Britain!”
What Lies Beneath campaign, which aims to help vets achieve bacteriological cure through education. The webinars are available now on the Bayer Animal Health Vet Portal and can be used towards CPD training. To view them, head to the Knowledge Centre at www.vetcentre. bayer.co.uk.
Out Of Hours Support
Out Of Hours Support Due to high demand from our veterinary practices, we can now offer OOH Emergency and Support Contracts covering critical imaging equipment Our new OOH 24/7 - 365 professional support services are designed to give peace of mind to busy practices that offer enhanced and out of hours Veterinary Care. In an ever changing and demanding market place, we will provide support and guidance to our customers when needed, any time of the day or night. For information on a level of agreement to suit your needs, please contact 01923 237521 during office hours.
Key Benefits • Planned recommended Maintenance Visits (PMV’s) to keep your Imaging equipment performing at its very best • Special discounted support rates in case of break down • On-line support by a qualified and fully trained specialist • Free software upgrades • Dedicated 24/7 imaging help desk • Preferential spare parts pricing
OOH TECHNICAL SUPPORT NUMBER 0845 8300911
t: 01923 237521 f: 01923 232216 w: www.plhmedical.co.uk
Social Media
Practice Matters 20
Preparing to sell your practice? We have got some quick tips for you!
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ockharts Solicitors understands that selling a Vet practice can be tiresome and time consuming for a Seller. Good news, below are tips to help you reduce the burden of selling and what you should consider to fully prepare yourself for the transaction: 1) Due diligence - Ensure you have the relevant documentations of your business. This is the time where you would need to promote your business across to the buyer as much as possible and key aspects you feel the Buyer should know about your business 2) Premises – Ability to provide information on your ownership of the premises and basis of this ownership to the Buyer’s legal representatives. Supplementary information would also be required in relation to disputes, party walls, boundaries,
planning and building regulation compliance, utilities, service contracts, charges, rent, health and safety, tax etc 3) Company – Consider the option of either transferring assets of your company to the Buyer and / or its company, or whether you will be selling the entire company along with the business and assets to the Buyer. Make sure you have the completed company accounts available for at least last 3 years 4) RCVS - Research into RCVS, utilise their resources and advice, and ensure that you are following best practice and the Code 5) CPD - Ensure that all staff CPD is recorded and kept on file, to show a Buyer that you invest in the continuing training of your staff 6) Statutory
Compliance
– Review your practice’s internal procedures and knowledge to ensure you and your practice are compliant prior to transaction 7) Staff – Ensure all your staff have written contracts in place, which are reviewed from time to time
9) Warrantees and Indemnities – Ensure you have all documentations leading up to the sale and that everything you tell the Buyer can be backed-up by your practice’s paperwork Let Lockharts advise you today.
8) Finances - Talk to your accountant prior to the transaction, and ensure your management and annual accounts are up to date. Discuss any additional cost-saving strategies with the accountant
T: 020 7383 7111 F: 020 7383 7117 E: csd@lockharts.co.uk www.lockharts.co.uk
complete wet food. All along Marie ensured that all new products were manufactured using the highest quality ingredients sourced in the UK. As part of the new deal, Deborah will exit having seen her investment grow threefold in as many years. Deborah says ‘Marie has created and built a superb business which has held true to its values of Quality and Innovation. I am very proud to have been part of their early journey and confident the new partnership are well placed to seriously impact this huge and growing market’. Marie says: ‘I am delighted to be joining such a strong,
professional and passionate team but more importantly for me was that we share the same ethics in our vision for the future of the business’. These values have helped the brand become a household name and Billy + Margot products are now sold in nearly 700 outlets in the UK and has achieved more recent export success with retail outlets and distributors in Europe and the Middle East. New products are about to be launched and the tie-up with The Company of Animals will enable these to be introduced to a far greater number of stockists in the UK and abroad.
Contact us today on:
Billy + Margot announces equity partnership with The Company of Animals
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he senior managers of The Company of Animals have acquired a majority stake in Billy + Margot in a strategic move to create a powerful new force in the pet industry. The Company of Animals have expanded rapidly in the last few years with its specialist dog training and behaviour ranges and the partnership with Billy + Margot will open up their global customer base access to a unique range of premium dog food and treats. Steve Driver, Managing Director of The Company of Animals says: ‘Billy + Margot bring fantastic innovation to the pet food sector, it’s a brand driven by its core values and an obsession with quality. Our partnership will see our sales and marketing efforts combined to ensure the range is
more widely available. We are very excited at the prospect of working alongside Marie as she has got an amazing passion and drive for her business as well as an educational background that enables her to bring brand new ideas and concepts to the pet food market going forward’ Founded just over three years ago by Marie Sawle, Billy + Margot found instant fame following Marie’s appearance on BBC Dragons’ Den. She secured a large investment from Deborah Meaden who saw massive potential in the first ever Iced treat for dogs. Since then, Billy + Margot have developed many other dog products including a range of venison treats, training biscuits, popcorn with seaweed, fish treats and, more recently, a range of
Size
Matters Dental Radiography
The iM3 CR 7 Vet Dental X-Ray Scanner, the only system with both true Size 4 and the new Size 5 image plates. Our plates are large enough to radiograph a full mouth in a medium to large dog in just 6 shots. Saving time in the practice while making sure you identify any and all pathology in your patients. • Highest Resolution (12,5 µm) • Scans intraoral sizes 0-5 • Special Rabbit - IPs available • VET- dental Software • Wireless model available – CR7 Plus • Comes with 10 network licenses, 2 year warranty and iM3 support • iM3 exclusive worldwide master distributor
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Companion Animal 22
Becoming an Approved weight management Centre By Sara Lole, veterinary business manager at ROYAL CANIN®
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n 2015 ROYAL CANIN’s® dedicated Weight Management Team launched an exciting new practice initiative to support practices in weight management. Sanctuary Vets in Portsmouth were one of the first practices in the UK to become an Approved Weight Management Centre as part of the programme The aim of the ROYAL CANIN® Approved weight management Centre initiative is to educate owners about what is a healthy body shape for their cat or dog, the risks associated with obesity andensuring that all vet practice staff are confident in providing tailored client information and the best levels of advice. To gain the accolade of Approved Weight Management Centre , a ROYAL CANIN® weight management specialist spends up to three days with a practice, coaching and training staff at all levels. Guided by experts in weight management, approved clinics provide all patients with a body condition score to support clients recognise if their pet is a healthy weight and to identify any changes at each consultation. At Sanctuary Vets A complimentary clinic service offers patients and their owners a 30 minute appointment
with a weight management nurse, followed by ongoing monitoring during recommended fortnightly appointments, personalised advice and telephone support. To help promote the message of healthy weight management, Sanctuary Vets are not only running complimentary clinics, but educating owners about prevention. Sue Burden, Nursing Director at Sanctuary Vets, hosts puppy parties and regularly discusses the risks of obesity, ensuring owners are aware of the risks of weight gain following neutering and how to manage this through diet. She explains: “We have had bespoke training for our team which has given them confidence in addition to educating them. This programme
allowed individuals to step outside their own comfort zone and develop new skills and the training prepared us for the learning curve ahead of communicating to clients and structuring our clinics. “It has also really helped break down barriers that were previously there in talking to clients about their pet’s weight. We find clients are now much more open with the team!” ROYAL CANIN Diets ROYAL CANIN’s Satiety’s unique formula and kibble means dogs feel “fuller” for longer when on a weight loss programme. A proteinrich, high fibre formulation plus the kibble’s adapted, low density texture promotes satiety for an extended period, reducing voluntary intakes.
Feline Satiety is available in innovative portion control sachets of kibble, as well as conventional bags. Royal CANIN’s Obesity Management diet is also available for cats and dogs in both dry and wet formats. It is a high protein diet which helps maintain muscle mass throughout the weight loss period. The diet also helps to maintain mobility in the stressed joints of overweight pets and contains high vitamin and mineral concentrations to compensate for the effect of ration restriction, ensuring optimal nutritional supply. To find out more about ROYAL CANIN® and the range of activities currently underway to support weight management in practice, re-register on the newly updated Vet Portal vetportal.royalcanin.co.uk
VETPLUS INTERNATIONAL announces two new distributor partnerships VOLUME 3 ISSUE 7 n VSM
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etPlus International is delighted to announce two new partnerships with an exclusive distributor for the Japanese market and also the Cyprus market. The Japanese market is widely regarded as being the second largest in the world after the USA with over twelve million dogs. This presents an excellent opportunity for growth with a new, committed partner. Neil Pullar Divisional Director for VetPlus International said; “This is a landmark partnership for VetPlus
international enabling us to access one of the most important markets worldwide. We have been patient in finding the perfect partners for VetPlus and are confident that the relationship will go from strength to strength. “The news of these new partnerships brings our total number of VetPlus distributors to 28. We are continuously looking to grow to increase our worldwide coverage and cement our presence as a global leader in veterinary nutraceuticals.”
You don’t have to be a vet to love Midmark The Midmark range for vets… Midmark, the leading manufacturer in the US, aims to support veterinary practices worldwide with professional equipment, education and training. The Midmark family of veterinary products represents an unswerving commitment to quality and value backed by over 100 years of healthcare and manufacturing and clinical use experience.
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call +44 (0) 1252 360 940
or email: animalhealthemea@midmark.com Midmark EMEA Ltd, Beech House, First Floor, East Wing, Ancells Business Park, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UN www.midmarkanimalhealth.com
Companion Animal 24
World Small Animal Veterinary Association Says Collaboration is Key in Global Rabies Fight
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n Word Rabies Day 2015, in high level global discussions Monday 28 September, and the production of educational the World Small Animal resources for veterinarians. It is Veterinary Association (WSAVA) also delivered through our member confirmed its commitment to colassociations, many of which are laboration and said that this is the in rabies-endemic countries and key to success in the fight against which are actively involved with Rabies. The Association is mobilizregional rabies control programs. ing its global veterinary community They include the Philippines Animal of 146,500 practising small animal Hospital Association, which is veterinarians to work alongside working with the government and a major international organizations number of voluntary organizations; spearheading global rabies control the Society of Companion Animal with the target of eliminating rabies Practitioners in Sri Lanka through by 2030. its work with the Blue Paw Trust; the Professor Michael Day chairs Veterinary Practitioners’ Association the WSAVA’s One Health and of Nepal, which works with the One Vaccination Guidelines Committees, Health Alliance in Nepal and the both active in rabies control. He Veterinary Practitioners’ Association explains: “The scale of human of Thailand through its involvement and animal suffering caused by with the Responsible Pet Owner this canine vaccine-preventable project.” infection should not be tolerated in “Our charitable WSAVA the 21st century and we believe that Foundation and its African Small working hand in hand with internaCompanion Animal Network tional organizations, human health (AFSCAN) project are also playing healthcare providers and charities is a strong role, particularly in Africa, the most effective to defeat1 it.”04/03/2014 working 15:19 closely with Mission 354 SFG Half Page Advert way ART_OL.ai “The WSAVA’s work on rabies Rabies, a charity doing much to control is delivered through our encourage the vaccination of dogs Committees, which are engaged and to increase awareness and
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understanding of rabies around the world.” Michael Day continued: “At a global level we are delighted to be working closely with the OIE, World Animal Protection, the International Companion Animal Management Coalition and the Global Alliance for Rabies Control (GARC) on rabies control projects and initiatives to help improve health education in rabies-endemic countries. We are, for instance encouraging our members to undertake GARC’s Rabies Educator Certificate, a free online course which supports the dissemination of accurate, life-saving information regarding rabies to at-risk communities throughout the world.” He concluded: “World Rabies
Day 2015 is an opportunity to reflect on great progress made this year through teamwork and partnership, but to recognize the scale of the task ahead. Rabies still causes up to 59,000 human deaths every year and the vaccination of dogs remains the most cost-effective single intervention to protect humans from contracting the disease. The WSAVA’s global community of veterinarians is committed to playing its part, together with our partners, to continue the fight against this dreadful disease.” The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is an umbrella organization representing 146,500 veterinarians globally through 96 member associations.
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Dogs Bubb and Ching from Cornwall named Britain’s most playful pets! Nationwide competition set up by National Office of Animal Health with guest judges including the RSPCA
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fter searching for Britain’s most playful pets as part of its ‘I Heart My Pet’ campaign, the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) is pleased to announce they’ve found them in Bubb and Ching, two Hungarian Vizslas from Cornwall. The winners were selected from over 430 entries by a panel of judges which included the Mayhew Animal Home and Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of Companion Animals Department (CAD), RSPCA. The dog’s love of walking and searching for their favourite toys caught the judges’ attention during the competition, which ran as part of NOAH’s Happy, Healthy Pets Project – an online gallery aiming to build the UK’s largest ever picture of pet health. Bubb and Ching beat off hundreds of other entries from pet owners across the nation by helping to prove that when it comes to happy and healthy pets, playtime is key. Bubb and Ching’s proud
owner Rose of Cornwall said: “Bubb and Ching absolutely love to be out in the fresh Cornish air. If we’re not going for a long walk, we’ll be swimming in the sea or playing hide-and-seek with their favourite toys. I feel that it’s really important that Bubb and Ching are stimulated both in mind and body, so when it’s a lousy day weather-wise we’ll hide their favourite toys in the house for them to find.” Bubb and Ching’s vet, David Ellis added: “When it comes to keeping pets happy and healthy, exercise and diet are key. Bubb and Ching’s owners are very dedicated to their dogs, ensuring they have a balanced diet and plenty of exercise to keep them stimulated, so it’s great to see their efforts being recognised. They also bring them for regular check-ups to make sure they are in the best of health. It’s really important for all owners to do this as it means their pets are in the best condition.”
Feeding a diabetic agility dog By Erin Biss, veterinary nurse and veterinary marketing assistant at ROYAL CANIN®
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iabetes mellitus affects an estimated 0.25-1% of the dog and cat population, occurring when insufficient insulin is produced by the pancreas (Type 1 disease) or when there is a failure of peripheral body cells to respond to insulin (Type 2 disease). The condition is more commonly seen in older dogs and cats and certain breeds are predisposed. The majority of diabetic dogs suffer from a Type 1-like disease but around 80% of diabetic cats have a Type 2-like disease. Trixie, a Jack Russell Pug cross, was diagnosed with diabetes at 15 weeks-old and her condition is continually stabilised through Insulin and ROYAL CANIN® Diabetic food. Her diabetes has not held her back, in fact she is racing up the grades in agility and is now at Championship level Grade 7 and earlier this year competed at Crufts for the first time. Experienced handler and vet Kate Davidson owns Trixie, and started training her for agility at 9-10 months old, and she first competed at 18 months old, working her way up the grades competing in both team and singles competitions. This year, Trixie and her junior handler, Kate’s
nine year old daughter, participated in Crufts Junior Agility event. Kate explained: “All the other competitors are aware of her condition, so everyone knows to keep an eye out for any signs of a hypoglycaemic episode.” Once fully grown, Trixie was prescribed ROYAL CANIN® Diabetic dry food, a diet specifically designed for adult dogs with Diabetes Mellitus. The diet aims to improve insulin sensitivity and control post prandial hyperglycemia by using a combination of low glycaemic index carbohydrates such as barley. ROYAL CANIN® Diabetic food has a high protein level to promote conservation of lean muscle mass which can deteriorate in obese and overweight animals and provide energy for the animal, also containing a high level of antioxidants. Diabetes Mellitus increases oxidative stress on the body cells and a high level of antioxidants helps to neutralize these free radicals. Marianne Lomberg, Veterinary Marketing Manager for ROYAL CANIN®, comments: “Trixie is proof that a diagnosis of diabetes need not hold an animal back. Supported with the right treatment and choosing the right nutrition plan, an animal’s quality of
life can be significantly improved.” An online support tool to help pet owners track home care of a diabetic pet In April this year, ROYAL CANIN® launched a new online tool for the owners of diabetic cats and dogs to track the home care of their pets, thus giving the veterinary team greater visibility of what happens between visits to the practice. The diabetic module forms part of Vet Follow Up, free software already used by over 900 practices to support their patients through the weight loss process.
Vet Follow Up Diabetic allows owners to record the time of insulin injections and meals, the success of insulin injections and the pet’s daily food intake. This information is all displayed on a single page in graph format for the veterinarian, allowing the veterinary team to spot trends and problems at a glance. For more information about ROYAL CANIN®’s range of Diabetic diets or about getting Vet Follow Up software for your practice, visit vetportal.co.uk or contact your veterinary business manager.
Companion Animal 27
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MILA Long Term Catheters will soon be specific to Small Animal or Large Animal. The chart below will help you determine which to order. All kits will contain: Catheter, scalpel, introducer, guidewire, dilator, needle free caps, suture wings, and gauze. SMALL ANIMAL KITS include a fenestrated drape and 3-0 suture. LARGE ANIMAL KITS include a larger introducer and 2-0 suture.
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nimalcare recently added to its already extensive range of veterinary antibiotics with the launch of Clavubactin® for dogs and cats*. The product is the only potentiated amoxicillin in the UK that allows for optimum dosing across all 3 tablet strengths. The use of SmartTab technology increases accuracy still further with a 4-way tablet split for easy dosing, whatever the weight of the animal. Clavubactin is available in three optimum strengths, containing in combination 62.5, 312.5 and 625mg (50/12.5, 250/62.5 and 500/125mg of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid respectively). The increased combined level of active ingredients, compared to
some other clavulanate-amoxicillin products on the market, achieves recommended target weight dosing (doses always kept at 12.5mg/kg), even with animals of greater weight, minimising the risk of underdosing. All 3 tablets in the Clavubactin range are divisible into halves or quarters. This facilitates easy and accurate dosing of all sizes of dogs and cats, from as low as 1kg bodyweight (¼ tablet Clavubactin 50) to 50kg (1 tablet Clavubactin 500) and above. Economical and accurate dosing leads to increased client compliance, while the non-meat based flavoured tablets are appropriate for animals with food sensitivities. The tablets come
in aluminium blister strips of ten tablets in five packaging presentations (Clavubactin 50 and 250 are available in 100 and 250 tablet packs and Clavubactin 500 in 100 tablets). Animalcare Product Manager Tony Liepman said “Clavubactin allows for optimum target weight dosing and together with the accuracy enabled by SmartTabs easy 4-way split, this gives peace of mind to both vet and client.” Clavubactin joins Animalcare’s extensive range of veterinary pharmaceuticals and Animal Health products, which includes such well-known names as Aqupharm and idENTICHIP, as well as antimicrobials: Cephacare
flavour, Amoxycare, Oxycare tablets, Trimacare, Enrocare and Marbocare flavour. All three presentations of Clavubactin, are available in wholesalers now at a competitive price. The product is supported by dosage charts and dispensing envelopes (the latter is available on request). For further information contact Animalcare on 01904 487687, or speak to your regional Animalcare representative (found on our interactive map within the Contact Us page www.animalcare.co.uk/contact-us). *Clavubactin 50mg is licensed for cats and dogs. The 250 and 500mg formulation is licensed for dogs only.
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Animalcare increases its antibiotics range by adding a potentiated Amoxicillin
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Put firework fear on the back burner this bonfire night with a range of products for anxious pets!
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s the fireworks season seemingly gets longer every year, the sight of petrified, firework-phobic pets is becoming all too common. However, the UK’s leading pet experts at The Company of Animals, has the perfect toolkit to calm anxious pets, including therapeutic wraps that harness the power of acupressure, a sounds CD to desensitise pets to the burst of fireworks and natural, homeopathic treatments. The features;
fear-busting
toolkit
Anxiety Wrap® A lightweight, breathable pressure wrap especially designed to calm anxious, excitable, or fearful dogs – and fast! Anxiety Wrap uses scientifically proven
acupressure on key points of the dog’s body, as well as gentle maintained pressure to relieve stress. Made from 98 per cent polyester and two per cent Spandex, it is comfortable and non-restrictive, enabling dogs to run and jump but banishes irrational fears. Quiet Dog™ Like the Anxiety Wrap, the Quiet Dog facial wrap uses acupressure to create a calming effect. Designed by American T.T. practitioner Susan Sharp to be a “gentle shush” solution to calm anxious barking, this wrap is non-restrictive and allows animals to, eat, drink, pant and yawn normally. Combined with the therapeutic hug of the Anxiety Wrap, Quiet Dog produces an even stronger reassuring effect than either product alone.
CLIX Noises and Sounds CD This training CD is recommended by Dr. Roger Mugford and vets as the best way to help familiarise dogs to scary sounds and to desensitise them to noisy environments during the fireworks season. The CD comes with comprehensive training instructions for owners, as well as demonstrations on You Tube, and 30 different threeminute tracks, featuring fireworks and gunfire, household appliances and even crying babies! HomeoPet Anxiety TFLN These all-natural drops were developed by a respected homeopathic veterinary surgeon, Dr Tom Farrington, and have been proven effective in objective clinical trials to be a safe and gentle alternative to drugs and can even be taken in the dog’s water. Each bottle
contains 320 drops, sufficient for 20 treatments. All of these great tried-andtested noise phobia remedies can be purchased through your wholesaler or local pet shop. The Company of Animals behaviour team have also released a list of 10 top tips for owners to put in place during the run-up to fireworks season, you can find this on the website: www.companyofanimals.co.uk/fireworks For more information about The Company of Animals’ pioneering pet products and worldrenowned behaviour team, or for advice regarding a pet who is scared of the firework season, visit www.companyofanimals.co.uk or call the Animal Behaviour Centre on 01932 574293
Elanco launches Osurnia® a revolution in otitis externa treatment
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lanco Animal Health has launched Osurnia®, an easy to use revolutionary treatment which will drive compliance when treating canine otitis externa infections. Compliance with daily ear drops has been shown to be poor,
with up to 80% of owners administering the incorrect dose to their pet. The most common reason for a lack of compliance is the difficultly in applying or the challenge in applying the drops1. Osurnia has the potential to significantly improve compliance in treating otitis externa. This is due
to its convenient, two-dose administration schedule a week apart, which will enable veterinary surgeons to take control of canine otitis externa treatment. With other medications, owners must treat their dogs with five to 28 doses of medication throughout the course of treatment2. Osurnia is a first line treatment that can be prescribed with confidence. It contains a unique gel formulation of three active ingredients. These include the antibiotic florfenicol, which is new to companion animal treatment in the UK, terbinafine, which inhibits the growth of yeast as demonstrated for Malassezia spp., and the glucocorticosteroid, betamethasone acetate, to help relieve discomfort. Moreover, the innovative gel formulation is a unique treatment for otitis externa as the sustained release gel provides optimal distribution of the treatment throughout the ear canal with less mess. Osurnia is easy to use and is administered in a pre-measured, single-dose tube ensuring the right dose every time. It has a flexible, soft tip that is gentle on a dog’s ears making treatment
with Osurnia a comfortable experience for the dog. The gel formulation squeezes out of the tube and spreads through the ear, adhering inside the ear canal for long-lasting action. It is the same dose for any dog, regardless of size and weight. “Otitis externa is a common challenge for both vets and clients, with ear infections among the ten most frequent reasons for dogs to be presented with vets, affecting up to 20% of dogs3,” comments Alice Laurens, DVM MRCVS, dermatology marketing manager at Elanco Animal Health. “Osurnia is an innovative, effective treatment that is administered in just two doses ensuring it is much more convenient for pet owners thereby increasing the likelihood that they will complete the entire treatment schedule leading to more comfortable dogs and peace of mind for owners.” Elanco has produced a client leaflet on treating otitis externa with Osurnia. For further information, or to order client leaflets, please contact your local Elanco Animal Health Territory Manager or email elancoCAH.uk@elanco.com
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International Society of Feline Medicine ‘Easy to Give’ Awards N
orbrook® are “meowing” from the rooftops at the recent announcement of the very prestigious “Easy to Give” award that has been presented to Loxicom® oral suspension for cats. In order to gain the award Loxicom® had to go to a panel of 50 member practices to be tested on cats and get feedback from owners and vets. It is well known that cats are notoriously difficult to administer pharmaceutical products to and sadly not all are as delicious as a mouse, or Loxicom® in this case! Norbrook® have joined a select group listed on the ISFM easy to give list making it an even more popular choice for vets globally. The awards took place on the 11th September at Kensington roof gardens. The award was accepted by Chris Geddes, Marketing Manager and Rachel Crowe, Senior Product Manager.
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New on-farm sheep lameness control assessment tool will help pinpoint flock management weaknesses
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K sheep producers now have a straightforward way of evaluating the effectiveness of their lameness control strategy, thanks to the availability of a new flock assessment tool from MSD Animal Health (known as Merck Animal Health in the US and Canada). According to the company’s technical manager, John Atkinson MRCVS, the practical new ‘Lameness Control On-Farm Planner’ – developed in conjunction with FAI Farms – offers sheep farmers and their advisers a simple, yet highly visual ‘where are you now’ method of identifying whether a lameness management protocol is unbalanced in any way. “The industry-accepted five-point sheep lameness reduction plan gives shepherds a clear management strategy and a practical protocol for reducing the incidence of this costly problem. However, it can be quite difficult to assess where you are sometimes with existing control approaches, but this new questionnaire-based tool will pinpoint areas of weakness. It is also designed to promote discussion between farmer and adviser over the best action plan for any given flock,” he says.
The assessment scores current farm practice within each of the five points that make up the sheep lameness reduction plan: culling; treatment; quarantine; avoidance and vaccination. “Higher scores show you are doing well in those areas of the five point plan. Lower scores highlight the weaknesses and the areas you should focus on in future,” Mr Atkinson says. In the example shown, two out of the five action points have been carried out well, but the lameness issue has not been reduced as much as was hoped, causing frustration. The outcome pentagon explains why, highlighting weaker implementation in terms of the culling and quarantine practices on the farm. “This shows that if the farmer now focuses on improving culling and quarantine practices, plus a little extra attention to the treatment protocol, then the lameness situation within the flock should improve significantly,” Mr Atkinson explains. Sheep producers interested in finding out more should contact their vet or local animal health adviser, who will help work through the lameness control planner.
Vetstream Recruit to Develop New Digital Reference Content Service
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etstream, a leading supplier of digital reference content to the veterinary profession, has appointed vet Mrs Ruth Clark to develop ‘Bovis’, a new pointof-care resource for cattle aimed at vets specialising in cattle and general livestock. Bovis will complement its existing peer-reviewed clinical resources, Canis (for dogs), Felis (for cats), Lapis (for rabbits) and Equis (for horses) and is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2016. Ruth graduated from Liverpool Vet School in 2004 before gaining experience in large, mixed and small animal practice. She has also worked with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. She is currently developing a content plan for Bovis and sourcing contributors. Canis, Felis, Lapis and Equis are subscription-based services, featuring content from more than 900 leading veterinary clinicians from around the world. They are updated
weekly and are accessible from any internet-enabled device. According to Vetstream, Bovis will be the first of a range a livestock services to run alongside them. Dr G Mark Johnston MRCVS, Managing Director, explained: “As they spend so much time out of the practice, either on farm or travelling between clients, we aim to support livestock vets by providing them with species-specific clinical reference services for the animals they care for - and which they can access anytime through their smart device. We are delighted to appoint Ruth to develop Bovis. She will be working with experienced clinicians as contributors and also with companies and associations in order to ensure that we develop a resource which is geared specifically to the requirements of livestock vets.” Ruth Clark added: “I have secured a number of distinguished clinicians to contribute and
peer-review Bovis content and am looking forward to creating a truly excellent resource for both bovine and livestock practitioners and for vet students, and will be looking to work with additional contributors and companies in due course.” In addition to Canis, Felis, Equis and Lapis, Vetstream offers a range of digital resources to the veterinary profession. Its Vetacademy e-learning service offers e-learning modules and online videos from some of the world’s leading veterinary CPD providers, including The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine, Elsevier, the North American Veterinary Community and Improve International, and its Webpartner service specialises in the development of professional and accessible websites for veterinary practices and related businesses and organisations.
OIE Farm/Large Animal SPECIFIC CONTAINS
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New ProteqFlu® contains a Richmond 1/07 flu strain, and is the first and only licensed vaccine to do so. Richmond 1/07 belongs to Florida Clade 2, the group of antigenically related viruses responsible for almost all equine flu outbreaks in Europe since 2011.1 Containing both Florida Clade 1 and Clade 2 virus strains, new ProteqFlu® is now the only vaccine fully aligned with 2014 OIE recommendations.1
Reference: 1. OIE Expert Surveillance Panel on Equine Influenza Vaccine Composition, OIE Headquarters, 4 March 2013. Available at: http://www.oie.int/our-scientific-expertise/specific-information-and-recommendations/equine-influenza/ (accessed August 2014). OIE = World Organisation for Animal Health
Use Medicines Responsibly Merial Animal Health Ltd CM19 5TG, UK. ProteqFlu® and ProteqFlu®-Te are registered trademarks of Merial Ltd. © Merial 2014. All rights reserved. Legal category UK. POM-V , IE- POM . New ProteqFlu®–Te contains Influenza A/eq/Ohio/03, Influenza A/eq/Richmond/1/07, Clostridium tetani toxoid. New ProteqFlu® contains Influenza A/eq/Ohio/03; Influenza. Read packaging before use. For further information call the Merial Customer Support Centre on 0845 6014236
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NEW
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VETS AND FARMERS PLAY KEY ROLE IN ACHIEVING NORTHERN IRELAND BRUCELLOSIS FREE STATUS
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ollowing the EU declaration that Northern Ireland is Officially Brucellosis Free (OBF) (9 September) the British Veterinary Association and BVA Northern Ireland Branch commend the hard work of farmers, ministers and local vets in eradicating this disease affecting both animals and humans from Northern Ireland. Veterinary surgeons play a vital role in the surveillance, control and research into animal diseases and diseases of public health significance and BVA and BVA Northern Ireland
Branch caution that there is no room for complacency from the organisations and individuals involved in the health and welfare of livestock. BVA President John Blackwell said: “This is a welcome announcement and we congratulate our vet colleagues in Northern Ireland for their part in achieving OBF status, it’s taken a real and collaborative effort and commitment of vets, farmers, and government ministers and officials, including former Chief
New study aims to improve lives of dairy donkeys
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he Donkey Sanctuary has begun a collaboration with a team led by Dr Michela Minero at the University of Milan to research donkey milk farming protocols. The study aims look at ways to improve the lives of dairy donkeys by driving consumer demand for kinder and more responsible farming practices. Donkey milk farming is a growing sector, especially in parts of Continental Europe; this is raising many concerns for the welfare of the donkeys involved. Andy Foxcroft, Director of Care and Welfare says: “To better understand the situation of donkeys used for milking, their offspring and the jacks used for breeding we are supporting a yearlong research project looking at welfare, legislation and safety issues of milk farming in Italy”. The scientists involved are established researchers undertaking national and international projects on animal welfare, including a recent EU funded research project (Animal Welfare Indicators - AWIN) that has led to the development of indicators for donkey welfare assessment. In order to achieve the goals of the project, the researchers have so far visited eight different farms to; understand the key
Veterinary Officer Bert Houston and current CVO Robert Huey to eradicate the disease. “We now encourage all vets and farmers to continue to be ever vigilant against the incursion of disease and ensure all the correct biosecurity measures are still kept in place. We also hope that the rest of Britain looks to this proven example as a way of controlling and eradicating other infectious diseases that impact on both animals and humans.” Simon Doherty President of BVA Northern Ireland Branch said:
RABDF survey reveals 50% of producers set quit dairy farming
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requirements of donkey milk and its demand on a demographic basis, conduct donkey welfare assessments using donkey-based indicators developed within the AWIN project, gather data about the husbandry of donkey stallions, both as studs and those surplus to breeding and to collect information regarding the donkeys’ final destination when leaving the milk farm. The researchers accessed farms with very different management characteristics and saw many examples of ancient local breeds. All the farmers agreed to take part in the study on a voluntary basis. The research continues to progress in a bid to achieve goals set by the project.
“This is a significant milestone for everyone working with livestock in Northern Ireland and we strongly support the CVO’s comments on the need for farmers to keep up the excellent standards of biosecurity they have achieved and local vets will continue to work with farmers to maintain those standards and to ensure disease surveillance as well remains of the highest standard.” The eradication of Brucellosis from Northern Ireland will save the public £15 million a year.
lmost half of Britain’s dairy farmers are scheduled to leave the sector and 45% of the remaining half planning to continue in production have put their expansion plans on hold, according to an intentions survey carried out by the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers. “Forty nine per cent of producers see no future for themselves if current farmgate prices persist for the next six months leaving Britain with approximately 5,000 dairy farms, of which half have no confidence in immediate investment,” reports RABDF vice chairman, Mike King. “Those intentions could result in the industry with insufficient critical mass and consumers short of British liquid milk and dairy produce.” The RABDF survey concluded, in general, that it was the producers with all year calving herds and a level profile contract who planned to leave, whilst those with aligned contracts and or low cost production systems believed their business had a future. Reasons for planning to quit ranged from base price well below cost of production,
long hours for very little financial return, the banks were unwilling to give further assistance, to no successor so why continue. Lack of surplus cash was the simple answer from the majority of those who indicated they intended to put their expansion plans on hold. “The loss of dairy farmers continues abated with 434 quitting in the last 12 months during which period over £1 billion has been wiped off farmgate incomes due to falling milk prices,” says Mr King. “These price trends are multifactorial; we have to accept commodity volatility in the global marketplace and other influences outwith our control and factor them into our long term business plans. “However supermarket discounting has also been among the key price influences. Whilst we welcome the support for liquid milk that some supermarkets have demonstrated in the last few weeks, we continue to urge all retailers to pay all farmers a fair price for milk for processing – one which covers cost of production and leaves sufficient for investment purposes.”
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Ewe blood tests reveal hidden diseases
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n underlying disease was a significant cause of barrenness or abortion in ewes last year according to an analysis of the latest diagnostic results released by MSD Animal Health (known as Merck Animal Health in the United States and Canada). Blood samples from 500 UK sheep farms were tested during 2014 when the EXPERTISTM Barren EweCheck and FlockCheck diagnostic services (subsidised by MSD Animal Health) were made available to vets. According to the data, more than 81 percent of the flocks tested showed evidence of exposure to the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which causes toxoplasmosis. The data also show that 52 percent of flocks had been exposed to Chlamydophila abortus bacteria, the organism causing enzootic abortion (EAE); 43 percent of flocks had been exposed to both organisms. “These latest diagnostic results highlight the continuing
widespread prevalence of these financially damaging diseases in the national flock and we urge all sheep producers to discuss their individual farm situation with their vet, well in advance of the autumn tupping season,” says MSD Animal Health technical manager John Atkinson MRCVS. Toxoplasmosis remains a key cause of barrenness as well as infectious abortion in UK sheep flocks. The disease is a real drain on profits. “Toxoplasmosis can cause abortions, barrenness, reabsorptions, mummified foetuses, stillbirths and weakly lambs. Sheep pick up the infection from the environment and so normal biosecurity measures are not enough to control the disease. Infected cats shed toxoplasma eggs in their faeces and sheep become infected when they ingest these eggs from contaminated pasture, feed and water,” Mr Atkinson says. Another underlying disease problem that often manifests itself
as significant early lamb losses is enzootic abortion (EAE). “EAE is caused by Chlamydophila abortus bacteria. The disease can cause devastating abortion storms affecting approximately 25 percent of ewes. Once a flock has the disease it is likely it will never disappear due to its persistence in carrier sheep. The disease usually arrives on farm through replacements and is passed on from ewe to ewe at lambing time. If an unvaccinated ewe is infected she will more than likely abort in the next pregnancy. Vaccination of already infected ewes reduces the risk of abortion and bacterial shedding thus reducing the chance of transmission to their lambs and the rest of the flock.” Mr Atkinson urges any sheep producers who recorded a flock barren rate greater than 2 percent last season to talk to their vet for advice, even if diagnostic blood samples have not been taken. Ask for help too if any ewes aborted lambs during lambing, he
says.
“If either toxoplasmosis or EAE has been diagnosed in a flock, vaccination is the most effective way to help protect against these diseases for future years. The TOXOVAX® vaccine is known to protect the ewe against toxoplasmosis for at least two lambing seasons and, conveniently, can be given up until three weeks before tupping. “The ENZOVAX® vaccine helps protect the ewe for at least three years against EAE and can be given to ewe lambs intended for breeding from five months of age. Animals should be vaccinated at least four weeks prior to tupping,” Mr Atkinson advises.
Improve International launches OCQ(V) to help Official Veterinarians deliver Cymorth TB in Wales
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mprove International, the veterinary CPD specialist which handles Official Veterinarians (OV) training in England, Scotland and Wales, has launched a new OCQ(V) to prepare OVs to deliver Cymorth TB, a Welsh Government initiative which provides advice, support and bespoke veterinary interventions for all Welsh cattle keepers in the fight against bovine TB. The new OCQ(V) aims to minimise the impact of bovine TB, clear up breakdowns more rapidly and to prevent the disease from spreading. It equips OVs with the skills to provide support and advice to farmers whose cattle have TB, whose neighbours have TB or to maintain Officially TB Free (OTF) status. It is open to all vets but expected to be taken mainly by Welsh veterinary surgeons already appointed as OVs to undertake TB testing of cattle and other species. Revalidation is required every two years. Commenting, Sue Hay MRCVS, Head of Practical Skills Training at Improve International, said: “ In order to carry out Cymorth TB-related work for the Welsh Government, vets must
hold this qualification though the knowledge gained will also be useful in related areas. They must also hold the existing OCQ(V) Essential Skills foundation module applicable to all OVs and the OCQ(V) in Tuberculin Testing. “The new qualification enables vets to build on their knowledge, giving them the information and training they require to deliver a high quality, herd healthfocussed, disease-management farm visit to affected farmers as part of the Cymorth programme. Topics covered include the TB disease management process; farm/herd biosecurity and informed purchasing.” Professor Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer of Wales, added: “The OCQ(V) has been funded by the Welsh Government and will be available in both English and Welsh. The Welsh Government is offering a number of subsidised places and more information will be made available through the Veterinary Delivery Partners. Cymorth TB is a key component of our TB Eradication Programme.” Ifan Lloyd, a senior partner at St James Vet Group, Swansea
and one of the first Welsh vets to qualify for the OCQ(V), said: “Holders of the OCQ(V) Cymorth TB are focused on providing primary health care for the herd. The enhanced support programme builds on the existing working relationship between veterinary practices and their farmer clients; their understanding of the health of the herd and their knowledge of the local disease situation.” OV training is developed by Improve International, a veterinary CPD specialist, in conjunction with its assessment partner the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and Harper Adams University, which validates the qualifications.
Improve was appointed to handle OV registration and training in England, Scotland and Wales by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) in 2014. It has launched 11 separate OCQ (V) s covering a variety of topics important for OVs, including a couple of modules which form the foundation for the rest of the courses. Individuals or employers fund their own OV training but benefit from the fact that they can access the majority of course content 24/7 online at a convenient time and without having to be absent from the practice. More information is available at www. improve-ov.com.
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Clinical & Surgical 40
Dental Radiography – Quick and Simple T
he Nomad Pro 2 Veterinary handheld X-ray generator is perfect for achieving the angles necessary for quality dental radiographs. Two rechargeable battery handsets means the Nomad is always ready to go. Any table is potentially an X-ray table, subject to local rules. As it is so light and portable, the Nomad is also very useful in theatre for checking placement of implants, without moving the patient as it can be used with your existing CR plates for taking radiographs of limbs for example. This useful device can be used to check cats’ spines, rats’ tails, reptiles, a quick check of a suspected tumour on a dog’s toe whilst he is still in the kennels and awake, post op load bearing images of dogs’ implants with a CR plate placed vertically behind the limb. You will find that you use the Nomad for a lot more than dental procedures! The Nomad is manufactured in the USA and was launched in 2004. Clark Dental introduced the Nomad
to the UK in 2006 and now there are hundreds in use in the UK and Ireland. Each is tested before being delivered and training is given to ensure safe use. The Schick 33 DR sensor system is the perfect dental partner for the Nomad. The sensor is available in 3 sizes and plugs into the USB port of your PC or laptop. Place the sensor in the patient’s mouth, fire the Nomad at it and your image appears on screen in around 5 seconds with no processing of any kind required. Clear, diagnostic images take the guesswork out of dental procedures. Save wasted time that would otherwise be spent trying to remove a resorbed root for example and give the patient the best possible diagnosis and treatment using the right tools for the job. The Schick 33 sensor provides an industry leading image quality and has 5 years’ warranty on the sensor itself. The sensor is supplied with a cable attached plus a user
changeable, spare sensor cable, meaning your investment will last for many years. Clark Dental has a dedicated support desk and software support for 12 months is included in the price, along with cloud backup of images. Take your dental procedures to the next level with 21st century technology, enabling better
communication with owners, better diagnostic radiographs and better outcomes for your patients. Contact Clark Dental today to arrange a demonstration of the Nomad Pro 2 Veterinary handheld X-ray generator and the Schick 33 DR system by calling 01270 613750 or emailing info@clarkdentalsales. co.uk
idENTICHIP launches a new slimline microchip with enhanced read range for smaller species
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dENTICHIP, the UK’s original pet microchip, is bringing a new generation of mini microchips to the market this summer. idENTICHIP Ultra combines the benefits of a slimline microchip with enhanced read range capabilities for the ultimate mini microchip solution. The new and unique microchip is 1.4mm wide and is inserted with a 15 gauge needle which is 50% slimmer than the needle used with standard microchips. The length of the mini microchip has been increased to 10.3mm so that the longer ferrite rod (which boosts the signal to the microchip scanner) can give the optimum read range for a mini microchip. idENTICHIP Ultra complements the existing range which includes standard idENTICHIP and idENTICHIP with Bio Thermo - the UK’s only temperature sensing microchip. The new addition has been designed to offer a slimline microchipping solution for small species and breeds with a reduced compromise on read range. Beverley Campbell,
idENTICHIP and ANIBASE Product Manager comments: “We recognised the increasing trend for slimmer microchips and the benefit this offers for small species and breeds. We also know that mini microchips have a reduced read range which could ultimately lead to a microchip not being detected so we wanted to challenge this and bring a solution to the market. idENTICHIP Ultra is as slim as the other mini microchips currently being offered but the increased length gives us a read range up to 24% further*. We firmly believe that there is a place for mini microchips in the market and while we have enhanced the read range versus other mini brands we still believe that standard size microchips should be used in larger animals. We would encourage implanters to always choose a microchip size suitable for that particular animal in relation to its size now and when fully grown.” With Compulsory Microchipping of Dogs due to be introduced in England, Scotland and Wales from April 2016 awareness of the process is increasing but the
Needle 15 Gauge
Needle 12 Gauge
Microchip 1.4mm x 10.3mm
Microchip 2.1mm x 12mm
team at idENTICHIP still feel there is a lot of education required to ensure dog owners are prepared for the legislation. A range of promotional materials including informative leaflets, posters, letter templates and digital stickers are all available to raise awareness and increase
demand for microchipping. idENTICHIP Ultra is available in a sterile packed syringe style implanter with a detachable needle for sharps disposal. For further information speak to your Animalcare Representative.
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Synoquin has been used for over 15 years by more pet owners and recommended by more vets than any other joint supplement. The only supplement to contain Dexahan®, a purified Krill Oil. Synoquin EFA provides a proven* yet safe, first line approach to maintaining healthy joints. This provides not only a great source of highly bioavailable Omega -3 fatty acids, but also Astaxanthin an extremely powerful antioxidant proven to help with joint discomfort. Available in tasty chewable tablet or sprinkle capsule, Synoquin EFA allows dogs to stay happy and active even in later life.
SYNOQUIN® EFA * McCarthy et al (2006) Randomised double-blind, positive-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate for the treatment of dogs with osteoarthritis. The Veterinary Journal 174(1):54-61.
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Clinical & Surgical 42
Multi-purpose Vital Signs Monitoring from Midmark F rom diagnostic to multiparameter monitoring, Cardell® technology is designed to quickly and efficiently provide accurate and consistent readings. With veterinary specific algorithms and exclusive Cardell® Blood Pressure technology, the Cardell® Touch Monitor has been created to make anaesthetic procedures safer and more efficient. A 10.5” touch screen with re-designed menus and improved controls allows for simplistic and condensed navigational systems, giving you even greater control over the information received. A lightweight construction ensures effortless portability and storage, and an integrated USB port allows for high speed downloading of patient data. With the similarly compact,
easily transportable design and intuitive interface that you can expect from the Cardell® range, the Cardell® 9401 and 9402 blood pressure monitors provide systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure and heart rate data in seconds. The improved 9402 Monitor features Nellcor® all-digital OxiMax® SpO2 technology, which is designed to provide superior accuracy and works in low perfusion and during patient motion. Both monitors store the last 5 hours of activity, or 99 minutes of readings, and include 13 cuffs in 7 different sizes. If you would like more information on the vital signs monitor range from Midmark, please telephone +44 (0) 1252 360 940 or alternatively e-mail Animalhealthemea@midmark. com.
Specialising in sympathy cards for pets Having worked within the Veterinary Profession for 20 years, I know how much client’s appreciate receiving a condolence card after the loss of a pet. Combining my background knowledge along with my love for watercolour painting I have produced an individual range of quality cards, which are exceptional value for money and are very different to others available to the veterinary market, making this a sympathetic way to promote your practice. The cards are printed on a stylish textured surface measuring 140mm x 140mm, with envelopes provided.
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They can be supplied with a simple verse inside or left blank for your own message or insert. Personalisation is available on all orders, please contact us for details. WAYSIDE, 2 THE LOKE, DITCHINGHAM, BUNGAY, SUFFOLK. NR35 2QS. UNITED KINGDOM Tel: 01986 893953 | Fax: 01986 893953 | Email:sarah@sarahbrowncards.co.uk | www.veterinarysympathycards.com
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Clinical & Surgical 44
Treatment products for mainstream exotics
E
xotics, children’s pets, small furries or small mammals, call them what you will, this endearing range of creatures are no longer the preserve of a small number of enthusiasts nor the minority pets that they were of a couple of generations ago; they are now seen as mainstream veterinary practice visitors. Indeed rabbits have elevated themselves into third position behind cats and dogs in the ‘most popular pet’ league table. No longer is their veterinary care something of a lottery. Clients are now expecting, and vets are delivering, not only a high level of veterinary knowledge but a willingness to become involved in treating this group of pets. One only needs to look at the range of text books dedicated to the specific ailments, diseases, treatments and surgical procedures of rabbits, ferrets, small rodents and other ‘exotics’ to be aware of the information now currently available or the high quality CPD being offered in these areas, to appreciate how far our profession has moved to embrace these pets. Being armed with this information is one thing but having the medical arsenal to put it into practice is another. Pharmaceutical companies have taken up the challenge and many species specific drugs and vaccines are available.
There are, however, still many more conditions where ‘off-licence’ use of conventional drugs is the accepted protocol, and proven to be highly effective. For those vets treating these small mammals, it is always good news, therefore, to discover that there are products out there specifically licenced for use in ‘exotics’; products which will add to their choice of treatment options and modalities. The F10 Treatment Product range is a range of products licensed (SAES) for the specific treatment of exotic species. The products are based around a common antimicrobial active and each product is then designed with different properties to cover and treat a wide range of clinical conditions and situations encountered in exotics medicine. Conditions such as myiasis, ringworm and bacterial dermatitis for example, can all be confidently treated. Unique among the F10 product range is the F10 Germicidal Wound spray with Insecticide, for the treatment and prevention of myiasis. This easy-to-use spray is targeted directly at the maggots which then leave the wound site prior to dying, which takes place within a minute or two. This eliminates the need for excess handling and the stressful procedure (for rabbit and staff!) of meticulously hand-picking individual
maggots from the wound. The maggot-free wound site can then be more sympathetically assessed. The antimicrobial action of the Wound Spray is already at work killing the bacteria which both produce the toxins and attract the flies for further attacks. For prevention of reinfestation and to encourage wound healing post fly-strike, the complementary product F10 Germicidal Barrier Ointment with Insecticide can be used. This lanoline based ointment, as well as providing antimicrobial and antiparasitic protection in a moisturising emollient base, is coloured bright pink. This ‘colourcoding’ facilitates application and encourages owner compliance – once the colour fades it is time to reapply. As each area on the body may be subject to varying degrees of abrasion this ensures that appropriate medication to the affected site is carried out and safeguards the wound from further fly attack. Another of the F10 Treatment range is F10 Antiseptic Solution. The non-tissue-toxic nature of this antimicrobial solution makes it ideal for a range of situations where surface antibiosis is required. Whilst F10 Antiseptic Solution has found its niche amongst exotics vets as the product of choice in nebulisation procedures as an adjunct in
treatment of respiratory cases in birds, especially aspergillosis, upper respiratory disease in rabbits and chronic respiratory disease (CRD) in rats, its use goes well beyond this. Wound, abscess and tear duct flushing, in general veterinary practice are opportunities where an antimicrobial solution could be well utilised. An added advantage is that by using a non-antibiotic antimicrobial, the potential for drug resistance - a growing issue in veterinary as well as human medicine – is avoided. For those veterinary practices who welcome and take pleasure in dealing with ‘main stream exotics’, and for those who just wish to find alternative products for everyday clinical situations within their practice, then the F10 Product range, which also includes Germicidal Treatment Shampoo with and without insecticide and Germicidal Barrier Ointment, has something to offer you, your clients and their pets. F10 Treatment Products are available from your veterinary wholesaler or directly from Meadow’s Animal Healthcare. For more information on the use of the F10 Treatment products within your Practice please contact Meadows Animal Healthcare www.meadowsah.com, info@meadowsah.com Tel: 01509 265557
Lightning A New MultiMonitor
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L
ightning is the new colour screen MultiMonitor from Vetronic Services LTD. But Lightning is not just another MultiMonitor. It is a part of a system that allows you to use your patient monitor for much more than just monitoring a patient during an anaesthetic. For example, did you know that all Vetronic Services ECG systems are of diagnostic quality, even the monitors? This has always been the case to allow our monitors to be used to collect diagnostic quality ECG’s as well as to be used for anaesthetic monitoring. A simple touch-screen command is all that is needed to switch the filter on or off. In addition, Lightning can be configured to suit your own particular needs by ordering only the modules you want. The range of modules available include; Single Channel ECG, Six Channel ECG, Pulse-Oximetry, Single Channel IBP, Dual Channel IBP, Sidestream or Mainstream Capnography, Sidestream or Mainstream Agent
Monitor, Sidestream Oxygen Monitor, Dual Channel Temperature, Non-Invasive (Oscillometric) Blood Pressure and a Wireless module. The modules are all veterinaryspecific, designed to be used with animals with appropriate patient connectors not only available from, but also manufactured in the UK, by Vetronic Services. Lightning is shipped with a standard USB cable and a full software suite of programs that allows you to display, record and measure all of your patient monitoring data. The PC monitoring data is streamlined for use in a busy practice so that the anaesthetic report is automatically produced at the end of the op. Using the software, ECG’s can be measured using the on-screen mouse to produce a full report along with selected portions of the ECG and reference normals. How much does all of this software cost? Nothing. It is shipped free with any monitoring product you buy and can in fact be downloaded from our
website at any time. Simply go to http://www.vetronic.co.uk/products/ article/lightning and download the latest version. If you want to get a feel for how it works, install it and run it. Just press Ctrl-D when the program has loaded and you will get a full working demonstration of the software. For more support, all of the manuals are available to download from the same website page as the software. Lightning is also incredibly easy to use. A simple touchscreen interface allows traces to be removed and resized as required for optimum viewing and three screen clicks is all that is required to enable or disable an alarm. There is no complicated setup or startup procedure so all monitoring traces appear within 5 seconds of turning on the unit. Also, Lightning is very compact measuring only 225mm x 205mm x 80mm and weighing only 1.4kg fully fitted. This allows it to be easily attached to a cage, anaesthetic machine or wall using our
specially designed brackets. Lightning is the latest monitor from Vetronic Services and now supersedes VitalStore and Sentinel, although we will continue to manufacture Sentinel and support both of these older products. Current users of VitalStore/Sentinel combinations may be interested to hear that we offer favourable upgrade terms to upgrade your system to the latest Lightning model. Lightning will be on the Vetronic Services stand F55 at the forthcoming London Vet show.
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Spotlight - LVS News 46
PRESS RELEASE: PADRAIG HYLAND ANNOUNCED AS SPEAKER AT LONDON VET SHOW 2015
B
imeda UK is pleased to confirm that they will be sponsoring a lecture at this year’s London Vet Show. Bimeda will be sponsoring a talk by veterinarian Padraig Hyland, who will speak on the topic of trace element nutrition in ruminants, focusing on common toxicities and deficiencies in the UK, and the effect these can have on the health and fertility of animals. Padraig will concentrate on the role of the vet in helping the farmer to understand and address these problems, in order to ensure that animals are reaching their potential
in terms of fertility, productivity and health. The lecture is ideal for mixedpractice or large animal vets, who are looking to increase their knowledge base in this area. Padraig commented; ‘for years, the role that trace element nutrition plays in maximising the productivity, health and fertility of ruminants has been overlooked. However, the tide is changing and there is an increase in the number of vets in the UK who are looking to gain a better understanding of this important area. There is a move away from the haphazard, guesswork- and farmer-led approach to nutritional supplementation and a
move towards a genuinely scientific and veterinarian-led approach. This lecture will be of interest to vets who wish to gain a greater understanding of key trace element deficiencies and toxicities in the UK, and of the role they can play in applying their knowledge to address these. Through ensuring optimum trace element status in livestock we can improve the health and productivity of animals, as well as the profit line of our farmers’. Padraig’s lecture will take place from 1pm to 2pm, on 19th November in the BVA Farm Animal Theatre and all are welcome.
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London Vet Show (LVS) goes from strength to strength! T he London Vet Show (LVS), which takes place on Thursday 19 November and Friday 20 November at Olympia, continues to go from strength to strength with over 250 speakers delivering worldclass clinical and business content to veterinary professionals and access to Europe’s largest veterinary exhibition of over 400 leading suppliers. Now in its seventh year, the event provides 17 hours of CPD and delivers six clinical lecture streams programmed by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and British Veterinary Association (BVA), a business stream, the BVA Careers’ Fair, the BVA Congress, association rooms and sponsor-led workshops. Offering a great opportunity for veterinary professionals to listen to and interact with some of the leading thinkers, visionaries and practitioners in small and large animal veterinary medicine, this year’s event will see the BVA partner with the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) to host an equine programme. It is the first time that BEVA has been involved in the show and both BVA and BEVA were integral in selecting topics and speakers for the comprehensive lecture stream, which will sit alongside the Royal Veterinary College’s (RVC’s) extensive equine programme developed by Professor Josh Slater at the RVC, which is now in its second year. BrAVO (British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) and BVRSMA (British Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine
Association) have also signed up to support LVS and both organisations will be hosting lectures at the show to raise awareness of ophthalmology and rehabilitation and sports medicine. Clinical content highlights at LVS include: Dr Justine Lee DACVECC DABT CEO, who is a world-leading specialist in emergency and critical care and a diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT), will be presenting lectures on toxicology. Her talks include ‘Top five mistakes to avoid in your poisoned patients’, ‘Top 10 toxins in dogs and cats’, ‘Top 10 mistakes to avoid in your dyspnoeic patients’ and ‘Poisonous plants affecting dogs and cats’. Bryden Stanley BVMS, MVetSc, DACVS is an internationally renowned speaker with clinical interests in all aspects of soft tissue surgery. She has active research programmes in both wound healing and laryngeal paralysis polyneuropathy in dogs. Her lectures at LVS cover ‘Wound disasters – how to manage non healing wounds or better still avoid them’, ‘The dos and don’ts of gastrointestinal surgery’, ‘Sticks and stones – optimal management of penetrating wounds’ and ’10 top tips to becoming a better surgeon’. Nick Bacon MA VetMB CertVR CertSAS DECVS DACVS MRCVS is clinical director of oncology and soft tissue at Fitzpatrick Referrals. Nick is the current President of the Veterinary Society of Surgical Oncology and an ACVS Founding
Fellow in Surgical Oncology. He is a Diplomate of the European (2003) and American (2009) College of Veterinary Surgeons and is the only surgeon in the UK to have completed a Fellowship in Surgical Oncology. His surgical interests include head and neck surgery, musculoskeletal oncology, urogenital and endocrine tumours. Nick will be lecturing on ‘Becoming a better cancer surgeon in general practice – things that make a difference’ and ‘Margins for mast cell tumours, lipomas and other cancers you’re not 100% sure about ….’. David Church BVSc PhD MACVSC MRCVS ILTHM, professor of small animal studies at the Royal Veterinary College is an internationally recognised specialist in disorders of the endocrine system in dogs and cats. David’s current research interests include the underlying mechanism for the development and resolution of diabetes mellitus. He will be lecturing on a ‘Medical Mystery Tour 2015’ and ‘What’s the evidence for: the best insulin and diet
for feline diabetes mellitus’. Rob Chapman, group event director of the London Vet Show and France Vet, comments: “This year’s event features the best programme and line-up of speakers yet and will enable veterinary professionals to experience up to 17 hours of cost-effective CPD to dramatically enhance both practice and personal performance.” The 2015 London Vet Show programme can be accessed online after the show as CPD webinars! Just £50 plus VAT for access to up to 100 hours of CPD, whenever you want, as often as you want! To book call the delegate team on 02476 719 687 or email lvs@closerstillmedia.com For further information on LVS or to register for the show visit londonvetshow.co.uk. For further press information, please contact: Jessica Henman at Vita Communications Tel:01488 683862 Email: jessica.henman@vitacomms.com
VETSAVERS Joint Venture Partnerships
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Now recruiting for partners across the UK VetSavers partnerships offer: - An affordable and flexible route to fulfilling your ambitions - A practice where you make the clinical decisions - Choice of equipment that’s right for your needs - Potential to develop a multi vet practices - Option to expand to multiple sites - Guaranteed salary from day one - Full business support - Group buying power - You keep all of your practice profits Whether you’re just starting to consider this idea or have already made the decision that a joint venture partnership is the next step in your career and are looking to find the right company to partner with, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us: jvp@vetsavers.co.uk
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LONDON VET SHOW
Stand A87
Spotlight - LVS News 48
BVA unveils full Congress programme for London Vet Show 2015 T
he British Veterinary Association (BVA) unveils its full programme for BVA Congress 2015, which will run during London Vet Show at the Olympia Grand on 19-20 November, with the hot topics of the humananimal bond, veterinary education, global imperatives, professionalism and wellbeing taking centre stage. The 2015 programme is inspired by the key issues identified in the joint BVA/RCVS initiative Vet Futures with prominent speakers from within and outside the veterinary profession invited to widen the debate. •
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•
Vet Futures – where are we going? features a panel of leading veterinary surgeons, including BVA President Sean Wensley, who will debate the findings of the Vet Futures report, which will be launched at the Show. Chaired by AVS President Helena Diffey, the panel will explore the challenges and opportunities to shape the future of the profession and explore where we go from here. The human-animal bond is given the spotlight at Congress, with sessions on the Human-animal bond: all take no give? highlighting the enormous health and welfare benefits of pets and questioning if humans are upholding their part of the bargain. In the Wooldridge Memorial Lecture – Our imaginary pets Dr John Bradshaw, author of bestsellers “Dog Sense/In Defence of Dogs” and “Cat Sense”, argues why anthropomorphism is both essential and disastrous for our relationship with pet dogs and cats. Whose animal is it anyway? Should the government tell us what pets to keep? focuses on the rise in popularity of non-traditional companion animals and asks if it is really the government’s role to tell us what
species we can and cannot keep, with an update on the Scottish Government’s review of the trade and importation of exotic animals as pets. •
•
Global imperatives: two BVA Congress sessions put vets at the heart of global issues in a changing world. Vets in a climate change world: is animal welfare being forgotten? asks if veterinary surgeons are part of the problem or part of the solution in tackling climate change and discusses what the often overlooked implications are for animal welfare. As we hear from the British Medical Association about its campaign to reduce meat consumption, What’s the role of the vet in a world that eats less meat? challenges the idea that consumers eating less meat is bad news for vets, exploring if this is an opportunity for large animal vets to champion animal welfare with consumers and farm clients. Friday’s Congress programme starts with a debate around the contentious question Is professionalism dead?, considering the changing responsibilities and role of veterinary surgeons and debating how veterinary surgeons can maintain their status in their communities in a society that no longer defers to the professions. Next
generation: one size veterinary education might not fit all explores what role new vet schools could have in introducing new thinking to the training of our next generation of vets. Too much, too young: mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary profession and beyond will explore if the mental health and wellbeing issues experienced by veterinary surgeons and veterinary students are unique or part of a wider problem of increasing pressure experienced by high achievers. Colonel Neil Smith, Chair of the RCVS’ Mind Matters initiative, will be joined by renowned political historian and education commentator, Sir Anthony Seldon. The session will include an update on RCVS’ Mind Matters initiative. said:
BVA President Sean Wensley
“This is an exceptional programme that will examine issues of critical importance for the veterinary profession and for our wider and future role in society. I would encourage all vets to make room in their busy London Vet Show schedule to attend some or all of BVA Congress and be part of these discussions. The BVA sessions are open to all London Vet Show attendees, not just BVA members, and they count towards CPD. Keeping up-to-date with clinical advances is, of course, essential
for practising vets, but shaping the social and political environments we work in is also of huge importance in our fast changing world. We need an active, engaged profession to take the lead on issues affecting animal welfare, global challenges and our daily professional lives. This is your chance to hear inspiring speakers and contribute to debates on topics that matter to us all.” London Vet Show will open with a welcome from Sean Wensley first thing on Thursday 19 November. In addition to BVA Congress, BVA has also programmed worldclass clinical streams on farm animals for mixed practitioners, and has partnered with the British Equine Veterinary Association to run an equine stream. The popular BVA Career Development Stream will help delegates who are looking to take the next step in their veterinary careers, and those who want to improve their communication skills and understand how to deal with stress. BVA Congress is open to all attendees at the London Vet Show. BVA members get access to the full BVA offering, as well as the usual London Vet Show programme, for 15% less than the lowest advertised price. To book simply enter your BVA membership number and the code BVA14 to claim your discount when you book online at www.londonvetshow.co.uk
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Equine 50
Strategic autumn and winter worming W
hile most owners now understand the essential role worming plays in good horse management, the majority still need careful guidance on responsible winter worming protocols. The British Riding Clubs Horse Health survey, commissioned by Zoetis last year, showed that 59% of horse owners had ‘some confidence’ or ‘no confidence at all’ that they fully understand current worming requirements and advice.1 The survey also showed that horse owners are keen to find out more from their vets and SQPs: When asked where they would prefer to go to gain further advice on worming more than 80% chose their vet or SQP at their local tack or feed store. Wendy Talbot, equine veterinary manager for Zoetis summarises the key worming messages to help you help your clients keep their worming on track this winter. Faecal worm egg counts (FWECs) are less useful in winter In adult horses the primary reason for performing FWECs is to detect eggs from small redworm burdens. During the winter, the small redworm life cycle is typically disrupted when larvae encyst or ‘hibernate’ within the gut wall of the horse leaving fewer or no adult stages to produce eggs. On this basis faecal worm egg counts can be misleading simply because fewer eggs may be produced despite the possibility of a large larval burden inside the horse.
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Three parasites need specific attention in autumn/winter There are three common parasite threats that need to be tackled during the late autumn and early winter: encysted small redworm, tapeworm and bots. None of these parasites will show up in any standard faecal worm egg count so it is important that your clients treat for them on a strategic basis every year, usually in late autumn. Encysted small redworm present a serious health risk Unfortunately many owners are still not aware of the risk of encysted small redworm or are using products that are ineffective for this purpose. A survey conducted in May last year, as part of the National
Equine Health Survey (NEHS), reported that only 50% of 1095 respondents wormed their horse with an effective product for the control of encysted small redworm. 15% of respondents said that they had wormed their horse appropriately for encysted small redworm but when asked which wormer they had used it became apparent that they had in fact used a product that was not indicated for the treatment of encysted small redworm. Of those who did not provide any treatment at all for encysted small redworm the most common reason given was that the horse had had a clear faecal worm egg count or that the owner wasn’t aware that they had to treat for this important condition.2 Encysted small redworm are one of the most common and harmful worms found in horses. They are the larval stages of the small redworm that have buried into the lining of the gut where they can lie dormant. They pose a potentially fatal health risk but won’t show up in a standard faecal worm egg count. Untreated, encysted small redworm may develop and emerge en masse from the gut wall in the early spring, causing diarrhoea and colic with a mortality rate of up to 50%.3 All grazing horses should receive a specific dose effective against encysted small redworm at least once a year in the late autumn or early winter period.4 Only a five-day course of fenbendazole or a single dose of moxidectin are licensed, however there is widespread evidence of resistance in small redworm to fenbendazole, including the five-day dose.5 Always check the active ingredients carefully when prescribing a product for this purpose.
Tapeworm and bots mustn’t be forgotten The accepted method for tapeworm control is to break the cycle by using a wormer specifically licensed for tapeworm about every six months, traditionally in the spring and autumn.6 Alternatively your client may wish you to conduct a separate tapeworm test using a blood or saliva sample. For bots it is recommended to administer a wormer licensed for the control of bots in the winter, after the first frost when the adult flies have died and before the bots mature.
Foals and yearlings Remember foals and yearlings are more susceptible to the threat of worms and in general they will need dosing more frequently than their adult counterparts. The main threats are ascarids and small redworm. Tapeworm may be seen from approximately six months of age. There is a single dose treatment answer The combination product Equest Pramox can be a costeffective solution, as it will treat for both tapeworm and encysted small redworm with one dose. Equest Pramox contains moxidectin and praziquantel for single dose control of all three species of tapeworm, bots and roundworm - including encysted larval stages of the small redworm. Equest and Equest Pramox are the only products available to treat for encysted small redworm in a single dose and the 700kg syringes make it easier for your customers to worm most sizes of horse with just one application. Equest and Equest Pramox are licensed for use in breeding, pregnant and lactating mares and have been shown not to adversely affect the fertility of mares. Equest is licensed for use from four months of age and Equest Pramox from 6.5 months of age. 7,8 Bodyweight needs to be assessed for accurate treatment Remind clients to assess weight using a weigh tape or weigh bridge before dosing. Under-dosing means that the parasites which are only partially susceptible to the drug may survive and reproduce instead of being killed as expected with the correct dose. The availability of 700kg syringes means that horses up to this weight can now be treated for a wide range of internal parasites using one rather than two syringe insertions, making worming easier and more accurate with one application. It’s important to keep grazed fields clean Poo picking regularly during the grazing season is a free and easy way for your clients to help keep worms under control all year round. Poo picking will reduce the overall worm burden and thus the need for excessive use of wormers. You could also suggest using smaller paddock
sizes so that each field can be alternately grazed, harrowed and rested. Cross-grazing with sheep and cattle is also effective at reducing horse parasite burdens on the pasture as they will ‘hoover up’ the worms without being affected. How Zoetis can help Helping your clients to understand the what, why and when of worming is going to help them process your advice with confidence and enable them to develop their knowledge of worming. The Zoetis educational toolkit includes a practical worming booklet for horse owners and a technical guide for advisors. There is comprehensive website www.wormingyourhorse.info containing relevant information for both you and your clients. There is also a separate website about encysted small redworm at www.esrw.co.uk. A short video succinctly explains the threat of encysted small redworm and how to minimise the risks. Owners can then test their knowledge with the quick quiz and download a leaflet, before discussing the best treatment options with you. Horse owners can also download Stable Mate, the horse health management App from Zoetis from the iPhone App Store and Google Play Store: text Stable Mate to 80800 to download. (Standard network charges apply. By responding to this text you are consenting to your data being held either within or outside the EEA and processed by or on behalf of Zoetis to administer and manage any matters relating to Zoetis’s future activities or initiatives. For our full privacy policy visit www. zoetis.com). Zoetis has a large support network to answer vet queries ASAP (customer support line, account managers, national equine veterinary manager) and offer engaging CPD presentations through their sales team. Speak to your Zoetis Account Manager to find out more. Further information is available from your medicines provider or Zoetis UK Ltd., Walton Oaks, Dorking Road, Waltonon- the-Hill, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7NS Customer Support: 0845 3008034 www.zoetis.co.uk.
Equine 52
Resistance is a weighty matter says Zoetis A
re you guilty of guessing your horse’s weight rather than weighing before worming? If so you could be in danger of underdosing says Zoetis. Under-dosing can cause worms to develop resistance to the wormers used and this can have a serious impact on how we may manage worm burdens in the future. The British Riding Clubs Horse Health survey, commissioned by Zoetis last year, revealed that 44% of the horse owners asked do not weigh their horse before worming.1 The issue of weight was recently highlighted in some case studies from a private yard in Suffolk. Cindy is a 13.1hh Connemara mare in ‘summer’ condition. Her owner was very surprised when the weighbridge clocked her up to 380kg – a full 60kg more than was expected. Usually Cindy’s owner splits one wormer, designed for dosing a horse up to 600kg in weight, between two similarly sized ponies, which means she has been significantly under-dosing. Pop is a 16.1hh Irish Sport Horse gelding. His owner admitted that he is
carrying a few surplus pounds but was shocked when he tipped the scales at 638kg. She had recently wormed him for a weight of 600kg - the maximum weight of the worming syringe she had bought. Dec is a 16.3hh Warmblood. He is lean, lithe and competition fit but still weighs in at 674kg. Resistance to wormers is a growing problem. When a parasite population previously controlled by a drug is no longer susceptible to that drug it is known as resistance. The active ingredient of the horse wormer kills the sensitive parasites in the population, but those parasites not affected go on to create new generations of resistant parasites. Eventually, if the process continues, only resistant worms remain in the population. Frequent dosing or under-dosing can cause resistance to occur, reducing the effectiveness of the wormer. Wendy Talbot, Zoetis vet said: “Our case studies give a very real perspective on how easy it is to underestimate the weight of our horses. Ideally you should weigh your horse at least once a year using the accuracy
of a weighbridge – several feed manufacturers offer a portable weighbridge service. Weigh tapes, although less accurate, are a great way to keep tabs on weight once you have the accuracy of the weighbridge weight to refer to and have factored in any discrepancies. Remember that many horses will change in weight throughout the year.”
Knowing the current weight of the horses that you wish to treat before purchasing your wormers can help your vet or SQP to ensure that you buy the correct dose in each case. Further information is available from: www.zoetis.co.uk. Use medicines responsibly: www.noah.co.uk/ responsible/
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NuuMed launches new website to celebrate 25 years in the business N uuMed, the British company best known for its exceptional range of saddlepads and numnahs incorporating British wool, has launched a brand new website to coincide with its 25th anniversary of trading. The new website is fully responsive, meaning that it can be easily viewed on tablets and mobile devices. In addition, it has a news section, blog, trade login and image gallery, and an easy to use stockist locator with postcode search, so it’s easy for customers to find their nearest NuuMed stockist. The new site also gives people the chance to review products and leave their feedback on the site. This exciting, fresh new website can be found at www. nuumed.com. “We’re very proud to be celebrating our 25th anniversary of trading this year, but do also appreciate that it’s important to move with the times and adapt to new ways of doing business using technology,” says Rosie Pocock, Managing Director of NuuMed. “We are very proud of the website – we hope it proves itself as a useful tool for customers, to give them
the chance to get to know us and our products a little better.” The Somerset based company manufactures all products to exacting standards in its own factory. This is something that has allowed NuuMed
to become the trusted brand of professional and amateur riders across all sports. The company proudly supports team GBR and also sponsors Zara Phillips, Suzanna Hext and Lucy Wiegersma. With custom made and
embroidery services available too, NuuMed offers retailers a huge range of products to suit their customers’ needs. For more information, see www. nuumed.com or call 01458 210324.
+44 (0)1756 700687 info@norvap.com www.norvap.com
We design, manufacture, sell and service veterinary and medical equipment in the UK. NorVap specialises in vaporisers, anaesthesia machines and associated products. Our design and service engineers have years of experience within the industry and all of our products are 100% manufactured in the UK to the highest possible standards. Because we both design and manufacture, we have the ability to respond to our customer’s requirements within short time-scales and can also design and brand individual products, producing a bespoke range of items for a specific customer guaranteeing product exclusivity.
See us at STAND H56
Equine 54
New BEVA President appointed M
ark Bowen, Associate Professor at The University of Nottingham, has been appointed as President of the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) for 2015/16. He takes over the role from Andrew Harrison at the end of BEVA Congress 9-12 September 2015. Vicki Nicholls, Veterinary Assistant at Wright and Morten Vets, Cheshire becomes President Elect. Mark Bowen qualified from the Royal Veterinary College in 1996 where he worked for a further nine years in various guises before becoming one of the founding members of staff at the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science in Nottingham. He has a particular interest in equine cardiology and veterinary education; being one of a small number of veterinary surgeons to have been awarded the prestigious status of Principal Fellow of the
Higher Education Academy. He is a specialist in large animal internal medicine and holds RCVS certificates in both equine internal medicine and veterinary anaesthesia. He also has a masters in medical education. He said: “BEVA’s strengths lie in its members, who are committed to the welfare of the horse and the advancement of clinical practice. With new benefits for members, a new website, a new role for the BEVA Trust and the highest quality of education, BEVA is now an even more forceful and effective voice for the equine profession, both internally and externally. “Whilst the profession attempts to shape its future for the next 15 years, we must continue to support the innovative individuals in the profession who look ‘outside the box’ and make sure that the future of our profession, the next generation
of veterinary surgeons, does not become restricted by dogma and tradition; that they too can replicate the level of innovation seen in equine practice over the last 50 years. “It is vital that we continue to strengthen our relationships with the British Horseracing Authority and contribute to the development of a funding body to replace the Horserace Betting Levy Board. Our relationship with the BVA, the regulation of allied professionals, the rescheduling of ketamine, the new EU animal health regulations and EU medicines regulations, even the role of Europe, are key areas where BEVA will make veterinary voices heard for the benefit of equine welfare. “Lastly, employment and retention of veterinary graduates in the profession is a cause of concern to us all. Over the next year we will enhance the Internship Awareness
Programme and provide support and mentoring for the younger members of the profession. BEVA council is full of individuals committed to working on your behalf and I am looking forward to working alongside them all for the benefit of us all.” For further information visit www.beva.org.uk.
New studies show how owners can reduce serious risks posed to fat ponies
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t is no surprise that weight loss has important health benefits for fat ponies but now there’s proof that conscientious owners really can help reduce the risks posed by obesity. A study of horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) showed that weight loss, managed by their owners at home, reduced insulin resistance and susceptibility to laminitis. Clinical studies have already identified that calorie restriction and increased exercise are the mainstays of treatment for EMS but in the field there has been potential for poor owner compliance, which has historically made it difficult to monitor effects of owner-managed weight loss accurately. The new study, published in the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) has shown that owners of ponies with equine metabolic syndrome were able, with veterinary support, to implement highly effective weight loss programmes and thus improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of laminitis. Equine metabolic syndrome is a complex condition, defined by clinical consensus as obesity, insulin resistance and an increased susceptibility to laminitis. Insulin resistance or dysregulation is the underlying
symptom, probably underpinned by genetic predisposition and driven by obesity, ultimately resulting in laminitis. The study, Treatment of equine metabolic syndrome: a clinical case series, was conducted by vets at the Universities of Liverpool and Edinburgh to determine whether significant weight loss and improvements in insulin sensitivity can be achieved in horses and ponies with EMS, managed by their owners at home under veterinary guidance.1 A total of 19 horses and ponies with suspected EMS and/or a history of laminitis were included in the study. They underwent a clinical examination, basal and dynamic endocrine testing. Owners were then given individually tailored diet and exercise programmes to follow for between three and six months. They were given daily support from vets throughout the period. After the treatment, clinical examination and endocrine tests were repeated and results compared to the initial assessment. All but one showed a significant reduction in weight, accompanying reductions in insulin levels and thus reduced susceptibility to laminitis.
Ruth Morgan, co-ordinator of the project, is based at the University of Edinburgh. Her team used the combined glucose-insulin test to monitor horses in her study. This is a very accurate way to assess insulin function, but it does require intravenous catheter placement and multiple blood samples. As alternatives to help to identify ponies at risk of laminitis and monitor and manage them more effectively at home, vets can also use the in-feed oral glucose and oral sugar tests. These relatively new tests can be used to assess insulin sensitivity, simply by feeding a specified level of glucose or corn syrup and then taking a single blood test. Recent research, also published in Equine Veterinary Journal and discussed in the podcast by Sarah Smith of the Royal Veterinary College, indicates that the two tests agreed in most cases but further research is required to identify the most appropriate test.2 Ruth Morgan said: “Our weight loss work shows that if owners are educated, informed and encouraged by their vets they can effectively induce weight loss and improve insulin resistance. We found that the key to compliance is the individual
tailoring of a weight loss programme for each horse.” Ruth Morgan’s Tips for weight loss • Ask your vet for advice before embarking on a weight loss programme • Restrict overall intake and take account of everything the horse eats e.g. feed hay at 1.5% of bodyweight, feeding at least twice a day • Have forage analysed – you need hay with a low sugar (water soluble carbohydate, WSC) content. • If the WSC is high, soak the hay to reduce water soluble carbohydrate content, but you may need to increase the bulk of the diet to up to 2% bodyweight if the hay is soaked • Cut out all treats and additional feeds but do use a high quality balancer • As long as the horse is sound, provide daily exercise regularly increasing the horse’s heart rate to 100-150 bpm if you can, which will burn calories. This will mean trotting and cantering to induce puffing and sweating rather than just walking.
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SUCCEED Case Study: Sport Horse’s Lameness Troubles Vanish with Healthier Gut
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ery little is more discouraging than an unrideable horse due to lameness or a sudden deterioration in behaviour. Except maybe when lameness exams, ultrasounds, X-rays, and other diagnostic efforts fail to reveal the cause. That’s because sometimes the source of a horse’s discomfort is deeper, invisible to the eye and traditional diagnostic tools, because it is rooted in the delicate digestive tract. UK horse owner Emma Delport experienced this frustration firsthand with her 8-year-old Scottish Sport Horse gelding, Roo. When all else failed to give her back her happy, rideable horse, she turned to SUCCEED. Here’s Emma and Roo’s story. Horse’s Intermittent Lameness and Deteriorating Behaviour For several years, Roo struggled with intermittent mild lameness in his right hind leg, which went undiagnosed despite a barrage of tests including a week-long stay at the Royal Veterinary College. He also had issues with straightness under saddle. In the spring of 2014, Emma and her vet took steps to improve Roo’s gastric health which helped his behaviour for a while, but didn’t have any impact on his soundness. By the end of that year, Roo’s behaviour began to deteriorate again. Gut health wasn’t on Emma or her vet’s radar, then, because his appetite remained strong and he was maintaining weight and condition.
By the New Year, Roo was completely unrideable to the point of becoming dangerous if Emma’s leg even lightly touched his side. Her vet believed it was possibly related to Roo’s stomach. This was cause for concern, as Roo was managed in a very gut-health friendly way, was doing very little traveling or competing, and had every reason to be in good gastric health. Despite taking steps to treat his stomach health, Roo’s behavior worsened and he was increasingly unhappy to have his sides touched or rugs fastened. Friends Recommend SUCCEED to Support Equine Gut Health A friend of Emma’s had a similar experience with her horse, and had good results after trying SUCCEED Digestive Conditioning Program. She suggested that the root of Roo’s lameness and poor behaviour may lie in the hindgut, and that Roo may benefit from some added digestive support. At the same time, another friend was writing a series of articles on SUCCEED and suggested using Roo as a case study. Despite some skepticism, Emma decided to try SUCCEED. “In all honesty, I was skeptical,” Emma shares. “I had become fairly convinced that we were on the wrong track entirely, blaming gastric health for Roo’s behaviour. So I was amazed (and thrilled) when SUCCEED made such a significant difference.”
Improved with SUCCEED “Within two weeks of starting Roo on SUCCEED he was accepting my leg again and willing to move forward,” Emma says. “We are now almost three months in and not only do I have a horse I can ride again, but he is straighter under saddle than he has been in years, and his intermittent right hind limb problem has so far not been seen since he came back into work.” Emma continues on to say that Roo is still occasionally reluctant to move forward and accept the leg when she asks for trot. But this is a significant improvement from before when he would plant and buck. Now he may hold himself initially, and then gradually relaxes and moves on again. And once he is on the move, Emma says Roo looks and feels the best he ever has. She has also noticed that Roo drinks approximately a third of the volume of water overnight that he used to and his stall is much cleaner. “It’s hard to tell whether that is due to him producing less droppings or to being calmer overnight, but either way it is a noticeable improvement! Roo is also calmer in himself and happy to be groomed and rugged up again.” Emma concludes, “Thank you to SUCCEED for not only getting my horse back for me, but for a new and improved version!” SUCCEED is available for purchase through veterinarians in the UK and Ireland.
TESTIMONIAL STATEMENT “In all honesty I was skeptical…. So I was amazed (and thrilled) when SUCCEED made such a significant difference. Within two weeks of starting Roo on SUCCEED he was accepting my leg again and willing to move forward. Not only do I have a horse I can ride again, but he is straighter under saddle than he has been in years, and his intermittent right hind limb problem has so far not been seen since he came back into work. Thank you to SUCCEED for not only getting my horse back for me, but for a new and improved version!”
Behavior, Rideability, and Soundness
New perfect, padded and patent noseband from Kate Negus Saddlery
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ate Negus Saddlery is delighted to welcome the new Patent Padded Drop Noseband to its collection – a product that can be bought as a piece on its own or as part of a complete bridle. The new noseband has been made to fulfill the need for a more stylish drop noseband, following the increase in popularity of this traditional style. Particularly popular with dressage riders, the Patent Padded Drop Noseband matches Kate Negus’s Patent Browband, but also looks great with SR Diamante and Diamante Browbands to complete the look.
“Bridlework goes through trends and fashions and we do our best to respond to these,” says Julia Andrews from Kate Negus Saddlery. “We’ve always carried a plain padded drop noseband, but we were getting asked for a patent version, particularly from dressage riders, so that’s what we created. The black version is a stock item with the chestnut being made to order. Because we make all our bridlework in the UK, the lead time is only three weeks on made to order pieces, so it’s not a long wait!” The Patent Padded Drop Noseband is made using English leather and has double buckles
as standard. The quality of the leather is second to none and the patent trim across the front of the noseband really enhances the piece. This noseband attaches straight onto a Grand Prix Headpiece, and can also be used with an additional sliphead for bridles with regular headpieces. The Patent Padded Drop Noseband is available in black and chestnut, in cob and full, and prices start from £80. To find out more, see www. katenegus.com, call 0780 115 0571 or email contact@katenegus. com.
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