Mirjam Guesgen, VetScript Editor

www.nzva.org.nz

VetScript

SEPTEMBER 2020 • VOL 33 • NO 8 ISSN 1170-280X

COVER IMAGE Bit blindness ( IMAGE: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM )

VetScript is published monthly (except January) by the New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) as a service to its members.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Bette Flagler M: 021 956 122 E: bette.flagler@vets.org.nz

EDITOR Mirjam Guesgen M: 022 099 7734 E: vetscript@vets.org.nz

ADVERTISING MANAGER Tony Leggett T: 06 280 3162 M: 027 4746 093 E: tony.leggett@nzfarmlife.co.nz

CLASSIFIEDS ADMINISTRATOR E: classifieds@vets.org.nz

ART DIRECTOR Amanda Trayes

NZVA OFFICE Level 2, 44 Victoria Street Wellington Central PO Box 11212, Manners Street Wellington 6142, New Zealand T: 04 471 0484 F: 04 471 0494 E: nzva@vets.org.nz www.nzva.org.nz

NZVA BOARD Independent Chair: Flora Gilkison President: Grant McCullough Members: Peter Blaikie, Mark Bryan, Kate Hill, Cath Watson

DISCLAIMER VetScript is published by the New Zealand Veterinary Association Incorporated (NZVA). The views expressed in the articles and letters do not necessarily represent those of the NZVA or the editor and neither the NZVA nor the editor endorses any products or services advertised. The NZVA is not the source of the information reproduced in this publication and has not independently verified the truth of the information. It does not accept legal responsibility for the truth or accuracy of the information contained herein. Neither the NZVA nor the editor accepts any liability whatsoever for the contents of this publication or for any consequences that may result from the use of any information contained herein or advice given herein. This provision is intended to exclude the NZVA, the editor and its staff from all liability whatsoever, including liability for negligence in the publication or reproduction of the material set out herein. The entire content of VetScript is copyrighted by the NZVA. VetScript is produced for NZVA members and approved subscribers only. No material from this publication may be reproduced in any form, or quoted from either directly or indirectly in other media, without the permission of the editor.

Fresh directions with animals at heart

In this month’s issue of VetScript, veterinary specialists in New York and New Zealand demonstrate their unique commitments to animal health and welfare.

I’VE NEVER REALLY run into a celebrity. The closest was when I spotted Simon Helberg (who plays Howard Wolowitz in The Big Bang Theory) while I was on holiday in Los Angeles. It was a fleeting sighting. He was getting out of his car as my fiancé and I were on our way to get coffee. I only sometimes watch the show and, sorry Simon, Howard is far from my favourite character.

Yet in that moment I fan-girled. I let out an excited “eeeee” to my fiancé, who hadn’t even noticed Simon and didn’t know what the heck I was on about. So needless to say, I don’t handle seeing anyone even mildly famous well.

This doesn’t seem to be the case for Wendy McCulloch, a Gisborne-born veterinarian who lives and works in New York City. In her former life as a caterer, Wendy had the opportunity to work near, and practically for, the rich and famous, including Ringo Starr, Jeff Lynne, from ELO, Paul McCartney and Tom Petty.

As well as talking about her celebrity encounters, Wendy spoke to VetScript about her winding road to being a veterinarian, and what it’s like to work as a house-call-only veterinarian in a city during COVID-19 lockdown. Imagining her in full personal protective equipment, trying to console an owner who’s about to put down their beloved pet, is truly a sign of the times. Wendy’s life story is fascinating and so too is her approach to her business; it’s straightforward and sustainable.

After reading David Mellor’s article on bit-induced mouth pain in horses, I found myself pressing a pen against my lower gums (read the story on page 32 to find out what I’m talking about!). David eloquently details the physiology, behavioural signs and implications of horse mouth pain. I consider this article a must read. It completely changed my view of bit use and got me thinking about the wider implications for our relationships with animals.

The cover story this month looks at whether ketogenic and intermittent fasting diets are beneficial for dogs. Unlike some other diet trends that have crept over from people to pets – think raw diets that could be behind a string of rickets cases in puppies – keto and intermittent fasting show some promise for dog nutrition. Naomi Arnold speaks to researchers studying the diets’ role in recovery from spinal cord injury and their effects on the immune system.

The story also highlights the need for veterinarians and veterinary nurses to be the go-to sources of information on pet nutrition. As mentioned in other topics VetScript has covered in the past, including last month’s story on cannabis products, client discussions on nutrition need to be open and non-judgemental. Veterinarians are well placed to provide sound, evidence-based advice, but not if owners feel they’re being criticised.

I hope that this month’s articles, and VetScript as a publication, continue to get you thinking critically and creatively about the future of animal health and welfare, and your business.

Mirjam Guesgen, Editor, VetScript

Letter

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

I address this letter to our President as my message is to him as well as to our board. I hope my message is echoed by other members.

Prior to COVID-19 our society was unsustainable because of climate change – the effect of our consuming society. COVID-19 has provided a brief resting point for society but has not stopped or reversed climate change. Now we are starting the return to normal and I am fearful that we will just go back to our old ways rather than use the resources that are available to review what we have done to our world and develop a sustainable society in every way.

I understand the NZVA supports sustainability and is developing specific policies towards this. I ask that the association continue to quickly develop appropriate policies both for itself and for members to use to ensure that sustainability is the watchword of whatever we do.

Bob Gumbrell, Loburn

Response from the NZVA: Thanks for your letter Bob.

I thought it would be good for all readers to be aware of the NZVA Board’s and Member Advisory Group’s position concerning environmental issues, as we readily acknowledge that we’re all the environmental stewards for the next generation and generations to come.

The NZVA supports responsible practices to protect and nurture the environment in which New Zealanders live and work, and encourages members to do the same. We support a sciencebased approach to dealing with issues that affect the environment. Recent examples of where a science-based approach has been taken include protecting waterways by minimising nitrogen leaching from farms into waterways, planting native trees and protecting the environment from erosion.

NZVA IN ACTION

The NZVA represented the membership in the following ways this past month.

As part of the regional network meetings, members discussed the laws surrounding euthanasia and destruction, significant surgical procedures, as well as the history of animal welfare science and the Five Domains Model. Also discussed was the refined NZVA strategy. The NZVA’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) and other stakeholders, including practising veterinarians, are continuing to review the VCNZ Code of Professional Conduct as part of the VCNZ Professional Standards Committee. They are currently still focused on the code’s animal welfare section. The NZVA’s CVO attended several meetings of the National Emergency Management Agency’s animal welfare sub-function. The NZVA is a support agency in the national emergency response. The NZVA’s President, CEO and CVO met with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), VCNZ and Massey University to share information as part of the monthly Veterinary Leaders Meeting. The NZVA’s CVO attended several Winter Grazing Action Group meetings. The group is working on farm system maps and meeting short-term industry expectations in all wintering systems. The NZVA veterinary team met as part of the wider VetScript editorial team to discuss current issues and interests of the profession that could be part of future articles. The NZVA represented the membership at multiple meetings with regulators and industry to discuss antimicrobial resistance and related issues. The NZVA’s CVO attended the New Zealand Companion Animal strategic board meeting. The NZVA’s CVO sits on the National Adverse Events Committee, a crossdisciplinary government group that regularly meets to address current adverse events and ensures wraparound support for affected parties. The NZVA’s CVO attended the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Consultative Committee meeting. n

However, we don’t have specific positions on such issues unless they have direct animal welfare impacts that could require NZVA members to be consulted as part of wider pieces of work led by suitably qualified environmental experts.

We focus primarily on supporting our members and their prime focus, which is caring and advocating for animals, and ensuring that veterinary businesses remain financially sustainable so they can continue to do this.

Grant McCullough, NZVA President

VetScript

Deadlines for November 2020 issue

EDITORIAL COPY 20 September

DISPLAY AND CLASSIFIED

ADVERTISING 1 October

LATE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

20 October

Contact the editor at: vetscript@vets.org.nz