Companion May2008

The essential publication for BSAVA membersFormerly BSAVA News

Congress in pictures

Winners of the BSAVA Awards

New for BSAVA members

Congress in

How to microchip chelonians

Muscle tremors in a mature female Greyhound

Muscle tremors in

The essential publication for BSAVA membersThe essential publication for BSAVA membersFormerly BSAVA News

companionMAY 2008

companion

2 | companion

CONTENTS3 Round Up

News and people

4–5 Congress SnapshotsFour days in focus

6–9 The ParaprofessionalsPeople making an increasing impact

10–12 Marketing Your PracticeMaking the most of your opportunities

13–15 How To…Microchip chelonians

16–18 Clinical ConundrumMuscle tremors in a mature female Greyhound

19 Celebrate Good TimesNew manuals from the BSAVA

20–21 PetsaversHow to help your veterinary charity

22–24 WSAVA NewsWorld Small Animal Veterinary Association

25 And the Winners are…Presenting the BSAVA Awards

26 The Companion InterviewBruce Vivash Jones on his distinguished career

27 CPD DiaryWhat’s on in your area

companion is produced by BSAVA exclusively for its members.BSAVA, Woodrow House, 1 Telford Way, Waterwells Business Park, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AB.Telephone 01452 726700 or email [email protected] to contribute and comment.

BENEFITS OF HEALTH AND SAFETY

Additional stock photography Dreamstime.com

The Association is constantly reviewing the benefits it offers to members, and is pleased to be

able to offer a health and safety advice service via the expertise of specialists McCormack Benson Health & Safety Limited, with a free helpline and reduced rates on a range of packages.

Terry Game, Health and Safety Advisor with MBHS, says, “The free helpline is going to offer a really useful service, with an experienced advisor available at the end of the phone. A number of BSAVA members who have gone on to take up the benefit of the reduced rates on other services have all faced similar issues. The latest fire risk assessment requirement is a major issue for all premises right now, and we’ve been able to make sure all systems are in place and trained practice staff are able to share their new-found knowledge in ensuring that the business meets regulation standards.”

BSAVA, in collaboration with MBHS, is now able to offer all BSAVA members a range of health and safety (H&S) service packages

The service provided by MBHS will attempt to take the headache out of complying with all the regulation faced when running the practice. Their practical, hands-on support means they can do all the work for you.

Services AvailableHelpline: 01375 398998 – free to all ■

members 9–5 Monday to FridayBasic support package (£250.00 ■

includes a 50% discount)Competent Person support ■

(£900–£1,800; visits discounted by 10%)Fire risk assessment – ■

from £250

PricingAll prices quoted above will be held until 31st December 2008 and will only change with the agreement of BSAVA. All prices are subject to the prevailing rate of VAT. ■

BSAVA, Woodrow House, 1 Telford Way, Waterwells Business Park, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AB.

agreement of BSAVA.

AND SAFETYThe service

provided by MBHS will attempt to take the headache out of complying with all the

companion | 3

ROUNDUP

CONGRESS STILL COUNTSCongress delegates enjoyed another fantastic four days last month – and BSAVA members can continue to benefit from the science through the MP3 facility online

BSAVA Congress has established its reputation as the most important European veterinary meeting

because of the quality of the scientific content, which is probably why delegate figures were even higher than last year. With up to 13 simultaneous streams, delivered by more than 100 speakers, there was bound to be plenty to keep delegates intrigued in the lecture halls over the four days.

The Congress lecture delivered by Susan Greenfield on Thursday took the audience on a journey through the complexities of consciousness. The philosophy around the science left many leaving with even more questions than they had when they entered, but all agreed that Greenfield was a dynamic and challenging speaker whose ability to speak without notes or prompts illustrated her confidence and competence with her chosen subject.

The commercial exhibition again attracted delegates wanting to learn about the latest products and services available. Meanwhile, the entertainment needs of delegates was catered for with a packed social programme including the official banquet and a party night with entertainment from the likes of soul singer Beverly Knight and comedian Andy Parsons.

BSAVA members can still continue to benefit from the quality CPD from Congress with the MP3 downloads available online. Now, in response to demand, the Association has made available 2006 and 2007 MP3s, offering members more than 700 hours of CPD throughout the year.

See our Congress in pictures on the following pages… n

Introducing Patricia Colville, who moved from chairing Petsavers to the new challenge of leading the Membership Development Committee

Patricia qualified from Glasgow in 1993 and is now Senior Veterinary Surgeon at PDSA in East Glasgow, getting the

most satisfaction from dealing with surgical cases and with the emergencies that come through the charity’s doors.

Like many volunteers, Patricia began her BSAVA career in the regions. “I joined Scottish region’s committee in 2002 and became Scottish region Treasurer 2003. I had previously been involved in a ‘blue sky’ planning day with Publications Committee, which I really enjoyed. It was a way to provide the Association with a practitioner’s viewpoint.”

Learning new skillsInitially, Patricia found the financial responsibility in Chairing Petsavers a little daunting, but soon realised with the help of staff at Woodrow House it was a rewarding way to learn new skills.

“The Petsavers Management Committee were a fun and enthusiastic group. I learnt a lot from the grants committee, as I had never been involved in research myself and it struck me just how much of what I do on a day-to-day basis is only possible because of research. Being involved in Petsavers was

my little way of trying to pay back for the enjoyment that my profession had given to me and bridge the gap between research and practice.”

A new challengeOne of the aims of new President Ed Hall is for BSAVA to foster an even greater sense of community amongst members, with more opportunities to share knowledge and experience. Patricia also sees this at the centre of Membership Development Committee’s remit. “The fact that we have this new magazine for members is exciting and I am looking forward to their involvement in the development of this, and other new member benefits. The veterinary profession is a relatively small one and I have always had a real feeling of companionship from my colleagues; I see BSAVA as an integral part of our community and look forward to strengthening its role.”

Looking forwardThere have been many changes and challenges facing the veterinary community recently and BSAVA aims to play an important role by keeping its members up to date, especially with their CPD needs. Patricia says, “I think we need to continue to develop our role providing invaluable education. We need to look at ways to provide CPD that fits in with working hours and in relevant ways. If an issue arises that affects our colleagues we want to be able to produce a scientific response accurately and promptly – we have the knowledge in our various committees to do this and companion provides a means to get that information out.” n

MEMBERS FIRST

4 | companion

CONGRESS

4 | companion|

Delegates were once again able to access specialists in the commercial exhibition in the NIA

Delegates were once again able to access Delegates were once again able to access specialists in the commercial exhibition specialists in the commercial exhibition

Delegates were once again able to access Delegates were once again able to access specialists in the commercial exhibition

Susan Greenfi eld presented

in her impressive and challenging

lecture on consciousness BSAVA Offi cers 2008-2009, Alison Speakman, Richard Dixon, Mark Johnston, Ed Hall, Grant Petrie and Frances Barr

In her speech at the Awards Ceremony, BSAVA President Frances Barr introduces companion – launched at Congress

BSAVA President Frances Barr introduces

James Wight (son of veterinarian and author, Alf Wight) presents Chris Laurence with the JA Wight Award for his exceptional contribution to animal welfare

Once again BSAVA Congress provided thousands of delegates with four days of world-class CPD and memorable social events

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CONGRESS

Alistair Barr & Patricia Colville present Banquet raffl e winner with his Govinder print kindly donated to Petsavers by the Halcyon Gallery

Banquet raffl e winner with his Govinder Banquet raffl e winner with his Govinder

Beverley Knight proved a soul

sensation, wowing Party Night

performance and stunning vocals

When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock

You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with

more than 1400 guests singing along to

their favourite Queen classics

The one thing BSAVA can’t guarantee snow didn’t stop this being a truly successful Congress

Stanley Marks of the United States, one of the many overseas speakers who brought international expertise to the Scientifi c Programme

When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock

You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock

You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock







more than 1400 guests singing along to You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with






their favourite Queen classicstheir favourite Queen classicstheir favourite Queen classicsmore than 1400 guests singing along to

their favourite Queen classicsmore than 1400 guests singing along to

their favourite Queen classics

When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock

You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock

You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock


You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with You’ the crowd didn’t argue, with When Killer Queen said ‘We Will Rock














their favourite Queen classicstheir favourite Queen classicstheir favourite Queen classicstheir favourite Queen classicstheir favourite Queen classicsmore than 1400 guests singing along to

their favourite Queen classicsmore than 1400 guests singing along to

their favourite Queen classicstheir favourite Queen classicstheir favourite Queen classicstheir favourite Queen classicstheir favourite Queen classicsmore than 1400 guests singing along to

their favourite Queen classicsmore than 1400 guests singing along to Björn Again brought Banquet guests rushing on to the dance fl oor with their covers of classic ABBA hits

Ian Ramsey edited the new edition of the ever popular BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, and thousands of members collected their free copy at Congress

Ian Ramsey edited the new edition of Ian Ramsey edited the new edition of the ever popular BSAVA Small Animal the ever popular BSAVA Small Animal

Ian Ramsey edited the new edition of the ever popular BSAVA Small Animal



Ian Ramsey edited the new edition of Formulary, and thousands of members Formulary, and thousands of members

With delegate numbers up on last

year, the exhibition was always

everyone could get around

Freda Scott Park and Victoria Roberts celebrate the launch of their Farm Pets manual, which can now be ordered online at bsava.com

performance and stunning vocalsperformance and stunning vocalsperformance and stunning vocals

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performance and stunning vocalsperformance and stunning vocalsperformance and stunning vocals

snow didn’t stop this being a truly snow didn’t stop this being a truly snow didn’t stop this being a truly snow didn’t stop this being a truly successful Congresssuccessful Congresssuccessful Congresssuccessful Congresssuccessful Congresssuccessful Congresssuccessful Congresssuccessful Congresssuccessful Congresssnow didn’t stop this being a truly successful Congresssnow didn’t stop this being a truly successful Congresssuccessful Congresssuccessful Congresssuccessful Congress

BUSINESS

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John Bonner meets members of some of the paraprofessional groups that are making an increasing contribution to small animal practice

Few practitioners these days expect to deal with every domestic species and clinical discipline – instead choosing to

pass on cases to other specialists.

BehaviouristsFew of the animals that cross the threshold of a typical British veterinary practice each day would genuinely be called a ‘life or death’ case – and many of those who do fit that description will be referred on for treatment by an animal behaviourist.

That is because they are among those animals with intractable behavioural problems that most practitioners have neither the expertise nor the time to investigate properly. So a behaviourist will be asked to help deal with these animals, which in previous decades would either have become a constant source of worry for their owners or, more likely, would have been euthanased.

The science of behavioural therapy is now such an established part of modern veterinary practice that is surprising to be reminded how recently it arrived on the scene. The Association of Pet Behavioural Consultants was only formed in 1989 but now has around 300 members in the UK, Ireland and 11 countries across the globe.

Well respected veterinary-trained therapists like Daniel Mills, Sarah Heath and Jon Bowen have made significant contributions to developments in the discipline but most APBC members were trained in other fields. Pippa Hutchison obtained a degree from the school of psychology at the University of Southampton before completing a master’s degree in companion animal behavioural counselling. Since 2004 she has practised as a behaviour therapist at Glasgow Veterinary School and consults throughout Scotland.

BUSINESS

PARAPROFESTHE

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BUSINESS

Compliance can be a problem for a vet in mainstream practice in just getting their client to complete a course of antibiotics. What we are doing is asking the client to change their whole approach to dealing with their animal – so that is a much harder job,” she explains.

However, whatever the original academic background of the behavioural therapist, their approach is very similar to that of the veterinary surgeons who refer cases to them. During a consultation, typically lasting up to two hours, the behaviourist is looking for an aetiology, considering possible differential diagnoses, considering possible treatment strategies and trying to predict whether the client is capable of carrying out the necessary work. The behaviourist must also be aware that successful treatment may still depend on the referring vet – “often clinical problems will contribute to the behaviour and it may

The APBC tries to maintain that progress by setting standards for the training of its members – currently a degree level training in a relevant discipline is the minimum requirement for membership. Full members are expected to have completed a postgraduate course at one of, currently, seven university departments around the country.

PhysiotherapistsSelf-regulation of professional standards is a feature of the other mature disciplines that have sprung up around mainstream veterinary practice. Veterinary physiotherapy is a field, which simply didn’t exist more than 30 years ago. But after developing as a branch of treatment for competition horses, it is having an increasing impact on small animal practice.

Rather confusingly, there are two separate organisations trying to define

standards for training practitioners in the field.

Like APBC, the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Animal Therapy has around 300 members, all of whom originally trained as human physiotherapists and gained postgraduate qualifications to allow them to

Pippa believes her background in human psychology is invaluable in her work because a behavioural therapist must try to understand the mind of the owner as well as the animal. “You need client compliance for any treatment to work – they must accept what you are suggesting and to implement an agreed plan. I need an understanding of what motivates the owner to achieve that.

be that the animal’s behaviour is making a clinical problem much worse.”

As in many other aspects of modern veterinary medicine, progress in behavioural therapy has been fuelled by the willingness of pet insurance companies to support such treatment. Many policies offer up to £750 cover for treatment of common behavioural problems such as aggression in dogs and ‘inappropriate toileting’ in cats.

SIONALS

Pippa Hutchison with Camus the dog and Bella

practise on both human and animal patients. Having spent up to seven years in training towards this dual qualification, the ACPAT’s members are unhappy that while the title ‘physiotherapist’ is protected under law, the terms veterinary/animal physiotherapist or physical therapist are not. In contrast, the National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists has a smaller and more diverse membership, which reflects the origins of this discipline as a branch of equine rather human medical practice.

Karen Lees is a chartered physiotherapist working at one of the leading private veterinary rehabilitation centres in the country, Greyfriars near Guildford in Surrey. She believes that there is a growing understanding among small animal practitioners of the potential value of physiotherapy treatment for companion animals. “Years ago the animals that were referred for physiotherapy

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8 | companion

were, I would guess, those orthopaedic cases that were not sufficiently ill for surgical treatment but were not suitable, for whatever reason, to receive medical treatment. Physiotherapy would be given as a treatment of last resort but now it is seen as option for earlier treatment and for a wider range of conditions.”

Her own practice provides therapy that complements both surgical and medical

approaches to the treatment of a range of neurological, orthopaedic and degenerative conditions. It offers a number of different techniques and modalities including soft tissue and joint stretches, mobilisations, ultrasound, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and specific gait and muscle re-training exercises, she explains.

However, there are still many practitioners who dismiss the concept of

veterinary physiotherapy and refuse to refer cases that could benefit from such treatment. Karen is confident that such sceptics will be eventually won over – “It has taken a good 25 years to get GPs to be more appreciative and aware of physiotherapy in the NHS so I hope in time that veterinary physiotherapists will eventually work much closer with vets,” she states.

John Warwick, chairman of the NAVP, agrees that this resistance is fast diminishing. He trained as a veterinary surgeon and began practising as an equine physiotherapist in Scotland over 30 years ago. At that time it would have been very unusual for a small animal practitioner to work directly with a physiotherapist. But he says the current generation of surgeons have been won over by the evidence showing that physiotherapy does speed up recovery. “It’s very clear in human patients – if you have a hip replacement, they don’t give you bed rest for weeks as they did in the past, the physio is let loose on you the next day and as a result the muscle and vascular damage is repaired much more quickly.”

HydrotherapyA branch of physiotherapy that is developing into a therapeutic discipline is hydrotherapy. “Britain is now leading the world in the availability of centres providing this treatment – there are more than 300 facilities around the country, about 90 of these have joined the Canine Hydrotherapy Association,” says the CHA’s secretary Malcolm Adler.

Ten years ago, Malcolm established his business in the quaintly named Hertfordshire village of Nasty and was part of a group that formed about two years

Karen Lees, physiotherapist at Greyfriars, Surrey

THE PARAPROFESSIONALS

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BUSINESS

later to provide self-regulation and set benchmark standards for treatment, training, supervision, first aid, record keeping, water quality, etc. “The fact that many centres withdrew from the association when we began our efforts to improve standards says a lot about the need to introduce such regulation,” he observes.

When those first hydrotherapy centres opened, Malcolm admits that they usually operated on a trial and error basis, but there have been considerable efforts since then to carry out research on best practice. As such, major academic centres and large companion animal groups now offer a form of treatment for companion animals that would have been regarded with deep scepticism just a few years ago.

RegulationAs part of the ongoing review of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, the RCVS consultations have included consideration of the profession’s relationship with paraprofessionals. There is currently no power for RCVS to regulate the conduct of paraprofessionals, though in 2003 a report from the working party involved in consulting on the Act said that regulation is “desirable, in the interests of animal welfare and public health, in order not only to deal with misconduct but to require paraprofessionals to keep their skills up to date”.

The consultation report added, “there was overwhelming support from veterinary surgeons for the proposition that RCVS should have power to regulate the conduct of veterinary nurses and other paraprofessionals. The consultation paper did not propose that the College should necessarily take on that role in relation to

any particular group. The suggestion was for a power to regulate the conduct of groups of paraprofessionals who preferred to come under the oversight of RCVS rather than making other arrangements.”

During the consultations RCVS has defined veterinary paraprofessionals as those who are engaged in the care of other people’s animals and whose work amounts, in part at least, to veterinary surgery. ■

Control of the alternativesIf and when a new Veterinary Surgeons Act comes into force, it is likely that some of the freshly sprouted branches of veterinary practice will come under a shared legal framework. However, the RCVS has warned that it will only agree to regulate those therapists working in fields with an established base of scientific evidence underpinning their methods – so some of the more ‘new age’ techniques, such as crystal therapy, are unlikely to be invited to join the club.

But given that it may be several years before any new act is enforced, and as new therapies can achieve respectability with remarkable speed, the door may still be open to some branches of animal therapy that are currently little known or understood. So could there be a place in veterinary clinics for practitioners of zoopharmacognosy?

Uniquely, this branch of therapy uses an animal’s own perceptions of its medical needs as part of the treatment, according to aromatherapist Caroline Ingraham. She says there is a substantial body of data derived from observations in the wild of sick animals consuming plants and minerals that are not a normal part of their diet. In many cases these have been shown to contain aromatic oils or trace elements that are likely to have medical benefits. This sort of behaviour is best documented in intelligent social animals like chimpanzees and elephants but has also been noted in a range of other species. The mechanism is likely to be innate rather than learned as it has also been seen in largely solitary animals such as cats.

“So that is what we do – we research what animals do in the wild and compare that with what happens when domestic animals are able to select aromatic herbs. I have discussed this concept many times with veterinary surgeons and the idea of animals selecting their own remedy does seem to make sense to them.”

Control of the alternativesControl of the alternativesIf and when a new Veterinary Surgeons Act comes into force, it is likely that some of the freshly sprouted branches of veterinary practice will come under a shared legal framework. However, the RCVS has warned that it will only agree to regulate those therapists working in fields with an established base of scientific evidence underpinning their methods – so some of the more ‘new age’ techniques, such as crystal therapy, are unlikely to be invited to join the club.

But given that it may be several years before any new act is enforced, and as new therapies can achieve respectability with remarkable speed, the door may still be open to some branches of animal therapy that are currently little known or understood. So could there be a place in veterinary clinics for practitioners of zoopharmacognosy?

Uniquely, this branch of therapy uses an animal’s own perceptions of its medical needs as part of the treatment, according to aromatherapist Caroline Ingraham. She says there is a substantial body of data derived from observations in the wild of sick animals consuming plants and minerals that are not a normal part of their diet. In many cases these have been shown to contain aromatic oils or trace elements that are likely to have medical benefits. This sort of behaviour is best documented in intelligent social animals like chimpanzees and elephants but has also been noted in a range of other species. The mechanism is likely to be innate rather than learned as it has also been seen in largely solitary animals such as cats.

“So that is what we do – we research what animals do in the wild and compare that with what happens when domestic animals are able to select aromatic herbs. I have discussed this concept many times with veterinary surgeons and the idea of animals selecting their own remedy does seem to make sense to them.”

MARKETING

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MARKETING YOUR PRACTICEVanessa Bird looks at how a little marketing know-how can help you build a more loyal client base

Your practice probably offers pretty much the same clinical services as every other in your local Yellow

Pages – so how do you make clients pick you – and stay with you?

Making a differenceDifferentiating your practice from all the others in the area isn’t easy. As professionals we are all highly trained and obliged to maintain our clinical and medical skills. Unless you are the only ones to offer specialist or referral services locally, then you will need to compete on a different level. Businesses who find they are competing in a saturated market often look to customer service as a way of separating themselves from the crowd.

Plan your marketing■ Start with a SWOT – what does your practice do well (your

STRENGTHS), where is it failing (be honest about your WEAKNESSES), what could you be doing to make improvements (OPPORTUNITIES to capture new clients with new services perhaps), and is there anything that might damage your client base or relationship with clients (key staff leaving or new practices coming into the area might be some of the THREATS you need to face)

■ Once you’ve done an honest review, define the kind of practice you want to be – and how that fits with what your clients want. Use feedback forms or an even a more comprehensive client survey to find this out

■ Assess the competition – research what other practices are doing; what can be achieved by your own practice that is not performed by neighbouring surgeries in order to provide a unique service and competitive advantage?

■ Establish specific, achievable and measurable objectives – for example: to increase caseload by 15 clients per month concentrating on new residents within a 5 mile radius during the next year

■ Set a budget■ Stick to well-defined deadlines■ Decide who will be doing the work and assign responsibilities■ Determine the response and consider the return on investment in order

to gauge whether the idea was a success or failure

MARKETING

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MARKETING

Begin withinMarketing, in its most elementary form, can be described as ‘finding out what your clients require and providing it for them’. This is clearly a challenge for the whole team – and so some ‘internal marketing’ will help you get all your staff on board.

Make sure your key employees are aware of all the services and products offered by the practice, get them involved in new initiatives, give them some individual ownership of new projects and ask for their input. The benefits of internal marketing include low employee-turnover rates, an increase in service quality, high levels of employee satisfaction, and making it easier to implement change. Keeping your staff happy means keeping your staff – and clients will like seeing a familiar face when they visit your practice.

BrandingIt’s not called branding for nothing – the marketing term derives from the ‘signatures’ used to identify cattle ownership – and that is how you want to make your mark – with a consistent, recognisable image that helps you build your reputation with clients.

If a pet owner were to walk into any number of veterinary clinics across the country, they might see little to distinguish them. The facilities might have the same type of floor plan and reception layout, or even the same posters on the wall. Don’t melt into this ‘lookalike landscape’. Two easy ways to start your branding are:

1. Your logo and slogan (or mission statement) should appear on all your communications: on your stationery, newsletters, brochures, flyers, staff

uniforms, Yellow Pages advertisement, website, etc.

2. Determine practice colour or colours, ideally no more than two or three, and use these colours consistently wherever possible.

Existing and new clientsIt is well known that it’s easier to keep a customer than to find one, so before you look to expand your client list, make sure you are taking good care of the ones you already have. When you lose one client’s confidence you risk negative word-of-mouth losing you even more. On the other hand, a happy client is likely to bring in new business through recommendation.

Handle any complaints with care – have ■■

a written procedure on your websiteUse regular client questionnaires and ■■

feedback formsKnow their profile, their pet and their ■■

preferencesUse your database effectively to target ■■

your communications

PromotionsRunning a promotion is a popular way to raise interest and, if successful, revenue. For the best results with mailings, always ensure that:

■■ Any mailings are personalised – mentioning both the client and pet’s names shows you care and will increase client confidence and response rates

■■ Avoid scare tactics – clients tend to respond better to a promotion that highlights benefits rather than a threat of dire consequence

■■ Include a note requesting that the client contact the surgery if they no longer own the pet concerned – some forget to advise of re-homing arrangements, and this will help to prevent further unwanted mail

■■ Use every mailing to maximum benefit – use the opportunity to promote other relevant services and products that are likely to be of interest. It is usually better to design your own single page flyer highlighting these items rather than pack the envelope full of drug company literature. Clients are more likely to read this than reams of leaflets that they can’t find the time to go through or don’t understand

■■ Use your initiative in order to get maximum exposure for your practice – the local press enjoy human-interest stories that involve pets

■■ Ensure that the promotion is advertised consistently and accurately in all of your marketing tools; that’s your website, brochure, posters, etc. A well designed website speaks volumes about your practice, delivering cost-effective advertising, making practice information widely available, attracting new clients, answering frequently asked questions and providing quick reference and useful facts

■■ Employ the help of veterinary drug and diet manufacturers. These companies have a huge amount of experience in marketing, and most will be happy to help

■■ Always target your audience. There’s no point sending information about puppy training classes to the owner of a geriatric cat

Remember key dates, like pet birthdays■■

If a client refers another pet owner – ■■

thank them

Welcome new clients with a letter and ■■

full details of the services on offer

Make a point of introducing key ■■

members of staff by name to new clients

Time of their lifeToo often, the first time a pet is brought into your practice it will be because there is a problem. Then it’s the job of your professionals to show the owner the value of ongoing health checks and the benefits of preventive treatments.

From kitten and puppy groups and obesity clinics to geriatric care – your practice should be able to keep a client by offering all the relevant support their pet needs throughout its life. Whilst emergency medicine is often the most fascinating and immediately rewarding, we know that regular, preventive care is in everyone’s best interest.

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The Bella Moss Foundation in conjunction with Janssen Animal Health are once again organizing a

series of one day MRSA seminars specifically aimed at the veterinary profession.

The seminars are aimed at bringing to veterinary staff the latest knowledge on MRSA. The seminars will also help them develop the techniques and practices that will enable them to reduce to the very minimum the risk of MRSA to them, their staff and the animals they treat.

The seminars are led by expert researchers and clinicians who are themselves at the leading edge of the fight against MRSA in animals and humans, and the presentations include new research findings. For further information contact your Janssen Animal Health territory manager or Helen Milton on: 01494 567358 Email: [email protected]

ALL ABOUT MRSAFriday 9th May 2008THURROCK – EAST LONDON

Prof. David Lloyd ■■ BVetMed PhD DipECVD ILTM FRCVSProf. Mark Enright ■■ BSc PhDDr Susan Dawson ■■ BVMS PhD MRCVS

Tuesday 13th May 2008NEWCASTLE

Dr Tim Nuttall ■■ BSc BVSc PhD CertVD CBiol MRCVSDr Giles Edwards ■■ MB BCh MA PhD MRCPathDr Nicola Williams ■■ BSc PhD

Wednesday 14th May 2008CHEADLE – SOUTH MANCHESTER

Dr Tim Nuttall ■■ BSc BVSc PhD CertVD CBiol MRCVSDr Giles Edwards ■■ MB BCh MA PhD MRCPathDr Susan Dawson ■■ BVMS PhD MRCVS

Tuesday 20th May 2008LEAMINGTON SPA

Ms Amanda Boag ■■ MA VetMB DipACVIM DipACVECC MRCVSMr Jonathan Otter ■■ BScDr Nicola Williams ■■ BSc PhD

Successful marketingAlthough clients may not initially visit the veterinary practice by choice, they do have the right to choose which practice they use and whether or not they return. There are things you can do to make sure they come through your doors. By promoting insurance (carefully, in compliance with all those FSA regulations!) we can reduce the stress associated with unexpected expence. Through good communication we can build trust and longstanding relationships.

Through education we can even show clients that visiting the vet’s can be an enjoyable and productive experience.

Marketing affects our lives in veterinary practice whether we choose to ignore it or embrace it, and it can bring in revenue both directly and indirectly. This extra revenue can enhance the working environment and by involving members of staff within the practice, employees will feel more empowered. When employees feel invested in and have good knowledge of the practice,

this ultimately leads to satisfied clients who will return to the practice again and again. What’s more, they will make recommendations to friends, family and colleagues – building you an excellent reputation for quality and service. ■

MARKETING YOUR PRACTICE

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HOW TO…

MICROCHIP CHELONIANSAn essential guide presented by Mike Jessop BVetMed MRCVS of Ash Veterinary Surgery

HOW TO…

Implantation of a microchip into tortoises is a safe and effective technique, provided extra precautions are taken to minimise

the risk of sepsis.It is not uncommon to see abscess

following injections in chelonians. The problem arises due to the nature of the reptile integument. The scaled skin, with low surface shedding, leads to high levels of surface microorganisms. Reptiles are non-groomers and if housing conditions are not optimal skin contaminants can be present in high levels. The skin is inelastic, hence the injection site stays open after withdrawal of the needle. This increases the risk of chip loss and infection.

Thus, attention to sterility prior to implantation is paramount. Wound closure is necessary and implant site analgesia is required. For these reasons, it is advised that this procedure is performed as a veterinary act and best done as an in-patient routine.

The animal should be admitted with informed consent, for the procedure and secondly for the use of non-licensed medications.

As with all microchipping procedures, remember first to check thoroughly for prior implanted chips. This will become important in the future with rehomed animals. Make sure a check is made for non-standard sites, especially forelimbs.

EquipmentToothbrush■■

Skin scrub■■

Local anaesthetic■■

Sedative/General anaesthetic ■■

(if required)Chip and implanter■■

Scanner■■

Sterile cotton buds■■

Tissue glue or suture kit■■

The siteThe internationally agreed site is the left hindleg and the preferred position is over the quadriceps muscle mass. The chip can be placed subcutaneously if the animal is large enough, or intramuscularly in smaller animals.

Access is straightforward in most species of tortoise. Certain species and some individuals can be more difficult. Nervous individuals, especially recently wild-caught animals, may retract the limb. Box turtles and hingeback species are able to close the femoral fossa completely. Some species become so large and powerful that sustained extension of the hindlimb is impossible. In some situations sedation is required. Refer to specific texts for advice on drugs and dosages.

For the above reasons, there have been some calls to change the site to a subcarapacial position, caudally on the left side. This has the advantage of easier access and a more superficial position in large tortoises. However, until there is international agreement, it is advised to maintain the left hindleg site.

Site preparationThe limb is gently extended. A surgical scrub of the site is essential. Abscessation

following implantation is occasionally seen and entirely preventable. The scaled skin of tortoises requires meticulous cleaning. The preferred technique is gentle scrubbing with a toothbrush and iodine scrub. This may need to be extensive if the skin is heavily soiled. The soap is then rinsed off with surgical spirit.

AnalgesiaThe implant site is infiltrated with local anaesthetic. In adults the skin is thick; therefore intradermal and subcutaneous infiltration is needed to ensure effective analgesia. Standard veterinary formulations of local anaesthetics appear to be well tolerated in chelonians but take care to keep volumes to a minimum, especially in small individuals. Use of insulin syringes with 30G needles is recommended.

If the chip is to be placed intramuscularly some infiltration into the muscle is required.

It is important to advise the owner that a functional lameness is possible due to the slow clearance of the local

Sectioned abscess to reveal microchip as the nidus. Note reptile “pus” is a fibrinous material that solidifies around the infection

14 | companion

HOW TO…

HOW TO… MICROCHIP CHELONIANS

anaesthetic. Otherwise this will be blamed on the microchip.

The incisionIn older animals it is recommended to incise the skin with a scalpel. In younger animals one can use the implant needle alone. Position the needle either subcutaneously or intramuscularly and insert the chip.

The insertion point for the implant needle is just above the stifle. The needle is inserted in a proximal direction away from the stifle and toward the hip along the anterior (dorsal) thigh. Length of insertion will vary with size of the animal, aiming to achieve a final chip site in the upper half of the upper limb.

ClosureVery occasionally haemorrhage occurs on needle withdrawal. This is more commonly seen on intramuscular implantation. In some individuals this can be marked and risks flushing the chip back to the skin incision. Use sterile cotton buds to apply local pressure.

Cotton bud swabbing is important to dry the site prior to closure. Suturing is acceptable with a single mattress suture to ensure eversion of skin edges. Skin

staples are effective. The reptile skin heals more quickly if closed in an everted position.

The preferred technique is to use tissue glue. The skin is bonded in an everted pattern. The use of liquid skin or liquid bandage adds additional wound protection.

Post-procedural careKeep the animal hospitalised for at least 2 hours after the procedure. Check the wound just prior to returning to the owner.

It is recommended to maintain the tortoise in a clean environment for a few days, especially for digging species or those allowed free roam in a garden.

If sutures or staples are used, they should be left in place for a minimum of 4 weeks.

Aquatic speciesTerrapins require extra care following the procedure. It is advised that water quality and hygiene is stressed to the owner prior to implantation. If possible, maintain in a dry environment for 2 days after the procedure. Daily wound cleansing with iodine, drying, then application of a waterproof dressing such as Orabase will reduce any problems. Terrapins will generally heal more quickly and 2 weeks

post-procedural care should be all that is required. Most risk of infection is from contamination via poor water quality.

TimingIn non-hibernating species timing is not an issue. In hibernating species, do not implant less than 6 weeks prior to hibernation. If licensing regulations force implantation close to hibernation it is important to keep the animal awake for at least 6 weeks after the technique. This is easily achieved with an indoor heated vivarium.

RegulationsUnder the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) certain species are required by law to be microchipped for trading. This legislation comes under the jurisdiction of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Scrubbing the site

Infiltration with local anaesthesia. 30G needles are ideal

Equipment assembled

companion | 15

HOW TO…

HOW TO… MICROCHIP CHELONIANS

Girling SJ and Raiti P (2004) BSAVA Manual of Reptiles, 2nd edition. BSAVA Publications, Gloucester

McArthur S, Wilkinson R and Meyer J (2004) Medicine and Surgery of Tortoises and Turtles. Blackwell, Oxford

Mader DR (2005) Reptile Medicine and Surgery, 2nd edition. Elsevier, Philadelphia

Microchip information and details of companies signed up to the BSAVA Microchip Advisory Group Codes of Practice are available at www.bsava.com

Microchip Adverse Reaction forms are available from www.bsava.com. It is important that any post-implantation complications are reported as an adverse reaction.

Details of implantation sites for chelonians and other species are available from the WSAVA website via www.bsava.com

Further reading

Apposing the skin edges after applying the tissue glue Post procedure confirmation

Applying “liquid skin” as a dressing

Implantation

Wildlife Licensing and Registration ServiceZone l/17, Temple Quay House, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6EBPhone: 0117 372 8691 or 0117 372 8168Email: [email protected]

This requirement for action under the legislation only arises on sale of these animals.

Many species are affected, for example:

Testudo graeca■■ ( Spur-thighed complex; several different species represented under this name)Testudo marginata ■■ (marginated tortoise)Testudo hermanni ■■ (Hermann’s tortoise)

For a complete list of species covered refer to Defra.

The more recently traded species are not covered e.g. Testudo horsefieldi (Horsfield’s, Russian, Afghan or Steppe tortoise) and Geochelone pardalis (leopard tortoise). Legislation is subject to change and it should be noted that some

countries will impose export bans on their native species.

Prior to sale the animal must be microchipped and a licence obtained from Defra.

A special exemption exists for tortoises of less than 100 mm straight carapace length.

In the case of captive-bred tortoises covered by CITES the sire and dam need to be microchipped. A breeder’s licence is then obtained for the sale of the hatchlings. These can than then be sold along with an Article 10 Certificate. Once they reach 100 mm a chip must be implanted prior to any subsequent sale.

Therefore, when presented with a newly acquired tortoise, it is important to check the certification. If the animal is over 100 mm in length there should already be a microchip implanted and the number should be logged on the certificate. Long-owned animals do not need certification and the CITES regulation is not a registration scheme. Clients with animals that have been in their possession for many years are encouraged to write down the provenance of their animals as far as they can remember. Newly implanted microchips should be registered on the manufacturer’s national database. ■

16 | companion

CLINICAL CONUNDRUM

CLINICALCONUNDRUMThis Clinical Conundrum, devised by Mark Goodfellow, presents a case of muscle tremors in a mature female Greyhound

Case PresentationA 7-year-old female neutered Greyhound, fed on a commercial diet, presented with a history of acute onset vocalisation whilst lying down and “stiffness” of the hindlimbs. Clinical examination revealed fine fasciculations of the muscles of the hindlimbs and bradycardia (65 bpm) without arrhythmia. During the examination the bitch was seen to paw repeatedly at her muzzle and periorbital region.

What are the differential diagnoses for sinus bradycardia?

Physiological sinus bradycardia (athletic ■

breed)Atrioventricular (AV) block (first, ■

second (Mobitz type II) or third degree)Metabolic disease affecting sinus node ■

(hypothermia, hypothyroidism, hyperkalaemia, amongst others)Drug-associated (digoxin, ■ β-blockers, calcium channel blockers, parasympathomimetics, amongst others)Increased vagal tone due to ■

gastrointestinal or respiratory disease.

In this case, given that the patient was not receiving nor had access to any medications and had displayed no gastrointestinal signs, it was considered most likely that the sinus bradycardia was a result of metabolic disease, due to the athletic breed, or was a manifestation of AV block. An increase in vagal tone as a consequence of respiratory disease was considered less likely due to the absence of sinus arrhythmia.

What abnormalities are present on the ECG?ECG confirms a predominant sinus rhythm of 65 bpm. The amplitude of the P waves is variable due to the presence of a wandering pacemaker. A prolonged QT interval (> 0.25 s) is suggestive of hypocalcaemia, hypokalaemia or CNS disturbances.

What are the differential diagnoses for muscle fasciculations?

Myopathy (e.g. immune-mediated ■

polymyositis)Hypocalcaemia ■

Based on the clinical and ECG findings and the differential diagnoses, what further investigations should be undertaken?A metabolic disease was considered most likely to be responsible for the combination of bradycardia and muscle fasciculations, particularly in the light of a demonstrated prolonged QT interval on ECG. Investigation for metabolic disease commenced with a minimum database of full haematology, serum

ECG on presentation (25 mm/mV, 25 mm/s)

Parameter Value Reference Range Unit

Average heart rate 65 70–180 bpm

P wave duration 0.04 <0.04 s

P wave amplitude 0.4 <0.4 mV

PQ interval 0.10 0.06–0.13 s

QRS duration 0.04 <0.06 s

R wave amplitude 2.8 2.5–2.8 mV

ST depression 0.1 <0.2 mV

ST elevation 0 <0.15 mV

QT interval 0.28 0.15–0.25 s

Mean Electrical Axis 90 40–100 o

ECG obtained during clinical investigation

companion | 17

CLINICAL CONUNDRUM

biochemistry and urinalysis. These revealed hypocalcaemia (1.15 mmol/l; reference range 2.30–2.60) and hyperphosphataemia (2.22 mmol/l; reference range 0.75–1.25) in the absence of azotaemia.

The most common cause of hypocalcaemia is probably laboratory or clinician error and all suspiciously low serum calcium results should be rechecked, ensuring that EDTA-anticoagulated blood is not submitted for analysis. In this case, hypocalcaemia was confirmed. Given the lack of azotaemia, normal urinalysis, normal diet, absence of gastrointestinal or urinary tract signs, lack of exposure to antifreeze (ethylene gycol) and presence of hyperphosphataemia, a relative or absolute deficiency of parathyroid hormone (PTH) was

considered the most likely cause of the observed hypocalcaemia.

Further investigation revealed an inappropriately low PTH concentration (5.5 pg/ml; reference range 10–60) given the degree of hypocalcaemia. Cervical ultrasonography and radiography revealed no abnormalities, making a medullary carcinoma or other invasive disease of the neck unlikely. A diagnosis of primary hypoparathyroidism was made.

Does the diagnosis account for all of the observed clinical signs?Clinical signs associated with hypocalcaemia include muscle fasciculation, facial rubbing, generalized seizures, hindlimb cramping, restlessness, poor appetite and listlessness. Uncommonly, gastrointestinal signs, weight loss or pyrexia may be noted. In the author’s experience, pawing at the muzzle

CLINICAL CONUNDRUM

Diagrammatic overview of calcium homeostasis. Low calcium: PTH production rises; calcium absorbed by intestine and kidney. High calcium: PTH production decreases; calcium lost in urine and taken up by bones. Reproduced from the BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing, 4th edition

Kidney

Bone

Vitamin D

Intestine

PTH

Parathyroidgland

2+If Ca low,parathormone is increased

Boneresorption

Calciumabsorbed

Extracellularionizedcalcium

Ca reabsorbed2+

Ca2+

Ca2+

Ca2+

Ca2+

Ca2+

Ca2+

Ca2+

Ca2+

18 | companion

CLINICAL CONUNDRUM

Primary HypothyroidismPrimary hypothyroidism results either from suppression of PTH secretion without parathyroid gland destruction or as the result of immune-mediated destruction of the parathyroid tissue. Primary hypothyroidism is uncommon and as clinical signs may develop insidiously their significance may be overlooked. It has been suggested that clinical signs resulting from hypocalcaemia are unlikely to be documented until serum total calcium falls below 1.19 mmol/l or serum ionised calcium below 1.2 mmol/l. Tetany, probably the most dramatic clinical sign, is unlikely until total and ionised calcium fall below 0.75 mmol/l and 0.7mmol/l, respectively. Given the insidious onset of clinical signs, dogs may not present until a situation, which has been described as ‘latent tetany’ exists. In this instance clinical signs of hypocalcaemia are transient and intermittent and are the result of a stimulus such as excitement, exercise or palpation.

Given the importance of calcium in cellular homeostasis, the vague signs associated with hypocalcaemia are perhaps surprising; however, a failure of normal myocyte cellular calcium homeostasis ultimately results in muscle cramping. This has been reported as the most common presenting symptom, as was seen in this case.

Stabilisation of primary hypoparathyroidism involves use of a vitamin D analogue with concurrent calcium supplementation. Calcitriol was chosen in this case, given that it is the most active available form of vitamin D, has a rapid onset and has the shortest biological half-life, which allows rapid correction of the dose should iatrogenic hypercalcaemia occur. Calcium carbonate was chosen as, of all the available oral calcium preparations, it has the highest proportion of elemental calcium. It has been suggested that the action of gastric acid on carbonate will produce carbon dioxide, which may produce abdominal discomfort and eructation, but the author has not observed this socially unacceptable adverse effect.

The prognosis for patients with primary hypoparathyroidism is good but continued monitoring of serum total calcium is essential to monitor for over-supplementation resulting in iatrogenic hypercalcaemia and resultant renal compromise.

CLINICAL CONUNDRUM

and face is a common clinical sign, which can often alert the clinician to the possibility of hypocalcaemia during initial assessment, particularly useful if seizures or tetany are the predominant sign. Muscle fasciculations, cramping of abdominal musculature on palpation, or unexpected aggression during examination due to the patient’s anxiety regarding muscle pain are similarly helpful clinical clues.

Treatment and outcomeTreatment commenced with calcium carbonate 3.9 g daily (equivalent to 60 mg/kg/day of elemental calcium) and 0.5 µg calcitriol (20 ng/kg) twice daily. Treatment continued for 6 days during which time serial samples demonstrated an increase in serum calcium, at which point the calcitriol dose was reduced to 0.5 µg in the morning and 0.25 µg in the evening.

The patient was discharged on the above regime. Muscle fasciculations and vocalisation were no longer apparent. The dose of calcitriol was slowly reduced to a maintenance dose of 0.25 µg/day (10 ng/kg) over the following two weeks. Exercise was restricted initially. Reassessment was performed after one month’s therapy and the patient was seen to be subjectively

brighter, more alert and energetic. The owner felt that with hindsight the dog had been lethargic and slightly listless for many months, this only becoming obvious on

Differential Diagnoses: HypocalcaemiaInflammatory: Acute pancreatitis

Toxic: Ethylene glycol toxicity

Metabolic:■ Decreased Parathyroid hormone concentration or activity■ Primary hypoparathyroidism■ Destruction of the parathyroid glands iatrogenically or by invasion of

neoplasia■ Chronic renal failure■ Acute renal failure■ Intestinal malabsorption■ Hypoalbuminaemia■ Puerperal tetany (eclampsia)■ Hypomagnesaemia

Neoplastic: Hypercalcitonism (medullary carcinoma of the thyroid)

Nutritional:■ Hypovitaminosis D■ Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Spurious:■ Laboratory error■ Clinician error – submission of EDTA-anticoagulated blood for analysis

improvement with treatment. Following reassessment calcium supplementation was slowly withdrawn and the patient maintained on lifelong calcitriol. ■

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PUBLICATIONS

Another successful year for the BSAVA Publishing team was topped off with a celebratory lunch with the editors and authors of the new manuals at Congress. Publications Committee Chairman, Liz Mullineaux, explains why this has become an annual highlight

This year we were celebrating the publication of five new manuals:

BSAVA Manual of Canine and ■

Feline Endoscopy and EndosurgeryEdited by Philip Lhermette and David SobelBSAVA Manual of Canine and ■

Feline Thoracic ImagingEdited by Tobias Schwarz and Victoria JohnsonBSAVA Manual of Farm Pets ■

Edited by Victoria Roberts and Freda Scott-ParkBSAVA Manual of Practical ■

Animal CareEdited by Paula Hotston Moore and Alan HughesBSAVA Manual of Practical ■

Veterinary NursingEdited by Elizabeth Mullineaux and Marie Jones

In addition, the sixth edition of the BSAVA Small Animal Formulary was also launched at Congress and the new Editor-in-Chief, Ian Ramsey, and members of the Editorial Panel joined us in toasting the successful release of the newest edition.

New ideasAs a vet in practice, I use the manuals on a regular basis. In fact, the manuals are how I first became involved with the BSAVA Publications Committee. I wrote to the BSAVA years ago to suggest a manual of wildlife medicine would be a good idea, as I was frustrated at the lack of information for vets in practice and

If you didn’t manage to purchase your copies of the new titles from the Publications Stand at Congress, contact our Customer Services Team on 01452 726700 or buy online at www.bsava.com.

worried about the poor treatment some cases had received before coming to me for a second opinion. I was asked if I would contribute and agreed to write the badger chapter, and then had my arm bent to edit the book. After completing the manual I was invited to join the Publications Committee, and in 2006 I was elected Chair.

During my time on the Committee I have seen that some of the best ideas for new manuals originate from practitioners – those who are uniquely placed to tell us what gaps they think there are in the veterinary literature. The aim of the manuals is to provide support for our members in practice, teaching and research. So, if you have an idea for a new manual please feel free to contact our Publishing Manager, Marion Jowett, at [email protected] – who knows, perhaps we will be raising a glass of champagne to you in future years. ■

The author and editor lunch, held this year on the Friday at Congress, is an important event for us because it

gives the BSAVA Publications Committee the opportunity to thank all the contributors for their hard work in producing the new manuals. The Committee know first-hand the huge amount of work that goes into producing the manuals, with both Philip Lhermette and myself performing editorial duties in the past 12 months. So the champagne lunch gives us the opportunity to celebrate our achievements with friends and colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere.

companion | 19

successful release of the newest edition.

New ideasAs a vet in practice, I use the manuals on a regular basis. In fact, the manuals are how I first became involved with the BSAVA Publications Committee. I wrote to the BSAVA years ago to suggest a manual of wildlife medicine would be a good idea, as I was frustrated at the lack of information

This year we were celebrating the publication of five new manuals:

BSAVA Manual of Canine and ■

Feline Endoscopy and EndosurgeryEdited by Philip Lhermette and David SobelBSAVA Manual of Canine and ■

Feline Thoracic ImagingEdited by Tobias Schwarz and Victoria JohnsonBSAVA Manual of Farm Pets■

Edited by Victoria Roberts and

worried about the poor treatment some cases had received before coming to me for a second opinion. I was asked if I would contribute and agreed to write the badger chapter, and then had my arm bent to edit the book. After completing the manual I was invited to join the Publications Committee, and in 2006 I was elected Chair.

During my time on the Committee I have seen that some of the best ideas for new manuals originate from practitioners – those who are uniquely placed to tell us what gaps they think there are in the

CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES

20 | companion

PETSAVERS

Improving the health of the nation’s pets

Our stand at Congress was well frequented by delegates again this year. Some of the attraction was

the Petsavers Congress Competition and the chance to win some great prizes. Many were also interested in the Petsavers grants programme, and how some of the techniques used in practice result from Petsavers funded research.

There was a lot of interest in fundraising for Petsavers – partly because the charity brings health benefits for all small animals, but also because fundraising for Petsavers can help team building within veterinary practices, provides a sense of common purpose and a focus around which to increase links with local clients and the wider community. ■

STANDING ORDERSSupporters of Petsavers who donate

via a standing order are very important to us because this

provides us with a regular, dependable form of income. For our supporters it provides the easiest way to give regularly, and often at a level which does not ‘hurt your pocket’. When your standing order donation is also Gift Aided, it can increase the value of your support to us by 25%.

If you do not already donate through a standing order – please consider doing so. It is a great way to help us to improve the future of animal welfare. ■

There are circumstances where practice staff are asked to recommend a charity for their

clients to support. Petsavers is a natural choice for many practice staff as we help all small animals through the clinical research we support. The results of this

RECOMMEND PETSAVERSresearch are quickly disseminated through the Journal of Small Animal Practice ( JSAP) and other publications.

Petsavers benefits greatly from the support we receive through these recommendations. We have received some of our largest donations and even legacies

as a result of a vet or other practice staff telling their clients about our work.

Please spread the word about Petsavers and do ask us for any material, such as posters and leaflets, which would help you to promote us to your clients. Email [email protected] for more information. ■

ORDERSSupporters of Petsavers who donate

via a standing order are very PETSAVERS

ur stand at Congress was well There was a lot of interest in fundraising for

provides us with a regular, dependable form of income. For our supporters it provides the easiest way to give regularly, and often at a level which does

Simportant to us because this provides us with a regular, dependable AT CONGRESS

companion | 21

PETSAVERS

RUNNING FOR PETSAVERSRunning and jogging seem to be popular pastimes for our

supporters. Petsavers was represented in the London Marathon in April, when Simone der Weduwen ran for us.

Others are running in the Bristol 10K this month and we have 66 places in the British 10K London Run on 6 July this year. Contact us as soon as possible to check if places are still available.

We are looking to expand the range and geographical spread of runs where people can fundraise for Petsavers – and the 5K in Manchester on 8 June is a move in this direction. Contact us if you are interested in taking part. Please also let us know of any other sporting events that might interest our supporters, and also let us know if you want us to inform you of future runs you could be involved in. Email [email protected] ■

SUMMER FUNSummer is upon us, with longer days

and hopefully warmer weather. This is a great time for outdoors

fundraising events. Why not organise a fundraising event for Petsavers?

How about a Practice Open Day – perhaps with cream teas, a competition or a treasure hunt. Sponsored walks – with or without animals – are popular. Or team-up with other local businesses for a ‘town trail’ with a difference. Open your gardens for a picnic or homemade treats, or perhaps organise a competition through the local paper with the prize of ‘spend the day at our veterinary practice’. The possibilities are endless. Do let us know what you are planning and ask about ways we can help you. ■

PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITIONOur photo competition was very

popular again this year, with lots of great photos submitted.

Judging was difficult, but sadly only a few could be chosen. The finalists’ photos were displayed at Congress, and provided a great focal point for participants and members of the public passing through the ICC. ■

GIFT AID CHANGESPetsavers benefits from Gift Aid

when our tax-paying supporters agree to let us reclaim tax on their

donations. So, if you could Gift Aid your donations – please consider doing so.

If you already support us in this way through a regular donation, please be aware that changes to Gift Aid rules from April 2008 mean that we get

slightly less tax back on your donation. This will be offset for a few years by a new ‘transitional relief’ which charities can claim.

Higher rate taxpayers who Gift Aid can already claim back the difference between higher and lower rate tax. However, not many people know that higher rate taxpayers who reclaim the difference

between the tax rates can then donate their refund to Petsavers.

So, if you are a higher rate taxpayer remember to claim tax back for the money you have Gift Aided to Petsavers. Then, if you so wish, donate this money to us too. Since April this means we can receive £150 for an initial £100 Gift Aided donation from you. ■

22 | companion

THE CHARLIE BILD VIP PROGRAMME

Important Practitioner) Chair, the programme brings selected veterinary practitioners to the College’s Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for one- to three-month visits. The VIP veterinarians work closely with college staff and students,

and are of particular benefit to undergraduates facing the transition to professional practice. Drawing on their experiences in the profession, the practitioners give lectures on such topics as ethics, practice management, public demands of professionals, and effective communication. At the same time, they are able to advance in their own clinical fields, and gain teaching and learning opportunities through hospital and clinical rounds, faculty and student seminars, continuing education courses, and conferences at the University of Florida Health Science Center.

To date there have been close to 30 participating practitioners, representing eight different countries and spanning five continents: three of these have been past or present WSAVA Executive Board members – Drs Larry Dee, Luis Tello and Claudio Brovida.

Dr Brovida says, “Last year in Seattle during the ACVIM forum, I spoke to Dr Michael Schaer about my will to follow some good internal medicine activity. He proposed that I participate in this programme for three months; however, due to my business I was only able to attend for five weeks – but it was a fantastic opportunity!

Dr Claudio Brovida with Drs Michael Schaer (left) and Colin Burrows (right) who are members of the Charlie Bild Advisory Committee.

The College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida has established a programme to honour the memory

of Dr Bild whilst providing unique learning experiences for students, staff and practitioners. Known as the VIP (Very

companion | 23

WSAVA NEWS

WSAVA CONGRESSDUBLIN 2008This year’s WSAVA Congress will be

held at the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) Convention and Exhibition

Centre on 20–24 August. The RDS was founded in 1731 to promote the development of agriculture, arts, science and industry. It is fitting that a veterinary congress promoting the advancement of veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and veterinary management should be held here.

Scientific programmeThe scientific programme includes State-of-the-Art Lectures and more than 200 lectures from 70 different speakers. The lectures are designed to provide the most recent information on current topics of clinical interest from world renowned veterinary scientists and clinicians in more than 20 different disciplines. Subject areas include: canine and feline medicine and surgery; ophthalmology; cardiology; neurology; exotics; oncology; dermatology; infectious diseases; and animal behaviour and welfare.

There will also be 2 days of free communications and 1 day of

pre-Congress CE events on feline medicine, emergency care and avian medicine.

Lectures will be delivered at three different levels: advanced/specialist; general companion animal; and new to/refresher companion animal medicine. Renowned international speakers include:

Simon Platt (Neurology) ■

Michael Schaer (Canine and Feline ■

Medicine)Margie Scherk (Feline Medicine) ■

Peter Irhke (Dermatology) ■

ManagementThere will also be a short programme devoted to management topics, such as stress and the veterinary surgeon, human resource management, work–life balance, current international concepts on veterinary nurses working in practice, starting a small animal practice, entrepreneurship and marketing.

FECAVA symposiumThe FECAVA Symposium will take a brave step and look at why the veterinary surgeon Applications

To apply, interested individuals should send a letter of intent (including preferred months and services that they would like to participate in), biographical information, and three letters of reference to the Charlie Bild VIP Program at the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida. For more information visit their website at www.vetmed.ufl.edu/ or contact Drs Dee, Tello or Brovida.

“They offered me a comfortable apartment about 2 km from the School, all the security cards to allow me to move around the School anywhere at anytime, and a monthly salary of $1000. This allowed me to do what I have been waiting for for a long time – to study some subjects more deeply, follow internal medicine cases, attend morning rounds and lectures, discuss veterinary medicine with colleagues, and to follow anything that would interest me or fulfil my professional needs. I had a fantastic time there.

“This is the most unique opportunity that I have ever found during all my professional life and it is open to any veterinarian in the world. The programme itself consists of the participation in School activities/life for three months and offers $1000 a month to the recipient, as well as an apartment a few minutes walk from the School. Any veterinarian with a particular interest could attend and this could also be a wonderful CE opportunity for academic colleagues from less developed parts of the world.” ■

24 | companion

WSAVA CONGRESSDUBLIN 2008

and veterinary nursing professions have such a high incidence of stress and suicide, and what can be done to prevent this.

Veterinary nursing conferenceOn the Saturday and Sunday, veterinary nurses can attend a conference which will be practical as well as informative for the backbone of every small animal practice. There will be “How To” sessions on marketing, ideas on what to do to grow the practice, refresher courses that would also interest trainees studying for exams, and much more.

ExhibitionAn extensive trade exhibition will take place during WSAVA 2008. The exhibition will showcase the latest products and developments in the companion animal veterinary area and will be the focal point of Congress. Over 100 organisations and 50 companies are confirmed participants, including the BSAVA.

SocialExpect an Irish welcome with Irish music, dancing and song. The social programme promises to be great fun whether you have come by yourself, with your friends, or your family. Join us for nights on the town, a grand Irish Ceilidh (Irish dancing session in which you will be encouraged to join in), a Banquet in the leafy surrounds of University College Dublin, and an Opening Ceremony which promises a bit of gambling, horses, dogs and people!

Take time out from lectures and meet up with friends in the comfort of the coffee bays or on the sunny green grass of the 40 acres in the RDS grounds. ■

The May 2008 issue of the European Journal of Companion Animal Practice (EJCAP) will focus

on ophthalmology, featuring articles targeted at the general practitioner as well as the specialist.

Updated informationGiven that 15% of companion animal patients presented in general practice exhibit an ocular/adnexal disease, it is essential that both general practitioners and specialists have access to the most up-to-date scientific information in order to provide their patients with the best possible treatment.

Indolent ulcers in dogs’ eyesCorneal ulcers are probably the most common problem of the canine eye seen in general veterinary practice. However, indolent ulcers are different: they are

chronic superficial ulcers that result from a structural defect of the cornea, and as a result heal poorly and are usually refractory to medical therapy alone.

Rabbits and rodentsThis article outlines the differences between rodents and lagomorphs and the more commonly seen dogs and cats, and discusses the effects these differences have on diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease in these small mammal species.

Avian ophthalmologyOphthalmology of birds has become an important part of avian medicine. Knowledge of anatomical and physiological peculiarities of the eyes of these species will help in the interpretation of the ocular investigation and in reaching appropriate diagnoses.

Medical therapy of glaucomaGlaucoma is a painful disease that causes progressive loss of vision and frequently leads to blindness. Medical treatment of glaucoma remains a therapeutic challenge because of the numerous causes of the disease and the complexity of its pathogenesis.

More information on these topics, and all of the other articles featured in this month’s EJCAP, can be found at www.fecava.org ■

WSAVA NEWS

24 | companion

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL

companion | 25

AWARDS

How to NominateThe BSAVA encourages nominations for these prestigious awards. Enquiries about 2009 nominations should be made to the BSAVA Secretary by email: [email protected] or further information can be requested by calling 01452 726717.

The winners of the BSAVA Awards were honoured at a ceremony on the Thursday of Congress

Simon AwardThe Simon award is presented to a member of the BSAVA for outstanding contributions in the field of veterinary surgery. Duncan Lascelles is the winner for major contributions to the field of perioperative analgesia and veterinary surgery.

Melton AwardThis award is for meritorious contributions by veterinary surgeons in general practice to small animal veterinary practice. Stuart McArthur won the award this year. He has published definitive works on tortoise medicine and surgery from his experience in general practice and continues to contribute to advances in this field.

Woodrow AwardThis award is presented by the BSAVA to a member for outstanding contributions in the field of small animal veterinary medicine. The winner of this year’s award is Dr Séverine Tasker, one of the world’s leading specialists in feline medicine and in particular in haemoplasma infections. She has built an international reputation for combining excellent research with outstanding clinical work.

J.A. Wight Memorial This award is presented annually by the Blue Cross to recognise outstanding contributions to the welfare of companion animals. Chris Laurence is the winner of this year’s award. It is his contribution to welfare issues and his ability to communicate to a variety of audiences that makes him such a deserving recipient.

Frank Beattie Travel ScholarshipThe scholarship helps a BSAVA member to undertake a trip abroad to study a particular aspect of veterinary practice. The award will enable Karen Wendlandt to attend the ACVO William Magrane Basic Science Course in Veterinary and Comparative Ophthalmology and Histologic Basis of Ocular Disease Short Course in Madison, Wisconsin.

Amoroso AwardThis award is presented for outstanding contributions to small animal studies by a nonclinical member of university staff. This year’s recipient is Dr Christopher Helps. He has made a major contribution to the development of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for the diagnosis of many feline infectious diseases.

Blaine AwardThis award is presented for outstanding contributions to the advancement of small animal veterinary medicine or surgery. The 2008 award was presented to Joanna Dukes McEwan for her distinguished commitment to veterinary education and cardiology.

Bourgelat AwardThis award is presented in recognition for really outstanding contributions to the field of small animal practice. The award went to Rebecca Stepien, an internationally recognised expert in the field of cardiorespiratory medicine.

Petsavers AwardThis award is presented annually by the BSAVA for the best published clinical paper in the year, up to the November in which the award is made. The award goes to Penny Watson for Prevalence and breed distribution of chronic pancreatitis at post-mortem examination in f irst-opinion dogs by PJ Watson, AJA Roulois, T Scase, PEJ Johnston, H Thompson and ME Herrtage (JSAP Vol 48 pp 609–618).

Vet Nursing AwardsEach year, BSAVA presents awards to the student nurses achieving the highest marks in the NVQ Level 2 and Level 3 examinations. This year Amanda Simmonds received the highest marks in Level 2, and Sula Bancroft and Fiona Viveash share the top scores in Level 3.

Clinical Research AbstractsThe criteria for judging the abstracts include the likely impact of the work presented, the quality of the written abstract and the originality of the work. The Medicine Award goes to Vivien Ryan, the Surgical Award goes to Esther Barrett, and the Practitioner Award is presented to Romain Pizzi. ■

26 | companion

companion INTERVIEW

When Bruce Vivash Jones was given Honorary membership of the BSAVA this year it was in recognition of his vital role in helping to establish the Association, for his work on the Journal of Small Animal Practice and contribution to the early BSAVA publications. He is chair of the Veterinary History Society and believes that looking at our past is important in shaping our understanding of the future. He is also interested in Roman archaeology, the Soviet Union and in biological warfare, describing the latter as the flip side of immunology, which was the focus of his work in industry.

When Bruce Vivash Jones was given Honorary membership of the BSAVA this year it was

THEcompanionINTERVIEW

What was your family background?I was an only child, born in Dulwich, South London, and my parents moved to Monmouthshire just before the war. My father was a businessman in the radio and food industries and a part-time farmer. Before going up to the RVC I was educated at Wycliffe College in Gloucestershire, the same school as the former RCVS president Prof. D.L. Hughes and former BSAVA president Peter Beynon.

How did you get involved in setting up the BSAVA?When the idea of a small animal association was evolving I was working in the pathology department at the RVC and was secretary of the Central Veterinary Society. The CVS was asked if it could organise the new association because we had the largest concentration of small animal practices in the country. We looked at the idea but eventually Brian Singleton and John Hodgman at the Animal Health Trust took on the job. They organised a meeting at BVA headquarters where a committee was formed and its members allocated different roles – I was put in charge of publications.

The BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing is still referred to as Jones’s even today – what was your role?I started off as the editor of JSAP and held that job for ten years. When it came time for the publication of a book covering the

nursing syllabus several people were interested in writing it. I was still chair of the Publications Committee and my job was to persuade all those people who were writing their own books to work together. It made sense for it be produced by BSAVA because Pergamon Press, which published JSAP, had already agreed to print the book.

You ran an animal health industry consultancy for most of your career, but were you in practice at any stage?Yes, after graduating in 1951 I worked at practices in Dublin and London before returning to the RVC where I did have plans to do a PhD. Then I got married and I needed to earn more money and so I went into industry, initially with Allen & Hanbury’s, later part of Glaxo.

What do you consider to be your most important achievement during your career?Seeing the way that JSAP grew and developed is the thing that has given me most satisfaction. I was there for the first decade but the people who have taken it on since then have turned it into a quite superb journal. It is a very strong scientific publication – so much so that I can no longer understand any of the articles.

What is your most important possession? Two things, my elderly dachshund, Emily, and my library. I have built a collection of up

to 8,000 books and whatever I need to know, I can usually find it.

Who has been the most inspiring influence on your professional career?Two veterinary politicians – Reg Wooldridge (founder of the AHT) and Bill Weipers (former head of the Glasgow Veterinary School) – were men that I had a great deal of admiration for. A third was Norman Gold, a Midlands practitioner, who worked with me on clinical trials when I was in industry. His clinical skills and his way of dealing with clients impressed me greatly.

What is the most significant lesson you have learned so far in life?It is to face up to the fact that for the vast majority of people, life is not a very pleasant experience. So it is very important to make the most of the good times that you encounter and to make sure that you always retain an interest in everything that is going on in the world.

If you could change one thing about your appearance or personality, what would it be?I wouldn’t change anything – there is a line in a gospel song that impressed me. ‘He got what he wanted but he lost what he had’. For better or worse, you are what you are. ■

CPD DIARY

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22 MayThursday

Chronic diarrhoea in dogsSpeaker Kit SturgessEvening meeting at Corus Hotel, Romsey. Southern Region.Details from Michelle Stead, telephone 01722 321185, email [email protected]

22 MayThursday

Disease in budgies and finchesSpeaker John ChittyEvening meeting at Russell Hotel, Maidstone. Kent Region.Details from Hannah Perrin, email [email protected]

14 MayWednesday

Thoracic radiographySpeaker Paul MahoneyEvening meeting at Park Inn, Cardiff. South Wales Region.Details from Susanna Brown, email [email protected]

9–11 MayFriday–Sunday

Scottish CongressSpeakers Clare Knottenbelt and Alasdair Hotston-Moore Fairmont St Andrews, Scotland. Scottish Region.Details from Susan Macaldowie, telephone 01875 853853, email [email protected]

23–25 MayFriday–Sunday

BSAVA, BVNA and SPVS Joint Congress Speakers Pip Boydell, Steve Shaw, Des Rice, Jo Griff in, Nuala McKeever, Siobhan Menzies, Anne O’Reilly, Tom Farrington, Mickey Parker and Jim White2-day meeting at Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Downs Road, Newcastle, Co. Down. Northern Ireland Region.Details from Shane Murray, email [email protected], or Jo Gibson, email [email protected]

3 JuneTuesday

SA oncology ISpeaker Rob FoaleDay meeting (modular course) at BSAVA HQ, Gloucester. Organised by BSAVA. Details from BSAVA Customer Services, telephone 01452 726700, email [email protected]

18 MaySunday

Emergency and critical care Speakers Amanda Boag and Sophie AdamantosDay meeting at The Cambridge Belfry Hotel, Cambridge. East Anglia Region.Details from Gerry Polton, email [email protected]

14 MayWednesday

Practical radiologySpeaker Fraser McConnellDay meeting at The Holiday Inn, Manchester Airport. North West Region.Details from Simone der Weduwen, email [email protected]

4 JuneWednesday

Confidence with cardiologySpeaker Mark PattesonDay meeting (modular course) at BSAVA HQ, Gloucester. Organised by BSAVA. Details from BSAVA Customer Services, telephone 01452 726700, email [email protected]

9 JuneMonday

An update in feline oncologySpeaker Sue MurphyEvening meeting at Corus Hotel, Romsey. Southern Region.Details from Michelle Stead, telephone 01722 321185, email [email protected]

12 JuneThursday

Vaccination controversiesSpeaker Rachel DeanEvening meeting at the Animal Health Trust, Cambridge. East Anglia Region.Details from Gerry Polton, email [email protected]

24 JuneTuesday

SA oncology IISpeaker Rob FoaleDay meeting (modular course) at BSAVA HQ, Gloucester. Organised by BSAVA. Details from BSAVA Customer Services, telephone 01452 726700, email [email protected]

25 JuneWednesday

SA respiratory medicineSpeaker Paul SmithDay meeting (modular course) at BSAVA HQ, Gloucester. Organised by BSAVA. Details from BSAVA Customer Services, telephone 01452 726700, email [email protected]

3 JulyThursday

Medical mystery tourSpeaker David ChurchEvening meeting at The Bridge Suite, Southmead Hospital, Bristol.South West Region.Details from Martin Owen, email [email protected]

10 SeptemberWednesday

Oncology in practiceSpeaker Rob HarperEvening meeting at Park Inn, Cardiff. South Wales Region.Details from Susanna Brown, email [email protected]

13 SeptemberSaturday

Annual Dinner at Horncliffe MansionNorth West Region.Details from Simone der Weduwen, email [email protected]

14 SeptemberSunday

Fracture managementSpeaker Andy TorringtonDay meeting at Normanton Golf Club, Wakefield. North East Region.Details from Sarah Ashby, telephone 01943 462726, email [email protected]

CPDDIARY

BSAVA CPD

For more information or to book please contact Customer Services on 01452 726700 or email [email protected] or visit www.bsava.com

Small Animal Dispensing CourseDate: Thursday 23 OctoberSpeakers: Mr Fred Nind Mr John Hird Mr Peter Gripper Prof Steve Dean Mr Philip SketchleyVenue: Basingstoke Country HotelCourse Fees: BSAVA Members: £176.00 + VAT (£206.80 inc. VAT) Non Members: £236.00 + VAT (£277.30 inc. VAT)

Wildlife and Exotic Emergencies for Vets and Veterinary NursesDate: Wednesday 15 OctoberSpeakers: Ms Anna Meredith & Ms Sharon RedrobeVenue: Hilton, BromsgroveCourse Fees: £140.00 + VAT (£164.50 inc VAT)

Beginners UltrasoundDate: Wednesday 18 JuneSpeakers: Miss P Mannion & Mr A HollowayVenue: Willows Veterinary Group, CheshireCourse Fees: To be advisedVery limited places. Please contact Customer Services for further information

Sponsored by BCF

Diabetes for Vets and Veterinary NursesDate: Wednesday 11 JuneSpeaker: Mr Grant PetrieVenue: Hilton, YorkCourse Fees: £140.00 + VAT (£164.50 inc. VAT)

Documents

Companion May2008