Should Telemedicine Be Re-Introduced?
Telemedicine firm, Vet AI, is urging the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) to reintroduce remote prescribing after a recent report that demonstrated its efficiency and safety throughout COVID–19.
Remote prescribing was introduced from March to November 2020 by the RCVS, during the peak of the COVID-19 restrictions.
Veterinarian, Samantha Webster, said: “Given the clear evidence outlined in this report, we believe the future of veterinary medicine should include remote consultations with remote prescribing where appropriate and regulated.
“We invite the RCVS and other veterinary governing bodies to consider that there is a place for prescribing remotely on an ongoing basis for certain cases under certain conditions, such as a secure video and audio link with clinical record keeping and pharmacovigilance practice. A blanket ban is not appropriate with the advance of modern technology.”
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Relief For Tornado Victims
Thanks to donations to the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Animal Relief Fund, animals affected by the May 4th tornado in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, are making a recovery.
The OSU Animal Relief Fund was set up in 2013 in order to cover the costs of veterinary medical treatment needed for animals hurt in Oklahoma’s natural disasters.
Two animals affected by the May tornado were a mare and foal duo, owned by Nona Buley of Rockin BB Ranch. Luckily for Buley, she was able to receive free treatment for both horses from the OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and a month later has reported that both horses have made a full recovery.
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‘Don’t Be Afraid of Disagreement’ Warns Ex RCVS Council Member
Last week former Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) council member, Colin Whiting, resigned from his position in light of a new policy he was opposed to. The policy concluded that council members should support all RCVS decisions in external communication.
In his letter of resignation, it was reported that Colin believed it was the “only proper step” he could take. He also warned the college was at risk of being seen as “remote”.
Dr Whiting said: “I have no problem with ‘respecting’ decisions of council. We all, every member of the profession, have to respect and abide by decisions of council. But we shouldn’t be afraid of anyone saying ‘I disagree’. And we should keep listening.”
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Veterinarian Shares Tales of Ukraine
Veterinarian, Dr. Laura Coffee has recently shared the tells of her journey to the war-ravaged country and her plans to return.
“Through my experiences in Ukraine, I have learned a lot about the logistics of trying to help manage a crisis halfway around the world, in the middle of a war zone. My third trip to the country is on the horizon. This time, I have partnered with Dr. Alex Bedford and her capable staff at Providence Veterinary Practice in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Together, we aim to pilot a sustainable supply delivery and transport program that will be operational by the end of June. Our plan is to deliver 500 pounds of veterinary medical supplies to practices and nongovernmental organizations that are rescuing displaced pets.
Our operational components in Poland and Ukraine — contacts, transportation routes, places to stay and logistics — will remain in place to make it easy for other U.S. veterinary practices with devoted staff to replicate the formula. Our hope is that serial veterinary missions to Ukraine will provide reliable respite for the country’s practices and shelters, for which impactful, coordinated aid does not already exist.” Laura Coffee, MPH, DVM, DACVP,
To read her full story, click here.
Vets Respond to Study Findings on English Bulldogs
A recent study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College has revealed that English Bulldogs (in the UK) are more than twice as likely to have a health issue in a year than other breeds of dogs.
President of the British Veterinary Association, Justine Shotton said, in response to the findings:
“The findings of this study are shocking but, sadly, they confirm the experiences of vets on the ground…
Vets have told us that over half of the flat-faced dogs they see in practice need treatment for breed-related health issues, but worryingly only a few dog owners could recognise these issues, while the majority were unaware these potential problems even existed before deciding on the breed.
A dog should never be bought based on the latest social media or celebrity trends. Our advice to anyone looking to get a dog would be to pick a healthier breed or crossbreed instead, always talk to a vet first, and to use the free Puppy Contract to make sure you’re buying a puppy from a responsible breeder.”
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Celebrating Pride – The Facts
As June marks Pride month for the LGBTQIA+ community, each week we are sharing ways to celebrate pride and inclusivity at work. This week we are sharing our top 5 facts about the LGBTQIA+ community and movement.
- Fact 1: The Flag
The original rainbow flag that represents the LGBTQIA+ community, was designed by artist and drag queen, Gilbert Baker, back in 1978. Each color of the flag represents a meaning: red means life, orange means healing, yellow means sunlight, green means nature, blue means harmony, and violet means spirit.
- Fact 2 – Global Pride Day
Though the whole month of June represents LGBTQIA+ Pride, the 28th of June is the one day a year globally recognized as ‘Pride Day’.
- Fact 3 – More Flags?
Did you know that there are now over 50 types of pride flags? Though the number isn’t fixed, as there can be multiple variations for any particular flag. Each flag acts as a tool of visibility for the individuals they represent.
- Fact 4 – Stonewall
In 1969, The Stonewall Riots became a catalyst for the gay rights movement across the world. The riots, which took place on the 28th of June 1969, in New York City, are now celebrated annually to honor the brave individuals who protested. The riots began after the police raided the Stonewall Inn – a well-known club in Greenwich Village, NY.
- Fact 5 – Pride
Over the years, Pride has been called many different things. It was initially described as the ‘Gay Liberation March’, before being renamed ‘Gay Freedom March’. The cultural shift in the 80s again saw the name change to ‘Gay Pride’, before it became what we know it as today, ‘Pride’.
