WSAVA Issues Guidance On Pets And The New Coronavirus
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has produced a document that gives advice and a list of frequently asked questions to help vets talking with pet owners about the outbreak of the Coronavirus. The document also wants veterinarians to tell owners not to panic because there is a very low chance that they could contract the virus from their pet.
WSAVA President Dr Shane Ryan said: “There is still much we don’t know about 2019-CoV and, while the priority is to bring the outbreak of the infection caused to people under control as soon as possible, we are concerned for animal welfare with reports of animals being abandoned or killed because their owners fear that they might carry the virus. There is no evidence that this is necessary and we urge our members to ensure owners follow our guidance and keep themselves and their companion animals safe.”
You can find the document here: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/nCOV_WSAVA-Advisory-Document-final-05.02.2020.pdf
https://vetpracticemag.com.au/wsava-issues-guidance-on-pets-and-the-new-coronavirus/
Eight Out Of Ten Vet Practitioners Are Unaware Of Critical Infection Prevention Measures
Miele have published the results of research conducted at the 2019 London Vet Show asking veterinary professionals if they were aware of critical infection prevention measures. The results showed that 81% of those asked were unaware of the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS) which ensures that any fluid presenting a serious health hazard such as faecal material, harmful bacteria and pathogens, does not contaminate the main water supply.
The national account manager of Miele Professional, Simon Hart said: “Minimising infection is a high priority for vet practices, but it appears as if many practice workers are unaware of the prevention methods available to them and the standards they need to comply with when it comes to laundry. Making sure the washing machines within their practice are able to avoid the spread of harmful bacteria, whilst educating themselves and staff on the correct temperatures will also reduce associated risks. For example, employees should be aware that health guidelines state that to kill bacteria, contaminated laundry should be washed at above 65°C for at least ten minutes, 71°C for at least three minutes or 82°C for at least one minute”
Chihuahuas At Greater Risk Of Dental Problems And Obesity**
Results published by The Royal Veterinary College’s VetCompass programme has shown that the ownership of Chihuahuas has increased since 2005 despite the breed being at a greater risk of dental and obesity problems than other breeds. The breed is also more susceptible to other health problems such as slipping knee cap, retained testicles and munching the absolute shit out of vet fingers*.
The author of the paper, Dan O’Neill said: “Chihuahuas are an old breed but the recent craze for them can cause some real welfare issues for this tiny dog. There is increasing evidence that unscrupulous breeders and dealers both inside and outside the UK are cashing in on this trend by making a lot of money but with little regard for the welfare of these puppies and breeding bitches.”
You can find the full results of the paper here: https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-020-2258-1
*This was not in the report but probably should have been. 😉
**Top marks for the least surprising research ever.
BEVA Offers Free Membership To Students
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is offering free memberships to veterinary students. The association is offering this to raise interest in the discipline as only 10% of veterinary students are going into equine medicine.
Katie Roberts, The Association of Veterinary Students president said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for students. Anecdotally, we know some students can feel very daunted by equine practice – especially if they don’t come from a traditionally horsey background. Being able to become involved with BEVA at no cost means they can get a true taste of the equine veterinary world in addition to their experiences on EMS, and I’m sure this will pique the interest of our members.”
https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/beva-offers-free-membership-to-students/
Denver Just Voted To End Its 30-year Ban On Pit Bulls
For 30 years the ownership of Pit Bulls has been banned, until now. However, for 36 months the owners of the breed will be highly regulated by the city, which will require proof that the dog has been microchipped, vaccinated for rabies, and spayed or neutered. After these 36 months without a violation of the city’s animal safety policies, the city may then decide to allow for people to adopt Pit Bulls just like any other breed.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2020/02/11/denver-pit-bull-ban-lifted/
AHS Survey Aims To Educate On Deadly Disease
The American Heartworm Society (AHS) is asking veterinarians to submit their client’s data from the 2019 AHS Heartworm Incidence Survey. This data will be used to find the insight regarding trends in heartworm incidence and its spread into new areas of the country. AHS aims to publish these results in April to coincide with Heartworm Awareness Month.
Chris Duke, DVM, the president of AHS said: “Each veterinary practice that submits data on the number of animals tested and diagnosed over the 2019 calendar year enables AHS to create a more comprehensive and useful map. We urge every clinic and shelter—large or small—to take a few short minutes to submit their information.”
https://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/ahs-survey-aims-to-educate-on-deadly-disease/
Petco Donates $250,000 To University Of Wisconsin Veterinary School
The Superbowl ad which featured Scout, the dog that was saved from his deadly cancer by the University of Wisconsin has raised such awareness that Petco has decided to donate $250,000 to the University that saved him.
Petco CEO Ron Coughlin, whose dog Yummy was saved from cancer by a super vet team said in response to the advert: “We’re humbled and proud to answer [this] call to action…. What inspires me the most about your story is the unapologetic way you’re using your position and platform to raise awareness for something that affects so many pets and those of us who love them endlessly. By joining forces, our hope is that more Scouts and Yummys get lucky, too.”
https://www.dvm360.com/view/petco-donates-usd250-000-to-university-of-wisconsin-veterinary-school
NAVC Welcomes New President
The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) has announced Paige Allen, MS, RVT. Allen, who has been on the board for the past five years will replace Cheryl Good, DVM. In a press release by the company, Paige Allen said: “Following in the footsteps of Lynne Johnson-Harris [RVT] is a great honor.… I feel a great responsibility to my peers to continue the growth and trajectory that is important to our profession and the clients and patients we serve on a daily basis,”
https://www.dvm360.com/view/navc-welcomes-new-president
Delhi Based Veterinary Hospital Performs First Pacemaker Implant Surgery On Dog In India
Veterinarians from Max Vets Hospital in Delhi have successfully performed the first pacemaker implant surgery in India on 7 and a half-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Khushi. Before the surgery, Khushi’s heart rate dropped to 20 beats per minute which is much lower than the normal 60-120.
Kushi’s relieved owner said: “Post the implantation it feels as if she is back to puppyhood,”
10 Ways To Be More Mindful At Work
Feeling the stress at work during the day (or night)? Here is a useful infographic with ten tips to help you away from stress and keep your mind clear to get the job done.
https://www.shamashalidina.com/blog/10-ways-to-be-more-mindful-at-work
