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The proportion of UK veterinary surgeons who die by suicide as opposed to other causes is approximately four times that of the general population, and around twice that of other healthcare professionals. Recent research suggests that veterinary surgeons report high levels of psychological distress. This paper proposes a portfolio of evidence-based interventions, for both organisations and individuals, which have the potential to improve mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aims to compare the opinions of dairy farmers and farm veterinary surgeons on herd health plans (HHPs) and herd health and production management (HH&PM) in Great Britain to discover differences in their opinions. The study distributes two paper-based questionnaires, one for farm dairy farmers and one for farm veterinarians. The study reveals that cost-effectiveness is a major concern among farmers and veterinarians.

The practice of evidence-based veterinary medicine involves the utilisation of scientific evidence for clinical decision making. To enable this, research topics pertinent to clinical practice need to be identified, and veterinary clinicians are best placed to do this. The main aim of this study was to describe the veterinary population, the common species and conditions veterinary clinicians nominated they saw in practice and how much information clinicians perceived was available in the literature for these. A questionnaire was distributed to all Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons registered veterinarians agreeing to be contacted for research purposes (n=14,532). A useable response rate of 33 per cent (4842/14,532) was achieved. The most commonly seen species reported by vets were dogs, cats and rabbits followed by equines and cattle. Overall, skin conditions were most commonly mentioned for small animals, musculoskeletal conditions for equines and reproduction conditions for production animals. Veterinary clinicians perceived there was a higher level of information available in the literature for conditions in dogs, cattle and equines and lower levels for rabbits and guinea pigs. The results from this study can be used to help define the research needs of the profession to aid the incorporation of evidence in veterinary practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2004/05, all European Union member states were required to carry out standardised prevalence surveys to establish the baseline prevalence of Salmonella in commercial laying flocks. As part of the survey in Great Britain, additional data were collected from 380 of the enrolled laying hen holdings to investigate risk factors for Salmonella at farm level. Stratified, simple random sampling was used to select holdings from which dust and boot swab samples were collected and tested for Salmonella using a modification of ISO 6579:2002. Using a multivariable logistic model weighted to account for the survey design, several factors significantly associated with Salmonella and Salmonella Enteritidis status were identified. Larger holdings (≥30,000 birds) were found to be at higher risk of Salmonella (odds ratio [OR] 4.79, P=0.025), while vaccination (OR 0.28, P=0.013), providing foot dips with brushes (OR 0.27, P=0.042), washing and disinfecting the house at depopulation (OR 0.19, P=0.003), having a clean car park away from house (OR 0.14, P=0.001), using an independent (OR 0.19, P=0.007) or other non-company (OR 0.40, P=0.049) source of feed, being over 1 km from the nearest neighbouring farm (OR 0.45, P=0.021) and the presence of cats and dogs on the farm (OR 0.26, P=0.002) or on contiguous farms (OR 0.44, P=0.030) reduced the risk of any Salmonella serovars being present. Factors found to be associated specifically with an increased risk of S Enteritidis infection included holding size (OR 14.88, P=0.001) and frequent sightings of rats (OR 8.17, P<0.001) or mice (OR 5.78, P=0.006). Non-caged systems (OR 0.14, P=0.002), vaccination (OR 0.08, P=0.001), the use of a non-company feed source (OR 0.11, P=0.003), running the site as all-in/all-out (OR 0.06, P<0.001) and the presence of cats and dogs on the farm (OR 0.14, P=0.002) were associated with a reduced risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the statements from the 12 candidates in the election of members to the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in Great Britain. John Bailey recognized the effect of RCVS decisions on the livelihoods, business costs, job satisfaction and patient care. Professor Neil Gorman identified the issues that need to be clarified by the College and the profession. INSET: Papers in this week's veterinary Record.

Characteristics of 94 veterinary surgeons associated with delivering preventive herd-level strategies to control mastitis, lameness and Johne's disease were investigated using two multinomial models. The response variables were 'Gold Standard Monitoring' (including on-going data analysis, risk assessments and laboratory testing), and a lower level of involvement called 'Regular Control Advice'. Although the sample was biased towards those who spend the majority of their time with dairy cows, 69 per cent currently had no involvement in Gold Standard Monitoring for lameness, 60 per cent no involvement with Johne's, and 52 per cent no involvement with mastitis. The final model predicted that an assistant without a postgraduate cattle qualification, who had spent no time on dairy cattle continuous professional development (CPD) in the last year, had an 88 per cent chance of having no involvement with Gold Standard Monitoring for any disease, versus <5 per cent chance for a CPD 'enriched' partner with a postgraduate cattle qualification; there was <1 per cent chance this assistant would be involved with Gold Standard Monitoring of all three diseases on one or more farms, versus a 58 per cent chance for this partner. CPD and employment status were also associated with markedly different probabilities for delivering Regular Control Advice. Increased postgraduate education may further veterinary involvement of this nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scale of the ethical challenges faced by veterinary surgeons and their perceived stressful consequences were investigated via a short questionnaire, completed by 58 practising veterinary surgeons. Respondents were asked to report how frequently they faced ethical dilemmas, and to rate on a simple numerical scale (zero to 10) how stressful they found three common scenarios. Fifty seven per cent of respondents reported that they faced one to two dilemmas per week, while 34 per cent stated they typically faced three to five dilemmas per week. The three scenarios provided were all rated as highly stressful with 'client wishing to continue treatment despite poor animal welfare' rated as the most stressful (median 9). The female veterinary surgeons gave two of the scenarios significantly higher stress ratings than the male veterinary surgeons. Stress ratings were not influenced by number of years in practice (which ranged from one to more than 25 years). The results show that veterinary surgeons regularly face ethical dilemmas and that they find these stressful. This has implications for the wellbeing of veterinary surgeons and supports the case for increased provision of training and support, especially for those who entered the profession before undergraduate ethics teaching was widely available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the incidence and types of mistakes made in veterinary practice, and to assess the impact the mistakes had on the veterinarians involved, a questionnaire was sent in November 2002 to all the veterinary graduates of the Universities of Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London and Liverpool in 2001. One hundred and eight (27 per cent) of 402 questionnaires were returned completed; 87 of 106 respondents (82 per cent) worked frequently or always unsupervised and only 46(43 per cent) could always rely on support from other veterinarians in the practice. Since starting work, 82 of 105 respondents (78 per cent) stated that they had made a mistake, defined as an erroneous act or omission resulting in a less than optimal or potentially adverse outcome for a patient, and in many cases these mistakes had had a considerable emotional impact on the veterinarians involved. The survey highlights that a large number of recently graduated veterinarians work with little supervision and that many veterinarians beginning their year in practice do not always have access to assistance from other veterinary colleagues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors discusses the use of attitudes and antimicrobial in Great Britain. The authors cite a paper that deals with veterinary attitudes to the use of antimicrobials around surgery. Moreover, they mentions that the paper describes the use of antimicrobials by a population of British veterinary surgeons, including when they used them, what they used them for, and why they used them in some cases and not in others.

The article focuses on a study which identifies any potential development of antimicrobial resistance in vitro by Mycoplasma bovis infection in cattle in Great Britain. The study aims to help veterinarians in terms of prescribing effective antimicrobial treatment for Mycoplasma bovis infection, which is linked with bovine respiratory disease and other clinical disease. Information about the results of the study is presented.

Background: Dogs are a popular pet in the UK. Information resources utilised by dog owners can influence welfare at acquisition and throughout a dog's lifetime. This study determined where UK dog owners source information, and how perceptions relating to pedigree dog breeding and health may influence this process. Methods: This cross‐sectional study used online questionnaires to explore the information resources used by dog owners and their perceptions of veterinary surgeons' and dog breeders' knowledge. Results: Overall, 1336 responses were collected (useable responses: 1167). Data indicated most owners conducted research before getting a dog, with the internet, books, breeders and friends or family among the most popular resources used. Preferred sources of information during a dogs' lifetime included the internet, talking to veterinary surgeons and reading books. Veterinary surgeons were the most popular source for health advice. Pedigree dog owners perceived veterinary surgeons and breeders to be equally knowledgeable on canine inherited diseases. However, veterinary surgeons were perceived as being more knowledgeable on inherited disease screening programmes and breeders more knowledgeable on dog breeding. Conclusion: This study highlights the information resources preferred by dog owners, providing an opportunity to maximise access to reliable sources of information to improve dog welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to identify and analyse the frequency and types of dialogue directed to animals by veterinary surgeons (i.e. pet‐directed speech) in 55 routine companion animal consultations in the United Kingdom and United States. Methods: Instances of pet‐directed speech were identified from video transcripts, coded, and analysed for content. Results: All consultations included pet‐directed speech, with 779 instances in total, 284 in the United Kingdom and 495 in the United States. There were 12 unique dialogue codes identified, the top three being 'praise,' 'small talk,' and 'explanation'. Conclusion: This study identified a wide variety of communication directed to the animal, which, combined with further research, could help enhance understanding of rapport built between the veterinary surgeon, animal, and owner during a consultation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the publication of the papers based on the Freedom of Information Act of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in Great Britain. The papers outline proposals to meet modern requirements to improve management of information. The papers would be available to Council members and non-council members of the relevant committee.

A questionnaire was sent to 2951 mixed and small animal veterinary practices to examine the use of perioperative antimicrobials in cats and dogs in the UK. The percentage of respondents who always used antimicrobials in two surgical procedures classified according to NRC criteria as 'clean' was 25.3 per cent for removal of a 1 cm cutaneous mass and 32.1 per cent for routine prescrotal castration. Factors considered important in decision-making about when to use antimicrobial agents included immunosuppression, presence of a drain, degree of wound contamination, potential for spillage of visceral contents and implantation of prosthesis. The most common antimicrobial agents mentioned were potentiated amoxicillin (98.0 per cent), amoxicillin (60.5 per cent), clindamycin (21.8 per cent), enrofloxacin (21.7 per cent), cephalexin (18.6 per cent) and metronidazole (12.7 per cent). Forty-three per cent of all responding veterinarians listed a long-acting preparation for perioperative use. The routes used were subcutaneous (76.1 per cent), intravenous (25.8 per cent), intramuscular (19.8 per cent), oral (13.5 per cent) and topical (7.7 per cent). Antimicrobials were given before surgery (66.6 per cent), during surgery (30.2 per cent), immediately after surgery (12.0 per cent) and after surgery (6.3 per cent). This survey has identified the suboptimal use of perioperative antimicrobials in small animal surgery with improvements needed with respect to timing, duration, choice of antimicrobial and a more prudent selection of surgical cases requiring prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article traces the history of the British Veterinary Association (BVA). BVA was established in 1881 by veterinarian George Amos Banham, who was also appointed as the association's joint honorary secretary. The association held its first annual meeting in May 1882 in London, England and recorded approximately 220 veterinarian members by the end of 1882. The challenges experienced by the association are described, including its experiences and activities during the first world war.

Enthusiasm for veterinary education and research was much in evidence at the 60th annual conference of the Association for Veterinary Teaching and Research Work (AVTRW) held, as is traditional, in Scarborough in the week before Easter. The conference allows both those with established research careers and those relatively new to research to present results from their work; for many younger researchers, it provides the first opportunity to speak at a large scientific meeting. While attracting more veterinarians into research represents a challenge for the profession, it was clear that, for those already involved, there is much enjoyment and satisfaction to be gained. This year, in addition to the education and research streams, there was a third strand to the AVTRW conference — the role that practitioners can play in research and the interaction between clinical research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents statements received from candidates in the 2005 election of members to the Council of Royal College Veterinary Surgeons in Great Britain. Accusation of the College for terminal political correctness; Appeal for change in the field of veterinary medicine; Contact details.

A survey of 854 horse owners, trainers and equestrian managers in 10 regions of Great Britain and Ireland showed that 83 per cent provided their horses with routine prophylactic dental care at fixed intervals, including 49 per cent at intervals of 12 months and 30 per cent at intervals of six months; a further 10 per cent provided it only when they felt it was required and 7 per cent did not provide it at all Overall, 44 per cent of the owners had their horse's wolf teeth (first premolar) extracted routinely; when prophylactic dentistry was provided, it was carried out solely by equine dental technicians (EDT5) for 53 per cent of owners, solely by veterinarians for 35 per cent, by both EDT5 or veterinarians for 10 per cent of owners and by other than veterinarians or EDT5 for 1 per cent There was confusion among some horse owners concerning the qualifications of the EDTS, because no recognised British qualification was available until towards the end of this survey in 2001. Several reasons were cited by owners for choosing between veterinarians and EDTS including their perceived qualifications, personal recommendations, costs, the availability of a wide range of dental equipment and sedation, and the time and effort devoted to the procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights the 2003 congress of the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons in Great Britain. Use of Shakespearean plays to teach leadership skills to the participants; Ways to motivate people; Issues and topics discussed. INSET: Preparing for the future..

Presents the statements of the candidates in the 2003 election of members to the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Lydia Brown; Sheila Crispin; Roger Eddy; Robert Ellis; Lynne Hill; Maurice Kirk.

Information about several topics discussed during the council meeting of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons on November 2, 2006, in London, England is presented. Professor Neil Gorman aired concerns on the provision of a 24-hour emergency cover in remote areas and the mainland country. The drafted proposal on the new scheme of undergraduate clinical training was also discussed as well as the proposal on granting to members free access to Council papers.

The article focuses on the concerns of British Royal Council of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Advisory Committee (AC) members on the increasing lay tuberculosis (TB) testing and the use of Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) lay testers. RCVS Advisory Committee chairman Bob Moore says that TB testing is an act of diagnosis while Roger Eddy said that the Defra misled them about the pilot lay TB testing exercises. It also notes Chief Veterinary Officer Nigel Gibbens who believes that the RCVS should discuss the issue with Defra.

Reports on the British Veterinary Association's identification of veterinary undergraduate education as an important area of policy development. Association's claim that the teaching of therapeutics is one of the areas of the veterinary curriculum that needs improvement; Areas that should be added to the existing curriculum according to practitioners.

Reports on the issue concerning the person responsible for the regulation of the new proposed Veterinary Surgeons Act in Great Britain. Regulatory power vested to the General Veterinary Council; Outlines of the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed law; Retention of responsibilities such as veterinary education, inspection of universities, postgraduate qualifications and awarding specialist status.

The article offers information on the oral history project "Veterinary Lives in Practice," initiated by Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Centre for Rural Economy at Newcastle University. It reports that the project will record personal reflections of different generations of veterinary surgeons to create a national oral history resource.

The article presents the ten candidates for election to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Council for 2008. Four of the candidates are existing Council members and six new candidates are up for election. The candidates include Dr. Christopher Chesney, Dr. Bertie Ellis, and Mrs. Catherine Goldie.

The article reports on the issue regarding the increase of retention fee as part of the budget plan for 2008 of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in Great Britain. The issue started when Roger Eddy of RCVS questioned the 5 percent recommended annual increase of retention fee. However, the Farm Animal Welfare Council agreed to increase the retention fees by only 3 percent.

The article reports on the issues and topics involved in the activities of the Preliminary Investigation (PI) Committee in Great Britain. According to lay observers, PI Committee has received a large number of complaints due to the failure to obtain informed consent for a procedure. Some lay observers said that these complaints are due to communication problems faced by most veterinarians.

The article focuses on the complaints received by the Preliminary Investigation (PI) Committee from an owner of a 10-year-old cocker spaniel in Great Britain. The complaints were raised due to an additional dental extraction which had been carried out without consent from the owner that affects the dog's hearing. It was found out that there was no professional misconduct against the veterinarian who handled the case.

The article reports that the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in Great Britain has launched a system of online and telephone voting in order to encourage more members to vote in the RCVS Council elections in 2007. Of the ten candidates, five are council members running for re-election, namely Sheila Crispin, Roger Eddy, Bertie Ellis, Lynne Hill and Robert Moore.

The article provides update on the activities of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Council in Great Britain. A number of changes to the 2007 edition of the guide to professional conduct of the Council were agreed. College advice on the administration of vaccines to companion animals was reconsidered following a recent disciplinary committee case. The 2007 RCVS Day will take place on July 6.

Reports that the British Veterinary Association Council has been invited to contribute its comments on a paper that described the options being considered by the Food Standards Agency for the provision of veterinary services in meat plants. Issue of cost as the major factor in veterinary services provided to meat factories; Council members' comment that the existing pay for official veterinary surgeons was unsustainable.

The article highlights the meeting of the Council of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), held on December 14, 2005 in London. Matters discussed during the meeting includes: grasping the opportunity for a leading role for the veterinary profession in the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' farm health planning initiative, the effects of changes in the legislation of veterinary medicine, reinforcement of the territorial divisions of BVA and concern about the government's downgrading of government agency veterinary posts.

Focuses on the discussions made by two veterinary practitioners from Great Britain. Issues discussed by the two guest speakers; Name of the two guest speakers; Objective of the seminar.

Reports on the debate between Andrew Cairns and James Allcock on the supply of veterinary medicines at the recent British Veterinary Association Congress in Great Britain. Role of Cairns as chairman of the Veterinary Pharmacists' Group of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society; Ownership of Allcock of a veterinary health care products business; Role of pharmacists in human health; Venture of some pharmacists into the animal health care business; Areas in which veterinary surgeons and pharmacists could cooperate to promote animal health care.

Reports on the annual congress of the Society of Practicing Veterinary Surgeons held May 13 to 16, 2004 in Exeter, England. Discussions on the future of veterinary practice in Great Britain; Insight into the financial performance of practices; Personal financial planning; Financial Services Authority rules on selling pet insurance.

Reports on the disappointment of British Veterinary Association president Tim Greet to the Great Britain government's response to a report of from the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee on the availability of veterinarians and veterinary practice. Failure of the government to understand that viable farm animal practice requires viable livestock farming; Evidence of failure in the veterinary practice market; Supply and demand for large animal veterinary surgeons.

The article discusses a study on the infection of encephalitozoon cuniculi, a disease which have been linked to neurological and renal clinical signs in pet rabbits. It emphasizes the need for the publication of clinically applicable, peer-reviewed rabbit research presented by the veterinary surgeons to rabbit owners for treatment. It also mentions the 52 per cent of rabbits that were found to be seropositive for encephalitozoonosis in a study conducted in Great Britain.

The author reflects on the higher incidence of deaths by suicide in the veterinary profession in Great Britain. He mentions a wide range of studies undertaken to better understand the mental health of veterinarians in the country, and with the incidence of veterinary suicides in other countries. An overview of the initiatives taken to improve the wellbeing of veterinary students and veterinarians is offered. The author calls on the need to have follow-up studies to fully understand the data.

The article reports on the business awareness as a non-clinical issue of the clinical discipline of veterinary medicine which is part of professional judgment. It discusses the study based on a survey of veterinary graduates and employers in Great Britain which suggests that veterinary business skills could be improved. It states that the study compares the perceptions of graduates with their employers and focuses on some financial aspects of veterinary medicine like financial communication.

The article refers to the developments in the British Veterinary Association (BVA). The BVA responded to the Environment and Rural Development Committee's call for evidence on the Animal Health and Welfare Bill. Peter Holmes, professor of veterinary physiology at the University of Glasgow, has become a member of the new Scottish Funding Council for Further and Higher Education. A tribute was given to veterinarian Philip George Francis who died.

Reports on awards presented during the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) congress. Annual BSVA awards presented to recognize contributions in various fields of small animal veterinary medicine and surgery; Recipients of the awards; Significance of each award.

Reports on some of the highlights of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association congress. Scientific, commercial and social aspects of the congress; Scientific program in the International Convention Center; Congress banquet; Performers; Photographic competition.