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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 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.

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 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 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]

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.

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 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 news briefs related to veterinarians in Great Britain. It announces that the Association of Greyhound Track Veterinarians (AGTV) was established which aims to address issues affecting the greyhound industry. The magazine expresses its gratitude to all reviewers of manuscripts found in its 2008 issue. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Trust is still accepting veterinary surgeons and nurses eligible for its grants for 2009 with deadline on January 21, 2009.

The article reports on the paper proposing changes to the Guide to Professional Conduct introduced by the Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in Great Britain. It states that the Council voted to accept the proposed changes, and it will be incorporated into the hard copy of the 2009 Guide. It says that among the changes accepted was an amendment to govern the operation of the RCVS Register of Veterinary Practice Premises.

The article reports on the results of the first Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) veterinary nursing examinations held using an electronic format of delivery. The results from the summer written exams for veterinary nurses were posted by the Royal College on August 14, 2008. According to the College, the pass rate from the examinations has been "excellent."

The article offers information about the British Veterinary Association (BVA) in Great Britain. Activities attended by the association's president include the International Veterinary Officers Council meeting in South Africa, a meeting with Carol Black of the Royal College of Physicians, addressing the BVA's Scottish Dinner.

Reports that the development of proactive policy on the control of bovine tuberculosis (BT) had been identified as a priority for the British Veterinary Association (BVA). Association's discussion of what issues should be highlighted in the policy; Other veterinary associations collaborating with the BVA with regards to controlling BT.

Presents updates on the British Veterinary Association, as of July 26, 2003. Approval of the accounts for the year ending December 2002 and draft budget for 2004; Reduction of officer posts; Membership.

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 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.

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of making the State Veterinary Service into an executive agency. Increased prioritization of responsibilities; Enhanced capacity for risk assessment; Possible staff reductions; Future ability to respond to emergencies.

The article reports on the call of the journal for nominees on its Innovation Award, which is open to individuals and veterinary teams who have made significant contributions to the profession in Great Britain.

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]

A list of qualified veterinarians in Great Britain is presented including Geoffrey Clark Christie, William Eric Fletcher, and David Brian Saxby Manktelow.

The article offers news briefs related to Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Council in Great Britain. The Council approved new protocols for the dispatch of papers and minutes relating to committee and working group meetings. The RCVS Council president announces that 10 nominations had been received for 2010 elections to RCVS Council. The RCVS Council president announces that Tony Lawrence and Martin Shirley are the recipients of the honorary associateships of the RCVS.

The article offers information about the VET Trust Continuing Professional Development (CPD) awards in Great Britain. These awards are designed to help members of the profession with the cost of obtaining CPD. It is given to people in remote areas or those returning to practice after a career break. Information on where to gain application forms is given.

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 offers news briefs about the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) in Great Britain. RCVS agreed not to change the annual retention fee for members. The Veterinary Nursing Council had agreed to adopt a computer-based system for the veterinary nursing multiple choice examination. New members were admitted to the RCVS Council including Beverly Cottrell and Mark Elliott.

The article focuses on the move of British Veterinary Association (BVA) in considering different categories of affiliate and associate membership in Great Britain. It is stated that BVA mentioned the possibility of automatic membership of territorial divisions for BVA members. The association also proposed that the membership of the council should be limited to a three-year term, renewable once.

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.

The article presents news briefs concerning the Council of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) as of December 2006. There were concerns among Council members about the short notice given by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for consultation on the College's proposal to create a register. Two members of the board of directors of the BVA have offered themselves for re-election. The article also reports on the increase in the BVA's membership in 2006.

The article presents information on a project related to veterinary education which was launched at a workshop held at the Royal School of Veterinary Studies in Great Britain. The project aims to explore the current evidence about methods of final-year assessment and to investigate possible components of an optimum common final year assessment. The project was funded by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeon Trust in Great Britain.