Follow-up findings from a study into the treatment of feline audiogenic reflex seizures (FARS) have been published by a group of UK-based investigators.

In April 2015, a study published by neurologists at Davies Veterinary Group revealed that certain high pitched sounds - such as crinkling tin foil and chinking glass - can induce seizures in elderly cats. The syndrome, known as FARS, occurs in pedigree and non-pedigree cats, with the average age of onset being 15 years.

The researchers said that avoiding the sounds could reduce the seizures. However, owners reported that this was not always practical. Now, a second study published by the specialists shows that the drug levetiracetam could be effective in managing the condition.

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A new DNA testing scheme for Cone Degeneration (CD) in Alaskan malamutes has been approved by the Kennel Club.

Test results will be added to the dog's registration details, which will trigger the publication of the result in the next available breed records supplement.

The rest will appear on any new registration certificate issued for the dog, on the registration certificates of any future progeny of the dog, and also on the Kennel Club's Health Test Results finder.

A critically-endangered Western lowland gorilla has been born at London Zoo, the Zoological Society of London have announced.

Mum Effie (22) gave birth to a baby boy in the early hours of Wednesday, 25 November. Classed as critically endangered in the wild, Western lowland gorillas are threatened by habitat loss and hunting.

Keepers say that they will leave Effie to bond with the infant, and allow the rest of the troop to familiarise themselves with the new arrival. Image (C) Glynn Hennessy/ZSL

Marie Rippingale joins VN Council

At the recent VN Council meeting in Telford it was announced that councillor Amy Robinson has resigned, due to difficulties balancing her work and council commitments.

Taking her place on the council is Marie Rippingale, head equine veterinary nurse at Scarsdale Vets. Marie received 381 votes in the 2015 council elections.

Changes to the registration rules for VNs

VN Council has approved changes to the Veterinary Nursing Registration Rules. This has been done to overcome problems with varied fees and discrepancies between rules for veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons. Previously, the fees were dependent on the time of year at which nurses joined the register.

Dealing with a difficult staff member will always be one of the headaches for a practice manager, partly because there always seems to be one, partly because they are very disruptive to good teamwork and partly because few managers actually relish sorting out the problem.

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Feedback is essential for a good working environment. It may be on suggestions that staff have made, work they have carried out, training they are currently undertaking or just the reassurance to a new employee that they are doing OK. It may be formalised or an informal chat during the working day, but regular good quality, appropriate feedback is one of the most important ingredients in building positive, constructive staff/employer relationships and in getting work done. Good feedback costs nothing but can generate huge amounts of good will, motivation and productivity among staff.

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