12th December 2011
"Britain's best loved vet" will return to our screens in a new three-part series this Christmas. Scottish actor Iain de Caestecker will star in 'Young James Herriot' as future vet Alf Wight. The series' writers drew on Wight's diaries and case notes from his student years, as well as the biography written by his son Jim. The Glasgow Veterinary College of 1933 has been described as "an inspired setting" and the stories "will be delivered with charm and humour." 'Young James Herriot' will be shown on BBC1 on December 18th 2011 at 9pm, and will be concluded over the following two nights.
9th December 2011
The BSAVA Postgraduate Certificate website has now gone live. The online materials and activities which support the BSAVA postgraduate certificates are all to be found here, and students enrolled on the programmes will find it invaluable. There are also sections of the site specifically for those who have agreed to act as mentors for students enrolled on the programme, and exclusive material for BSAVA members who missed out on enrolment in 2012, but have pre-enrolled for 2013. All sections are password protected. The BSAVA Postgraduate Certificate website may found be here.
2nd December 2011
Professor Jeff Sampson will be retiring from his role as Genetics Consultant to the Kennel Club at the end of the year. Professor Sampson has worked with dogs for over thirty years and has been instrumental - in his 13 years working with Canine Genetics at the Kennel Club - in the development of the Assured Breeder Scheme and the Club's work with the Animal Health Trust, as well as the birth and growth of the online Mate Select program. Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "He will be greatly missed and we wish him well as he finally takes to true retirement."
24th November 2011
The RCVS has dismissed a case against a Nottinghamshire vet, having found insufficient evidence to suggest that Dr Gary Samuel was guilty of breaching the Rules of Racing of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain. In a case brought against him in October 2009, Dr Samuel was disqualified indefinitely from holding a GBGB licence, fined £2500 and referred to the College. Following the re-scheduled hearing on 17th November 2011, the charge was found to be "not proved".
22nd November 2011
DEFRA have approved the BEVA emergency treatment form, which should be used by vets who are treating a horse without a passport, and a copy given to owners to keep for their records. After a delay in its finalisation, it has now been decided that the form is the best cause of action and DEFRA has declared its support. The form will shortly be available on the BEVA website.
18th November 2011
The RCVS is calling for comment on a draft Performance Protocol, which aims to manage any concerns about the professional performance of veterinary surgeons and registered veterinary nurses. The approved draft protocol is now open for public consultation and may be found here. All comments on the draft should be emailed to Simon Wiklund at s.wiklund@rcvs.org.uk by 13th January 2012, under the heading 'Performance Protocol.'
16th November 2011
Dr Tiffany Hemming has been elected the new chair of the British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation, the veterinary profession's own animal welfare charity. After graduating, she worked in mixed practice before completing her doctorate in epidemoiology in Canada. She has been a veterinary officer in the Territorial Army and transferred to the Regular Army in 2000. She is "delighted" at her election.
9th November 2011
For the first time in UK medical history, dogs are being prescribed to post-coronary patients as part of their recovery programme. Dogs Trust has teamed up with leading cardiac rehabilitation experts at Harefield Hospital to launch Hounds Help Hearts, which encourages dog walking as recovery and is part of a wider initiative to promote 'The Dog Prescription.' This is a 10 point prescription style document that highlights the mental and physical benefits of dog ownership. To read more about the scheme, click here.
4th November 2011
Scientists and clinicians from the Animal Health Trust have held two briefing events for vets and stakeholders affected by Seasonal Canine Illness. More than 50 veterinary professionals attended the briefings, which were designed to inform those closest to the investigation what progress has been made into the illness. The AHT is continuing its investigation based at five sites in Norfolk, Suffolk and Nottinghamshire.
1st November 2011
The Kennel Club has issued a reminder to all dog owners not to forget their pets this bonfire night. In the run up to November 5th, the Kennel Club is urging dog owners to help keep their dogs safe and sound during the stress and trauma of the loud bangs and flashes of fireworks. Caroline Kisko, the KC Communications Director, said: "Fireworks can strike dogs with a sense of terror, which can lead to injury." To minimise stress for dogs, the Kennel Club has come up with a list of steps to help your pet, accessible at their website.
24th October 2011
On the 19th October, firefighters fought for over an hour to rescue a horse trapped in a bog in Greater Manchester. The cob had slipped down a muddy bank, churned up by continuous heavy rain. By the time the firefighters arrived, the horse was firmly stuck in a bog. Using special animal rescue gear (and sheer muscle power) the horse was rescued. Luckily, it was unharmed and once free, "righted itself and trotted off."
21st October 2011
BSAVA has around 70 stewards, mostly vet nurses and students, helping congress run smoothly. Stewards get accommodation, food and travel allowance, a uniform - and are paid for their time. Priority is given to previous stewards, though new applications are encouraged. The deadline for applications is 11th November. Visit www.bsava.com to apply.