<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Health Archives - Covetrus</title> <atom:link href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/category/health/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.covetrus.co.uk/category/health/</link> <description>Advancing the world of Veterinary Medicine</description> <lastBuildDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2021 10:37:49 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-GB</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1</generator> <item> <title>Study examines how bacteria in chickens is leaving thousands of people unwell every year.</title> <link>https://www.covetrus.co.uk/study-examines-how-bacteria-in-chickens-leaving-thousands-of-people-unwell-every-year/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Covetrus]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jan 2021 09:51:03 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Campylobacter]]></category> <category><![CDATA[chicken]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covetrus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr Androniki Psifidi]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Roslin scientific associate]]></category> <category><![CDATA[RVC]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.covetrus.co.uk/?p=2283</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>A new study published in the Scientific Reports journal, led by Royal Veterinary College (RVC) lecturer and Roslin scientific associate Dr Androniki Psifidi, has revealed how genes influence chickens’ resistance to Campylobacter, a genus of bacteria that causes food poisoning …</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/study-examines-how-bacteria-in-chickens-leaving-thousands-of-people-unwell-every-year/">Study examines how bacteria in chickens is leaving thousands of people unwell every year.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" src="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/william-moreland-8wWpDF4Av-Y-unsplash-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2284" width="574" height="431" srcset="https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/william-moreland-8wWpDF4Av-Y-unsplash-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/william-moreland-8wWpDF4Av-Y-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/william-moreland-8wWpDF4Av-Y-unsplash-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/william-moreland-8wWpDF4Av-Y-unsplash-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/william-moreland-8wWpDF4Av-Y-unsplash-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 574px) 100vw, 574px" /></figure> <p>A new study published in the Scientific Reports journal, led by Royal Veterinary College (RVC) lecturer and Roslin scientific associate Dr Androniki Psifidi, has revealed how genes influence chickens’ resistance to <em>Campylobacter</em>, a genus of bacteria that causes food poisoning in thousands of people every year. </p> <p>Significantly, the study identified that control strategies for the bacteria should take non-genetic factors into account when being designed.</p> <p><em>Campylobacter</em> is the leading bacterial cause of food-borne gastroenteritis worldwide. Symptoms of infection include diarrhoea, fever, vomiting and stomach cramps. In the UK alone, it is estimated that more than 500,000 people are infected each year, costing the country approximately £50 million.</p> <p>The study, undertaken by researchers from the RVC and the Roslin Institute, in collaboration with the poultry breeding company Aviagen, investigated the genetic make-up of 3,000 chickens bred for meat. The aim of the study was to identify if elements of the chickens’ genetic code were linked to resistance to colonisation by <em>Campylobacter</em> bacteria.</p> <p>The researchers explored variation at specific positions in the chickens’ genome and their association with numbers of <em>Campylobacter</em> in the gut of the birds. The study also analysed the expression of genes in chickens that were resistant or susceptible to colonisation by the bacteria.</p> <p>The study concluded that, although there are genetic factors that influence <em>Campylobacter</em> colonisation, these factors play a minor role, meaning it is crucial to characterise and understand the role of the non-genetic and environmental factors to further reduce <em>Campylobacter</em> levels in poultry.</p> <p>All the chickens were naturally exposed to <em>Campylobacter</em> present in their environment, which mimics how chickens are exposed on a commercial farm.</p> <p><strong>Dr Androniki Psifidi, Lecturer in Veterinary Clinical Genetics at the RVC, said</strong></p> <p><em>“Although we identified a genetic component to resistance of chickens to Campylobacter, this was relatively small, and the majority of the chickens we studied already carried regions of the genome associated with resistance to gut colonisation. According to our results, other non-genetic factors play a greater role and will need to be considered in the design of control strategies.”</em></p> <p></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/study-examines-how-bacteria-in-chickens-leaving-thousands-of-people-unwell-every-year/">Study examines how bacteria in chickens is leaving thousands of people unwell every year.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Exploring the classification, diagnosis & clinical management of seizures in dogs</title> <link>https://www.covetrus.co.uk/exploring-the-classification-diagnosis-clinical-management-of-seizures-in-dogs/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Covetrus]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2020 15:01:45 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dog]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Research]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Seizures]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.covetrus.co.uk/?p=2073</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>While seizures are common in veterinary practice, this new study shows that approximately 1 in 160 dogs under first opinion veterinary care are affected by seizures every year.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/exploring-the-classification-diagnosis-clinical-management-of-seizures-in-dogs/">Exploring the classification, diagnosis & clinical management of seizures in dogs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>A study led by the Royal Veterinary College’s VetCompass<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> programme has revealed a significant difference between how clinicians diagnose epilepsy compared with current expert recommendations, supporting the call for clearer diagnostic guidelines for application in clinical practice.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="640" height="480" src="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/jamie-street-UtrE5DcgEyg-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-2074" srcset="https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/jamie-street-UtrE5DcgEyg-unsplash.jpg 640w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/jamie-street-UtrE5DcgEyg-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure> <p>While seizures are common in veterinary practice, this new study shows that approximately 1 in 160 dogs under first opinion veterinary care are affected by seizures every year. Many dogs with seizures have underlying epilepsy, which is defined as dogs with two or more unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart. Epileptic seizures can be secondary to idiopathic epilepsy, structural epilepsy or epilepsy of unknown cause.</p> <p>Until now though, there has been little information on the classifications of seizures, diagnostic approaches, or clinical management of dogs with seizures in the veterinary first opinion population.</p> <p>Exploring anonymised clinical records from first opinion clinics in the UK, the study also found that insured dogs and dogs less than 12 years of age were more likely to receive advanced diagnostic evaluation, suggesting financial and perceived prognostic factors influence case management.</p> <p>The study identified 2,834 incident seizure cases from a population of 455,553 dogs attending VetCompass<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> participating practices during 2013.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Key findings from the research included:</strong></h3> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>The annual incidence risk of seizures in dogs was 0.62%.</li><li>The most common breeds among seizure cases were Labrador Retrievers (8.6%), Staffordshire Bull Terriers (6.1%), Jack Russell Terriers (5.8%) and Yorkshire Terriers (5.0%).</li><li>579 (20.5%) seizure cases met the criteria for epilepsy based on the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force (IVETF) classification system, compared with just 245 (8.6%) that were formally recorded with epilepsy by the attending veterinary teams.</li><li>Overall, 1,415 (49.9%) cases received diagnostic evaluation equivalent to or higher than IVETF Tier 1 diagnostic testing.</li><li>Being under 12 years of age and being insured were risk factors for receiving IVETF Tier 1 or higher diagnostic evaluation among seizure cases. In addition, being at or above the breed and sex mean bodyweight, a clinically recorded diagnosis of epilepsy and being in the UK Kennel Club Terrier breed group were risk factors for receiving IVETF Tier 1 or higher.</li><li>Dogs that received IVETF Tier 1 or higher diagnostic evaluation, MRI or CSF analysis were more likely to be recorded with epilepsy by the attending veterinary teams.</li><li>Anti-seizure drug (ASD) treatment was not prescribed for 1,960/2,834 (69.2%) dogs in association with the incident seizure event. Of the remainder, 719 (25.3%) dogs received 1 ASD, whereas 155 (5.5%) an ASD combination.</li></ul> <p><strong>Dr Dan O’Neill, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animals Epidemiology at the RVC, and author of the paper, said:</strong></p> <p><em>“Watching your dog undergo a seizure can be an incredibly scary moment for any dog owner. It is really important that dogs that seizure are rapidly diagnosed to decide whether they need no further treatment beyond careful monitoring or alternatively require a clinical work-up to define the cause of the seizures. There are now some excellent treatments for many seizure-related diseases. This study helps up to understand the current state of play for seizure management in dogs and identifies opportunities for improved care of these affected dogs.</em>“</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Hungry for more content? Check out our podcast…</h2> <figure class="wp-block-embed-spotify wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-spotify wp-embed-aspect-21-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe title="Spotify Embed: Building a brand with Mariah Fredrick" style="border-radius: 12px" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1aM3gXIuwxR81fBjy4wpZZ?si=-yB-qGiYTW6GJrTg1xLsMQ&utm_source=oembed"></iframe> </div></figure> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/exploring-the-classification-diagnosis-clinical-management-of-seizures-in-dogs/">Exploring the classification, diagnosis & clinical management of seizures in dogs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>New treatment for skeletal disorders presented by RVC</title> <link>https://www.covetrus.co.uk/skeletal-disorders/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Covetrus]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 18 Sep 2020 09:41:22 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category> <category><![CDATA[RVC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Skeleton]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.covetrus.co.uk/?p=1953</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Dr Andrew Pitsillides, Professor of Skeletal Dynamics at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has today presented a poster at the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) highlighting a potential new treatment for skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/skeletal-disorders/">New treatment for skeletal disorders presented by RVC</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="680" src="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/nino-liverani-CKxD_Qh6ULY-unsplash-1024x680.jpg" alt="Skeleton-disorders" class="wp-image-1954" srcset="https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/nino-liverani-CKxD_Qh6ULY-unsplash-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/nino-liverani-CKxD_Qh6ULY-unsplash-300x199.jpg 300w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/nino-liverani-CKxD_Qh6ULY-unsplash-768x510.jpg 768w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/nino-liverani-CKxD_Qh6ULY-unsplash-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/nino-liverani-CKxD_Qh6ULY-unsplash-2048x1360.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f4f7.png" alt="📷" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Nino Liverani</figcaption></figure> <p>Dr Andrew Pitsillides, Professor of Skeletal Dynamics at the <a href="https://www.rvc.ac.uk/">Royal Veterinary College</a> (RVC) has today presented a poster at the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) highlighting a potential new treatment for skeletal disorders such as osteoporosis.</p> <p>Osteoporosis affects over 3 million people in the UK and more than 500,000 people receive hospital treatment for bones that break after falling from standing height or less every year due to the condition.</p> <p>The condition also creates a significant social and economic burden, with fractures often leading to a downward spiral of disability, loss of independence and increased mortality.</p> <p>In previous studies, NaQuinate, a naphthoquinone carboxylic acid which naturally occurs as a metabolite of vitamin K, has been shown to protect against the reduction in bone quality and quantity that occurs in response to ovariectomy in rat and mouse models. But in this new study, developed in collaboration between the Skeletal Biology group at the RVC and biotechnology company Haoma Medica, NaQuinate was also shown to significantly synergise with mechanical loading in targeted cortical bone regions.</p> <p>Female 12-week old mice were randomly assigned to two groups, receiving either NaQuinate or vehicle five days per week over a period of three weeks. On three alternate days in the final two weeks, the right tibia of each mouse was non-invasively subjected to dynamic axial loading with the left serving as non-loaded contralateral control.</p> <p>This synergistic interaction between NaQuinate and mechanical loading indicates functional utilisation of bones’ mechanostat, a term describing the way in which mechanical loading influences bone structure, in the regulation of bone mass and architecture, thus supporting the notion that NaQuinate treatment can provide a novel therapeutic approach to skeletal disorders like osteoporosis in humans.</p> <p>NaQuinate as a treatment for post-menopausal women with osteoporosis is an investigational product, currently in Phase I clinical trials to establish its safety and efficacy.</p> <p><strong>Dr Andrew Pitsillides, Professor of Skeletal Dynamics at the Royal Veterinary College, said:</strong></p> <p><em>“There are three main ways to maintain bone quality and strength to resist fracture: stop bone loss, build mass and enhance the topographical changes to optimise and enhance weight-bearing roles. It may be that NaQuinate can achieve a balance of all three to treat osteoporosis and better maintain healthy ageing.</em></p> <p><em>“I would like to thank my colleagues at the Skeletal Biology Group at the RVC, and the team at Haoma Medical for their support in this important study. At the RVC we recognise the importance of a collaborative ‘One Health’ approach which operates at the cutting edge of veterinary and human medicine, and this research could pave the way for a novel treatment for this common and debilitating condition”, </em>he continued. </p> <p><strong>Latest news: </strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/extinction-the-facts-sir-david-attenboroughs-stark-warning-to-the-world/">Sir David Attenborough Warns World on Extinction</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/rvc-study-highlights-breed-loyalty-for-pugs-french-bulldogs-and-english-bulldogs/">Breed loyalty for Pugs and French Bulldogs</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/skeletal-disorders/">New treatment for skeletal disorders presented by RVC</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>RVC study into congenital intrahepatic shunt classifications to help improve care for dogs</title> <link>https://www.covetrus.co.uk/rvc-study-into-congenital-intrahepatic-shunt-classifications-to-help-improve-care-for-dogs/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Covetrus]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jul 2020 09:19:20 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[news]]></category> <category><![CDATA[RVC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[veterinary news]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VeterinaryMedicine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.covetrus.co.uk/?p=1908</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>A new descriptive study has determined important variations in the classification of congenital birth defects that occur in various dog breeds. These findings are an important step in, not only the diagnosis, but surgical method and recommended treatments.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/rvc-study-into-congenital-intrahepatic-shunt-classifications-to-help-improve-care-for-dogs/">RVC study into congenital intrahepatic shunt classifications to help improve care for dogs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p><strong>A new descriptive study has determined important variations in the classification of congenital birth defects that occur in various dog breeds. These findings are an important step in, not only the diagnosis, but surgical method and recommended treatments.</strong></p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="680" height="1024" src="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/baptist-standaert-mx0DEnfYxic-unsplash-680x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1909" srcset="https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/baptist-standaert-mx0DEnfYxic-unsplash-680x1024.jpg 680w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/baptist-standaert-mx0DEnfYxic-unsplash-199x300.jpg 199w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/baptist-standaert-mx0DEnfYxic-unsplash-768x1156.jpg 768w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/baptist-standaert-mx0DEnfYxic-unsplash-1020x1536.jpg 1020w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/baptist-standaert-mx0DEnfYxic-unsplash-1360x2048.jpg 1360w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/baptist-standaert-mx0DEnfYxic-unsplash-scaled.jpg 1700w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /><figcaption><a href="https://unsplash.com/@baptiststandaert">Image courtesy of Baptist Standaert</a></figcaption></figure> <p>In patients with this birth defect, blood contents that would normally be metabolised and detoxified in the liver will bypass this organ, and accumulate in the blood circulation, often resulting in stunted growth, poor muscle development and behavioural abnormalities, such as disorientation and seizures. These defects are known as congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and can also cause less obvious symptoms can also include drinking or urinating too much, vomiting or diarrhoea.</p> <p>The research, conducted at the Royal Veterinary College’s (RVC) Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, and in collaboration with the School of Veterinary Medicine in Davis; the University of Tennessee Small Animal Hospital; and the College of Veterinary Medicine in Georgia, sought to analyse and provide exact characterisation of congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS) in dogs, which has, historically, lacked a complete anatomical overview, making diagnosis and treatment processes challenging.</p> <p>Traditionally classified as right, left or central divisional, this cross-sectional study hypothesized that there would be important variation to this classification and assessed for IHPSS type, insertion and the relationship of the insertion to the primary hepatic veins.</p> <p>As part of the study, ninety dogs, aged three months to thirteen years, which were diagnosed with an intrahepatic shunt via computed tomographic angiography were analysed. In ninety two per cent of the evaluated IHPSS, a connection to an existing hepatic vein or phrenic vein was seen as hypothesised. Only eight per cent of the IHPSS connected directly to the caudal vena cava, the main systemic vein that returns blood to the heart, which was previously thought to be the main route of these anomalous connections.</p> <p>While the previously defined classification of left, right and central divisional shunt types remains valid, the results show that further subclassifications can be reliably defined based on the hepatic veins with which the shunting vessel communicates, which can, in turn, determine if surgical correction of the defect is possible, and optimally plan for an efficient surgical approach in these aesthetically challenging cases. </p> <p>Dr Randi Drees, Associate Professor in Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging at the RVC, said:</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p>“The newly introduced classification of the IHPSS based on the individual hepatic venous structure that it inserts through will likely be more reliable than the historical global classification system, as it relies on given anatomical structures that can be investigated with advanced imaging modalities such as angiographic computed tomography, illustrating the deficiencies of the traditional approach. We expect the results of this study to change the way radiologists report these birth defects, and therefore optimise communication with the surgeons, improving overall patient care.”</p><p></p></blockquote> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/rvc-study-into-congenital-intrahepatic-shunt-classifications-to-help-improve-care-for-dogs/">RVC study into congenital intrahepatic shunt classifications to help improve care for dogs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Bee Active, Bee Healthy, Bee Happy Week 2020</title> <link>https://www.covetrus.co.uk/bee-active-bee-healthy-bee-happy-week-2020/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Covetrus]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2020 12:41:02 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Charity]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Events]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Bee Healthy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Fitness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Virtual Mile]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.covetrus.co.uk/?p=1529</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>April marks the beginning of the inaugural virtual mile, established by The Running Bee Foundation. The team behind MyFirst™ Virtual Mile is giving everyone in the UK the opportunity to “mix up their current exercise regimes or set themselves a challenge to complete …</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/bee-active-bee-healthy-bee-happy-week-2020/">Bee Active, Bee Healthy, Bee Happy Week 2020</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>April marks the beginning of the inaugural virtual mile, established by <strong><a href="https://www.runningbeefoundation.co.uk/">The Running Bee Foundation</a></strong>. The team behind <strong>MyFirst<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Virtual Mile</strong> is giving everyone in the UK the opportunity to “mix up their current exercise regimes or set themselves a challenge to complete a mile!” </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bee-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1530" srcset="https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bee-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bee-300x225.jpg 300w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bee-768x576.jpg 768w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/bee.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p>So how does it all work? People of all ages and <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/homeworking-wellbeing-tips/">fitness</a> levels are encouraged to get active and take on the challenge, which you have 30 days to complete. </p> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Whether it’s an at-home treadmill, or even a favourite running path, you decide? </h4> <p>The Running Bee <strong>Foundation </strong>is also asking all participants who take on the <strong>MyFirst<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/2122.png" alt="™" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Virtual Mile</strong> to “abide by governmental and NHS guidelines, maintaining social distance from others, especially when choosing to exercise outdoors (always keeping 2-meter distance) and ensure to wash your hands for 20 seconds as soon as you complete your exercise.” </p> <p><strong>To sign up for the challenge visit </strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.runningbeefoundation.co.uk/events-calendar/myfirst-virtual-mile/" target="_blank"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.runningbeefoundation.co.uk/events-calendar/myfirst-virtual-mile/" target="_blank">the RBF’s Events Page.</a></a></p> <p>At a cost of £10 per entry, all proceeds from entries gathered will be put into health and wellbeing initiatives to help tackle childhood obesity across the country. </p> <p>For more info on staying healthy during the current pandemic, <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/homeworking-wellbeing-tips/">visit our top tips from Alyson Staines</a>—Covetrus’ resident Event Manager and NLP Master Practitioner. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/bee-active-bee-healthy-bee-happy-week-2020/">Bee Active, Bee Healthy, Bee Happy Week 2020</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Spay & Neuter Awareness Month with SSPCA’s Sharon Comrie.</title> <link>https://www.covetrus.co.uk/spay-neuter-awareness-month-with-sspcas-sharon-comrie/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Covetrus]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 31 Jan 2020 14:17:39 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Community]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[covetrus]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Doris Day Animal Foundation]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sharon Comrie]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Spay and Neuter Awareness Month]]></category> <category><![CDATA[SSPCA]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.covetrus.co.uk/?p=1346</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>February 1st marks the beginning of National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month (NSNAM). Originally founded by The Doris Day Animal Foundation, this month provides an opportunity for pet owners, veterinarians and those in the animal health world to spread the word; a time to remember how we can help mitigate the …</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/spay-neuter-awareness-month-with-sspcas-sharon-comrie/">Spay & Neuter Awareness Month with SSPCA’s Sharon Comrie.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spay-and-neuter-awareness-month-1-683x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1351" srcset="https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spay-and-neuter-awareness-month-1-683x1024.png 683w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spay-and-neuter-awareness-month-1-200x300.png 200w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spay-and-neuter-awareness-month-1-768x1152.png 768w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spay-and-neuter-awareness-month-1.png 800w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure> <p class="has-text-align-left">February 1st marks the beginning of National Spay and Neuter Awareness Month (NSNAM). Originally founded by <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.dorisdayanimalfoundation.org/" target="_blank">The Doris Day Animal Foundation</a>, this month provides an opportunity for pet owners, veterinarians and those in the animal health world to spread the word; a time to remember how we can help mitigate the negative effects of over-population, specifically on rehoming centres and animal shelters. </p> <p>The Scottish SPCA shelters care for thousands of abandoned and neglected animals each year, so we caught up with SSPCA superintendent, Sharon Comrie, to find out more about why we need awareness-raising efforts for this critical cause. </p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SSPCA_LOGO-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1349" srcset="https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SSPCA_LOGO-1.jpg 1000w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SSPCA_LOGO-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SSPCA_LOGO-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SSPCA_LOGO-1-768x768.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure> <p>“If owners don’t neuter their animals, this then results in unwanted litters of puppies or kittens that the owner doesn’t want to care for or find homes for themselves. Sadly, many of these unwanted litters end up in our care due to being handed over to us by overwhelmed owners or, in the worst cases, abandoned. To prevent unwanted pregnancies, we recommend that people get their pet neutered and microchipped so if they do go missing, they can be reunited with their owners quickly.” </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed-instagram wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/B7-m17XAeGT/ </div><figcaption>Courtesy of Instagram<br></figcaption></figure> <p>Neutering your pets could also allow them to lead longer and healthier lives, as Sharon says, “spaying can prevent uterine infections and mammary cancer in female pets. Mammary cancer is fatal in about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats, spaying before first season offers the best protection. Neutering your male pet can protect them against testicular cancer and, in many cases, neutering your male dog also prevents unsociable behaviour such as marking territory or wandering away from home.” </p> <p>If you do find an abandoned or neglected animal call the SSPCA helpline on 03000 999 999, or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999. And don’t forget to share, retweet and spread the word in February for International Spay and Neuter Awareness Month. </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/spay-neuter-awareness-month-with-sspcas-sharon-comrie/">Spay & Neuter Awareness Month with SSPCA’s Sharon Comrie.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Have you celebrated walk your dog month 2020?</title> <link>https://www.covetrus.co.uk/have-you-celebrated-walk-your-dog-month-2020/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Covetrus]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jan 2020 11:53:49 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Excercise]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mindfulness]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Training]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Walk your dog month]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.covetrus.co.uk/?p=1333</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>We are well used to the ‘New Year, New Me’ brigade doling out advice about fad diets, quick fixes and detox teas by now. But what if you could start something a little more— something involving your pet?   Here at Covetrus, …</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/have-you-celebrated-walk-your-dog-month-2020/">Have you celebrated walk your dog month 2020?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>We are well used to the ‘New Year, New Me’ brigade doling out advice about fad diets, quick fixes and detox teas by now. But what if you could start something a little more— something involving your pet? </p> <p>Here at Covetrus, we’ve been busy celebrating National Walk Your Dog Month over the last few weeks, an annual focus on strolling with your canine companion and a fantastic excuse to get up, get active and, perhaps, a reason to develop a new, life-long habit. </p> <p>With UK vets reporting over ½ of dogs being obese—and over <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN03336" target="_blank">63% of Britons classed</a> as obese or overweight—it’s never been more important to move more. But just as you would check in with your GP before commencing on a new workout routine, it can be a good idea to check in with your pet’s vet to ensure no underlying health issues exists, which may be exacerbated by frequent exercise. So, why might you embark on a fitness journey with your four-legged friend this season, maybe even continuing it well past January 2020? </p> <ol class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>A healthier pet:</strong> Give your dog the gift of a longer life. Walking helps pump fresh oxygenated blood around their body, speeds up their metabolism and can even help them lose a few pounds. </li><li><strong>Stress-free: </strong>Some behavioral issues in pets can be caused by a lack of stimulation or attention. Your daily walks together can help keep them active and, thus, improve behavior and lower stress levels. </li><li><strong>Your health:</strong> You’ll reap the benefits of Walk Your Dog Month by enjoying increased cardiovascular health, stronger bones and joints, as well as an increase in muscle tone. It might even improve your mental health. </li><li><strong>Co-discipline: </strong>Building a morning or evening routine of ‘walkies’ with your animal may mean your walks become just another part of your day. Forming this daily habit may circumvent the need for motivation. Yes, sometimes we just don’t feel like it! </li></ol> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="617" src="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/image-1024x617.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1345" srcset="https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/image-1024x617.png 1024w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/image-300x181.png 300w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/image-768x463.png 768w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/image.png 1049w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p>Don’t forget: </p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Wear brightly-coloured/reflective clothing or accessories at night. </li><li>Protect your pet with reflective leashes, collars or harnesses to keep them safe on the road. </li><li>Ensure your dog stays well hydrated before, during and after any long periods of walking. </li></ul> <p>For more information on walking accessories, training treats and more, <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/contact-us/">contact our team today.</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/have-you-celebrated-walk-your-dog-month-2020/">Have you celebrated walk your dog month 2020?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>New discovery in joint behaviour for world’s most common musculoskeletal condition</title> <link>https://www.covetrus.co.uk/new-discovery-in-joint-behaviour-for-worlds-most-common-musculoskeletal-condition/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Covetrus]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 25 Nov 2019 16:54:13 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Technology]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uncategorised]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.covetrus.co.uk/?p=1256</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>A new technique that can determine joint behaviour in health and in conditions such as osteoarthritis with more accuracy than ever before has been created by researchers. A broad coalition of life and physical scientists from the Royal Veterinary College …</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/new-discovery-in-joint-behaviour-for-worlds-most-common-musculoskeletal-condition/">New discovery in joint behaviour for world’s most common musculoskeletal condition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/GettyImages-746034359_web-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-410" srcset="https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/GettyImages-746034359_web-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/GettyImages-746034359_web-300x200.png 300w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/GettyImages-746034359_web-768x512.png 768w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/GettyImages-746034359_web.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure> <p>A new technique that can determine joint behaviour in health and in conditions such as osteoarthritis with more accuracy than ever before has been created by researchers. A broad coalition of life and physical scientists from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), Edinburgh Napier University, UCL, Oregon State University (US), 3Dmagination and the Diamond Light Source, have developed this ground-breaking technique. This has important implications given the major social, health and financial burden of osteoarthritis globally. </p> <p>Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes joints to become painful and stiff. Joints respond to, and absorb, loads over a wide range of scales over a lifetime by deforming or straining our soft tissue and bone structures. Strain is measured on the nanometre scale within structures such as collagen fibres, on the micron scale in chondrocytes, and the macroscale in bones. Previously, these strains have only been measured at the sub-millimetre scale in whole joints during loading. This latest work measured these strains with an accuracy of better than 100 nanometres – more than 1,000 times more precisely – in mouse knee joints at different stages during the onset of osteoarthritis.</p> <p>Prior high-resolution imaging methods have been constrained by destructive sample treatments, sample-size restrictions and lengthy scan times. This research was therefore conducted in order to develop a technique which enabled high-resolution imaging and quantification of mechanical strains to help determine a deeper understanding of how our joints react as osteoarthritis progresses.</p> <p>In order to maintain both the integrity of samples, and the quality of the images collected, a high flux ‘pink’ beam was used. This allowed the team to easily visualise features in joints with unprecedented resolution. An indenter and a bespoke loading rig then allowed the team to accurately apply identical, controlled loads to the joints being studied. A code was then developed for digital volume correlation – a method used to quantify 3D strains across the complex structure of the joint. </p> <p>Working with scientists from the RVC, the team tested this technique on male STR/Ort mice – which develop osteoarthritis with ageing, much like in humans – at a range of disease stages. They were then compared with male age-matched control mice who show no signs of osteoarthritis with ageing. </p> <p>The study combined various technology including synchrotron x-ray tomographic imaging at the Diamond Light Source, a nano-precision loading frame originally designed by UCL for testing aeroengine components, as well as a software code developed by Oregon State University to measure motion between subsequent 3D images with a resolution 1/20<sup>th</sup> of a voxel (3D pixel). </p> <p>This breakthrough is important as articular cartilage must last a lifetime to protect joints from friction and damage during movement. However, the mechanical and structural relationship between this function and neighbouring tissues and in particular, how they interact under joint loading, is currently unknown.</p> <p>This study showed that in young, older and osteoarthritic mice, hierarchical changes in tissue structure and mechanical behaviour can be simultaneously visualised, and that the tissue structure at the cellular level correlates with the mechanical performance of the whole joint.</p> <p>While it is early days, with the need for more studies to be conducted, the team is excited by the prospect of how this new technique will be applied to gain transformational insights into this significant healthcare burden.</p> <p>Andrew A Pitsillides, Professor of Skeletal Dynamics and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the RVC, said: </p> <p><em>“Our technique for nanometre scale measurement of real deformation in whole joints under conditions closely mimicking their normal use will, I hope, bring new understanding of joint behaviour in health and in osteoarthritis that devastates the lives of so many.”</em></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/new-discovery-in-joint-behaviour-for-worlds-most-common-musculoskeletal-condition/">New discovery in joint behaviour for world’s most common musculoskeletal condition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>RVC study helps to fill the evidence gap on UK pet rabbit health</title> <link>https://www.covetrus.co.uk/rvc-study-helps-to-fill-the-evidence-gap-on-uk-pet-rabbit-health/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Covetrus]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 23 Oct 2019 08:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rabbit Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[RVC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VetCompass]]></category> <category><![CDATA[VeterinaryMedicine]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.covetrus.co.uk/?p=1136</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Academics from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have identified the most common medical issues and causes of death in pet rabbits. The study, conducted as part of the RVC’s VetCompassTM programme, now gives us a much better picture of what needs to …</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/rvc-study-helps-to-fill-the-evidence-gap-on-uk-pet-rabbit-health/">RVC study helps to fill the evidence gap on UK pet rabbit health</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bunnymelv"><img decoding="async" width="604" height="576" src="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/rabbit_blog_image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1166" srcset="https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/rabbit_blog_image.png 604w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/rabbit_blog_image-300x286.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 604px) 100vw, 604px" /></a><figcaption>image courtesy of @bunnymelv</figcaption></figure> <p>Academics from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have identified the most common medical issues and causes of death in pet rabbits. The study, conducted as part of the RVC’s VetCompass<sup>TM</sup> programme, now gives us a much better picture of what needs to be done to keep the popular pet healthy.</p> <p>After collecting data from 6,349 rabbits that attended 107 veterinary care clinics across the UK, researchers found the most common causes of death recorded by vets are flystrike (10.9% of pet rabbits), anorexia (4.9%), collapse (4.9%) and gut stasis (4.3%). The study also revealed the average lifespan of pet rabbits was just 4.3 years, although survival up to 14.4 years has been recorded. Male rabbits tend to live longer at 5.2 years on average compared to the 3.7 years females live on average.</p> <p>Meanwhile, the most common medical issues are overgrown nails (16%), overgrown molars (7.6%), dirty bums (4.5%), overgrown incisors (4.3%) and gut stasis (4.2%). Many of these problems are associated with inappropriate housing or feeding. However, the fact rabbits evolved as a prey species has not helped owners and vets. Evolution has meant rabbits can disguise external signs of disease so that they are less likely to be targeted by predators, but this also makes it harder for owners to spot that their rabbit is ill until it is often too late.</p> <p>Thanks to this new RVC VetCompass<sup>TM</sup> study, owners and veterinarians now finally know what the most common disorders within the UK pet rabbit population are, and can therefore prioritise what signs of illness need to be monitored.</p> <p>Other key findings by the researchers included:</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>Male rabbits are more likely than females to have overgrown claws, overgrown molars, overgrown incisors and dental disease.</li><li>The average age of pet rabbits presented to vets is 3.2 years in this country.</li><li>The average adult bodyweight of rabbits presented to vets is 2.1kg.</li></ul> <p>Dr Dan O’Neill, VetCompass<sup>TM</sup> researcher and Senior Lecturer at the RVC, said:</p> <p>“For years, rabbits were considered as the perfect child’s pet: fluffy, cute, passive and only needing minimal care and handling while being fed muesli-type food in a hutch in the garden where it was generally kept on its own. We now know that this level of care is completely unacceptable from a welfare perspective. This new paper can further improve the lives of rabbits by helping owners and vets to recognise the common health problems of rabbits and therefore to prioritise the key management factors that will make our rabbits even healthier. Rabbits don’t exhibit their suffering like other species so it behoves all of us to be prevent and recognise their problems.”</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/rvc-study-helps-to-fill-the-evidence-gap-on-uk-pet-rabbit-health/">RVC study helps to fill the evidence gap on UK pet rabbit health</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Comparison is fuelling veterinary mental health crisis</title> <link>https://www.covetrus.co.uk/comparison-is-fuelling-veterinary-mental-health-crisis/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Covetrus]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 22 Oct 2019 13:41:15 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Dr Elizabeth Armitage-Chan]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Mental Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[RVC]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.covetrus.co.uk/?p=1164</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>The feeling of not being as good as their peers when it comes to diagnosing and solving a case is contributing to mental health issues in vets, new research has found. Conducted by Dr Elizabeth Armitage-Chan—Reader in Veterinary Education at …</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/comparison-is-fuelling-veterinary-mental-health-crisis/">Comparison is fuelling veterinary mental health crisis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" width="934" height="720" src="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/MentalHealthVets.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1165" srcset="https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/MentalHealthVets.png 934w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/MentalHealthVets-300x231.png 300w, https://cvetukmain.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/MentalHealthVets-768x592.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 934px) 100vw, 934px" /></figure> <p>The feeling of not being as good as their peers when it comes to diagnosing and solving a case is contributing to mental health issues in vets, new research has found. Conducted by Dr Elizabeth Armitage-Chan—Reader in Veterinary Education at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC)—the study also suggests that encouraging a mindset that client-oriented behaviour is an attribute of a ‘good vet’ will help many vets improve their mental wellbeing.</p> <p>Armitage-Chan found examples of new graduates who value their client-oriented skills, such as being able to tailor clinical plans to individual clients’ needs, but still couldn’t shake the feeling that a ‘better vet’ would offer a more academic or specialist approach to cases. Even when they skilfully adapt a plan for an owner who is unable to afford advanced tests to find out what is causing their pet’s illness, this jars with the vets’ beliefs that by reaching a specific diagnosis they would be doing a better job. They thus chronically feel like a ‘bad vet’, despite demonstrating high-level skills in communication and clinical problem-solving. </p> <p>Armitage-Chan’s paper argues that learning to form positive client relationships in difficult situations leads to vets who are more resilient and have greater mental wellbeing. However, further analysis found a clear sentiment of ‘the client is the enemy’ in colleagues’ discussions and social media. During a difficult case, with complex conflicting pet and pet owner needs, vets who choose to emphasise the client as difficult and unreasonable can receive temporary solace when talking to similarly-minded peers or by accessing social media. This thinking prevents them from developing client empathy, impacting their mental health negatively in the long-term. Armitage-Chan, therefore believes everyone in the profession has a responsibility to frame the strengths of the ‘good vet’ as being as much about the pet owner as the pet.</p> <p>Commenting on her findings, Dr Elizabeth Armitage-Chan, said:</p> <p><em>“It’s really important not to think of this as a message that we must all be ‘nicer’ to our clients. I have heard vets say clients’ limited finances or not wanting to put their pet through treatment have forced them to go against their ‘professional code’. This simply isn’t true: the RCVS Code of Conduct emphasises a need to work alongside clients to problem-solve these complex situations. Animal welfare can be supported through palliative or symptomatic treatments, which may be offered after difficult negotiations with very upset pet owners. This should therefore be a skill that is celebrated, rather than being considered not ‘gold standard’.</em></p> <p><em>“Being able to work with a client who is highly troubled by their financial limitations or the impending loss of a pet is difficult, particularly when these anxieties manifest as anger and accusation. The social media message of the client as the enemy obstructs this skill, as it becomes easier to rant about the ‘difficult client’. Unfortunately, where this becomes embedded, it prevents the career satisfaction that comes from working with clients.” </em></p> <p>Read the full paper <a href="https://veterinaryrecord.bmj.com/content/early/2019/10/19/vr.105482#">here</a> </p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk/comparison-is-fuelling-veterinary-mental-health-crisis/">Comparison is fuelling veterinary mental health crisis</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.covetrus.co.uk">Covetrus</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>