JULY 2014
Zoo animal,
wildlife or pet?
Welfare issues
explored
A
lumbar disseminated idiopathic spinal
hyperostosis and spondylosis deformans
30–31 The companion interview in dogs
retrospective review was carried Prevalence of dermatophytes and
Martin Alder ■
out of the medical records of other superficial fungal organisms in
dogs undergoing bilateral closed asymptomatic guinea pigs
33 Regional CPD Diagnostic value of MRI in dogs with
Local knowledge close to home anal sacculectomy between 2003 ■
inflammatory nasal disease
and 2013. Sixty-two dogs were included in ■ Comparison of bacterial cultures from
34–35 CPD Diary the study of which 32.3% developed mild urine and cystoscopically obtained lower
What’s on in your area and self-limiting complications, including urinary tract biopsies in dogs
14.5% of dogs that experienced ■ Evaluation of toxicities from combined
postoperative defecatory complications. metronomic and maximal tolerated
dose chemotherapy in dogs with
No dog developed permanent faecal osteosarcoma
incontinence. Dogs less than 15 kg
bodyweight were more likely to develop
Log on to www.bsava.com to access
postoperative complications. Dogs in
the JSAP archive online. ■
which gel was used to distend the anal sac
were more likely to have postoperative
EJCAP ONLINE
complications than those where gel was
not used. Previous abscess formation, To access the latest
recurrent disease and pretreatment with issue of EJCAP visit
Additional stock photography: www.fecava.org/EJCAP.
antibiotics had no significant effect on
www.dreamstime.com
© Dave Bredeson; © Isselee; © Rixie; © Winai Tepsuttinun postoperative complication rates. Cavalier Find FECAVA on Facebook!
King Charles Spaniels and Labrador-type
companion is published monthly by the British Editorial Board No part of this publication may be reproduced
in any form without written permission of the
Small Animal Veterinary Association, Woodrow publisher. Views expressed within this
House, 1 Telford Way, Waterwells Business Park, Editor – Simon Tappin MA VetMB CertSAM DipECVIM-CA publication do not necessarily represent those
Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AB. This magazine MRCVS of the Editor or the British Small Animal
is a member-only benefit. Veterinary schools Veterinary Association.
interested in receiving Past President – Michael Day BSc BVMS(Hons) PhD DSc For future issues, unsolicited features,
companion should DiplECVP FASM FRCPath FRCVS particularly Clinical Conundrums, are
email companion@ welcomed and guidelines for authors are
bsava.com. We welcome available on request; while the publishers will
all comments and ideas ■ CPD Editorial Team take every care of material received no
for future articles. Patricia Ibarrola DVM DSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS responsibility can be accepted for any loss or
Tony Ryan MVB CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS damage incurred.
Tel: 01452 726700 Lucy McMahon BVetMed (Hons) DipACVIM MRCVS BSAVA is committed to reducing the
Email: companion@ Dan Batchelor BVSc PhD DSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS environmental impact of its publications
bsava.com wherever possible and companion is printed
■ Features Editorial Team on paper made from sustainable resources
and can be recycled. When you have finished
Web: www.bsava.com Andrew Fullerton BVSc (Hons) MRCVS with this edition please recycle it in your
kerbside collection or local recycling point.
ISSN (print): 2041-2487 ■ Design and Production Members can access the online archive of
ISSN (online): 2041-2495 BSAVA Headquarters, Woodrow House companion at www.bsava.com .
Get BSAVA
(EU 998/2003 and its amendments)
will be replaced by a new
Regulation (EU 576/2013) on the
non-commercial movement of pet
animals which will come into effect
publications
on the move Get to know
Y
on 29 December. While the
fundaments of the Pet Travel
Scheme remain the same there will ou can now get the latest your BSAVA
be some changes, including: companion issue on your
mobile or tablet via the new colleagues
■ A new format passport with BSAVA e-companion app. As
laminated strips to reduce well as the convenience of reading and
tampering and space for more storing each issue on your device,
details of the issuing and
certifying veterinary surgeon to
additional functionality and content is
provided such as image hotspots, active Barbara-
improve traceability weblinks and related material from other
Ann Innes
A
■ A minimum age of 12 weeks for BSAVA publications.
vaccination The app is available for Android and
iPad. The Android version will work on friend and ex-colleague suggested I join
■ A requirement for veterinary
tablets and phones with a screen size of BSAVA Scottish Region. Having attended
practices to keep pet passport
4.5" or larger. A version compatible with Congress in Birmingham and Scottish
information for at least three
the iPhone is under development. The Congress on a regular basis, the chance to be
years
e-companion app includes all the 2014 involved in selecting lecture topics and organizing CPD
■ Increased requirements for
issues – the archive of back issues will events appealed to me. Since then I’ve been the
documentary and identity
be added shortly. Scottish Region’s Congress Coordinator, and also a
checks in all EU Member States
Don’t forget, you can also access member of BSAVA Education Committee.
■ New rules for those travelling
the latest articles in the Journal of Small As the Scottish Region’s Congress Coordinator I
with more than five pets.
Animal Practice via an app provided by am responsible for liaising with the venue, staff at Head
our publisher, Wiley. The app gives you Office and the rest of the committee to make sure we
Defra will be carrying out a
access to the latest papers, put on a great event every year.
consultation to gather views on
bookmarking and article sharing I’m also involved in helping produce CPD in the
the implementation of these
features, dynamic figures, tables and Scottish Region throughout the year in my role on the
regulations from both veterinary
references, and the ability to browse regional committee. I produce meeting previews and
practices and members of the
content before downloading an issue or reviews for companion and help coordinate our
public. At the time of going to
article for offline use. The app is advertising. My interest in CPD extends to my role on
press the details of this
available for Apple devices; a version for the Education Committee too, where I take part in
consultation were not available
Android devices is under development. discussions on BSAVA’s national education programme.
but will be posted on the
For further information on how to I’ve met some great people since volunteering with
Consultation page of the BSAVA
download and activate the apps visit the BSAVA, who are all very supportive and encouraging.
website, along with our own
My apps page in the myBSAVA section I’ve also increased my range of skills. I would never
questionnaire. ■
of the website (login required). ■ have thought that I had the ability to help organize and
run a large event like Scottish Congress. There’s a real
sense of achievement when it all goes well and both
in Northern Ireland
to the BSAVA Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses and to
B
the BSAVA Small Animal Formulary, plus, without the
significant member discount on CPD I would never
SAVA is recruiting members to form a new Regional Committee to help
have had the opportunity to complete the Veterinary
shape the future of the profession in Northern Ireland. After a successful
Nursing Merit Award in Anaesthesia and Analgesia.
Congress weekend in May, four members of the Northern Ireland
I’d encourage anyone to get involved as a BSAVA
Regional Committee held their Annual Regional Meeting where they
volunteer. You will meet a great bunch of people and
decided not to stand for re-election.
learn a lot from them. ■
BSAVA wishes to thank the former committee members for all their hard
work in the region over the years. Thanks also to VetNI for their ongoing
contribution as our congress organizer. Find out how you can get involved as a
Email Carole Haile – c.haile@bsava.com – to find out more about BSAVA volunteer, email Carole Haile –
volunteering as a Regional Officer in Northern Ireland. ■ c.haile@bsava.com.
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 3
Not reigning
cats and dogs
G
enerations of selective breeding were However, there has been a renewed intensity to the
needed to produce the rounded heads debate over recent months since Neil Forbes and
and juvenile appearance of many popular Martin Whitehead, two practitioners with a strong
dog breeds. However, the same effect can interest in these non-traditional pets, published a letter
be achieved over a few months in lizards by simply in the veterinary press calling for regulations to ban all
failing to provide them with a satisfactory diet. but a few reptile species from being kept as pets.
Changes in skull shape caused by softening of That drew a swift response from colleagues keen
the bones are an important clinical sign in reptiles to protect the interests of those experienced reptile
affected by metabolic bone disease. This condition is keepers who not only look after their animals well but
only one of many seen by veterinary practitioners have also made substantial contributions to our
dealing with the hugely increased numbers of understanding of their biology. Hampshire-based
non-traditional pets. That their owners are unable to practitioner Peter Scott wrote that “demonising exotic
recognize or prevent diseases caused by poor pets and exotic pet owners is simply dishonest:
management is not due to lethargy or callousness welfare problems exist across all species.”
– more that they don’t understand their animal’s basic Yet, as RSPCA chief veterinary officer James
biological needs. Yeates points out, welfare issue in other species
doesn’t justify inaction over the problems in
Call for a ban reptiles and other non-traditional pets.
Concern among veterinary surgeons about the Moreover, there is good reason for treating
incidence of easily preventable diseases in what this group as a special case because of the
are often called ‘exotic’ pets is nothing new. increased risk of poor welfare due to ignorance
of their physiology and behaviour.
“Generally, people would say it is important for
animals to be kept in conditions as close to their
natural environment as possible. That is difficult to
achieve in an ordinary home as you will typically
need ultraviolet light, a massive temperature
gradient, good humidity control, suitable vegetation,
water, etc. That requires huge resources and the
people providing all that can’t really be called pet
owners, they are really running a private zoological
collection” he says.
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 5
Not reigning cats and dogs
The first group will address the terminology used Gaining greater understanding
by each of the main stakeholders to ensure that they The veterinary profession also needs to know more
are all speaking a common language. That is about these species – currently, only a small
essential because people may even disagree about percentage of practitioners have an active interest in
what constitutes an exotic pet. So, for example, these species, but that may change over the next few
should the raptors used in falconry or rare years. Michael ‘Stan’ Stanford of the British Veterinary
psittacines kept in private breeding colonies be Zoological Society points out that a more
regarded as pets? comprehensive understanding of common reptiles will
For the moment, the working groups will focus now be included on the Royal College’s list of Day 1
solely on reptiles. One will try to gather accurate data competencies required of new veterinary graduates.
on the numbers of reptiles kept in Britain, while another Yet improved education is not a panacea for the
will analyze the supply chain for reptilian pets in the problems experienced by reptiles in captivity. “It will
UK and make recommendations on the sourcing, certainly help but it isn’t a complete solution, I feel that
transport and sale of these animals. Finally, another there will also have to be legislation and proper
group will investigate the available data on the welfare enforcement,” said Martin Whitehead. He would favour
of reptilian pets with the aim of producing information a licensing system like that proposed by the German
sheets for new owners that can be endorsed by Veterinary Association’s Exotic Animals Group that
each of the contributing organizations. requires would-be owners of the more unusual pet
The last group is, therefore, addressing the issue species to undertake suitable training before being
which all sides agree is crucial to improving the welfare allowed to take their animal home.
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 7
Non-traditional
companion animals
consultation
T
here is currently a great deal of discussion Not just reptiles
going on in Europe about whether there As an Association with a focus on education and
should be restrictions on keeping certain science, we have a role in ensuring that
“exotic” and wild caught animals as pets. The veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in
Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) has practice have access to the resources they need
produced a statement calling for the establishment of to treat a wide range of small animals. Although
“suitability” lists. the article on the previous pages focuses on
In the UK there are already some restrictions problems with reptiles we are interested in a wide
through the Convention on International Trade in range of animals, including:
Endangered Species (CITES) and the Dangerous Wild
Animals Act (DWA); however, these are focused on ■ Tortoises/terrapins
conservation and human safety rather than animal ■ Snakes
health and welfare. ■ Other reptiles
BSAVA has set up a subcommittee (which reports ■ Backyard poultry
through the Scientific Committee) to look at some of ■ Cage/aviary birds
the issues surrounding “exotic pets”. The first problem ■ Reptiles
they encountered was in the definition of “exotic”, ■ Fish/amphibia
which is why they have chosen the term “non- ■ Rabbits and guinea pigs
traditional” to distinguish those species which are ■ Hamsters and gerbils
starting to be kept and where there may be the ■ Rats and mice
greatest problems in ensuring that their health and ■ Ferrets
welfare needs are met. ■ Other small mammals
This Manual covers the range of exotic pets, from small mammals, through birds, reptiles and
amphibians, to invertebrates. Commoner pets, such as rabbits, rodents and budgies, are
included and the ever-increasing range of non-traditional pets encountered by the veterinary
surgeon in practice is reflected in coverage of groups such as marsupials, ratites and crocodilians.
■ Biology, husbandry, handling ■ Anaesthesia and analgesia Member price: £49
and restraint ■ Common surgical Non-member price: £79
■ Diagnostic approach to procedures
common conditions ■ Euthanasia Buy online at
■ Supportive care ■ Drug formulary www.bsava.com
members?
medicine exists. A medicine prescribed
in accordance with the cascade may be
V
administered by the prescribing veterinary
surgeon or by a person acting under their
eterinary surgeons should direction. Responsibility for the prescription
provide information to their and use of the medicine remains with the The information provided in these CILs
clients about the safe use of prescribing veterinary surgeon. is not intended to be exhaustive or to
drugs that they prescribe and If there is no medicine authorized in the cover every possible use of a particular
dispense for patients under their care. UK for a specific condition, the veterinary drug. In particular, the use of these drugs
For drugs authorized for use in dogs surgeon responsible for treating the in small mammals, birds or other ‘exotic’
animal may, in particular in order to avoid
and/or cats this information is usually unacceptable suffering, treat the animal in pets has not been considered. The
supplied to veterinary surgeons by the accordance with the following sequence: information is provided for use with canine
pharmaceutical company and this should 1. A veterinary medicine authorized in the UK and feline patients only. Practitioners
then be passed on to clients. for use in another animal species or for a should exercise care to check that the
For drugs that are not authorized for different condition in the same species. information provided in the leaflets is
the particular use in the particular 2. If there is no such medicine, use either: suitable for their patient.
a. A medicine authorized in the UK for
species (i.e. prescribed under the These information leaflets do not
human use
cascade) there is still a responsibility to b. A veterinary medicine from another absolve veterinary surgeons from
provide clients with information, but the Member State or country outside providing information specific to the
leaflets that accompany these drugs may the EU in accordance with an import individual patient or client but will help
not be adequate (e.g. they may have certificate from the Veterinary provide generic information on the safe
Medicines Directorate.
been written for the treatment of human 3. If there is no such medicine, a medicine use of a drug. The responsibility for the
patients or for the treatment of a different prepared extemporaneously by a veterinary safe and appropriate use of drugs
condition). Thus, the BSAVA has surgeon, pharmacist or a person holding an remains with prescribing veterinary
provided, as a service to its members, a appropriate manufacturer’s authorization. surgeons. Leaflets for additional drugs
series of Client Information Leaflets (CILs) Further details on the prescribing cascade are will be available later on in the year –
that can be used to help practitioners available in the online BSAVA Guide to the Use keep an eye on the BSAVA website for
fulfil their obligations. of Veterinary Medicines. further details. ■
CILs AVAILABLE
The following CILs are available to download in either a PDF or JPG format from the BSAVA website (www.bsava.com). These leaflets can be integrated with
practice management software – instructions are available online.
■ Allopurinol ■ Colchicine ■ Fludrocortisone ■ Mitotane ■ Salbutamol
■ Amiodarone ■ Cyclophoshamide ■ Gabapentin ■ Morphine ■ Sotalol
■ Amitriptyline ■ Darbepoetin ■ Hydroxycarbamide ■ Omeprazole ■ Sucralfate
■ Amlodipine ■ Diazepam ■ Itraconazole ■ Ondansetron ■ Sulfasalazine
■ Aspirin ■ Diazoxide ■ Ketoconazole ■ Pentoxifylline ■ Tramadol
■ Atenolol ■ Digoxin ■ Lactulose ■ Phenoxybenzamine ■ Ursodeoxycholic acid
■ Azathioprine ■ Diphenoxylate ■ Levetiracetam ■ Piroxicam ■ Vitamin K1
■ Budesonide ■ Erythromycin ■ Melphalan ■ Pregabalin
■ Busulfan ■ Erythropoietin ■ Methotrexate ■ Propranolol
■ Chlorambucil ■ Famotidine ■ Metronidazole ■ Pyridostigmine
■ Chlorphenamine ■ Fentanyl patches ■ Misoprostol ■ Ranitidine
Members can download the BSAVA Client Information Leaflets from www.bsava.com/resources/clientinformationleaflets or can access all member content
in one place by using the BSAVA knowledge vault (www.bsava.com/myBSAVA/BSAVAknowledgevault).
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 9
Clinical conundrum
What initial investigations would Figure 1: The patient is shifting weight from both pelvic limbs. Note the hunched appearance and
the position of the thoracic limbs in relation to the body
you consider?
1. Polyuria/polydipsia and 2. Progressive hip and lumbar spinal Parameter Result Reference
proteinuria: Complete blood count discomfort: range
and biochemistry as well as urinalysis ■■ Radiographs of the pelvic limbs
Albumin 21.4 g/l 25–40 g/l
including culture and sensitivity and lumbar spine are useful to
testing are indicated to evaluate for assess for musculoskeletal disease Urea 11.7 mmol/l 2.5–6.7 mmol/l
concomitant diseases that may cause but will give limited or no Phosphate 1.02 mmol/l 0.8–1.6 mmol/l
polyuria and polydipsia, as well as information on non-orthopaedic
Table 1: Complete blood count and serum
assess the severity of the proteinuria. disease. Arthrocentesis to assess biochemical analysis (results not shown were
Results are shown in Tables 1 and 2. for arthropathies is also indicated. considered normal)
Urogenital ultrasonography to assess ■■ Computed tomography (CT) was used
renal architecture is also valuable. in this case. The rationale was that it
Parameter Result
allows visualization of both abdominal
What problems are associated and musculoskeletal components. As Specific gravity 1.026
with measuring the urine protein: the CT scanner is a multi-detector unit, pH 6.5
creatinine ratio in the presence of the procedure can be performed very
Protein +++
haematuria? quickly with excellent contrast
Microscopic haematuria reportedly does resolution compared with radiography. Blood ++++
not change significantly the urine protein: The use of a contrast agent also allows Urine protein: 8.4
creatinine (UPC) ratio. Macroscopic evaluation of the urinary tract creatinine ratio
haematuria, however, will cause an (essentially an intravenous urogram)
Sediment examination Moderate haematuria
increase in the UPC ratio (associated with and regions of inflammation or
serum protein) and so should be neoplasia, as well as quick evaluation Bacterial culture Negative
interpreted with caution. of the vascular components. Table 2: Urinalysis (cystocentesis sample)
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 11
Clinical conundrum
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 13
How to read a
capnography trace
C
apnography is a useful aid when monitoring
patients under general anaesthesia. It is
relatively simple to perform and provides
very useful information about the Figure 1: Typical capnography trace (displayed in yellow) on a
cardiorespiratory function of the patient whilst requiring multi-parameter monitor during anaesthesia
minimal intervention. It has been long established that
the combination of pulse oximetry and capnography There are generally two types of sampling
can help to prevent avoidable anaesthesia mistakes in analyser used in clinical practice: sidestream and
human patients. This has led to capnography being a mainstream. Sidestream analysers remove a sample of
minimal monitoring requirement for all people gas from the anaesthetic breathing system using a
undergoing general anaesthesia by the many pump, which is transferred to the sensor located in the
anaesthesia regulatory bodies throughout the world. monitor. The gas removed from the breathing system
will contain anaesthetic gas which will need to be
either returned to the breathing system or removed in
Definitions the scavenging system. Mainstream analysers do not
■■ Capnometry refers to the measurement and remove a gas sample and the sensor is inserted
display of CO2 in numerical form only. A directly between the patient breathing system and the
capnometer is a device that performs such a endotracheal tube.
function, displaying end-tidal and sometimes Capnography provides three pieces of information:
inspired CO2.
■■ Capnography is the measurement and display 1. End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) value
of CO2 including end-tidal and inspired values 2. The capnography trace
as well as a real-time CO2 waveform. A 3. The difference between arterial and end-tidal
capnograph therefore is a device that values ((a–ET)PCO2) – which can be used to give
measures CO2 and displays a waveform an indication of alveolar dead space. This is not
(Figure 1). commonly assessed in small animal patients as it
■■ Hypocapnia is the term used to describe low is uncommon to take arterial blood samples and it
partial pressure of carbon dioxide will not be covered further in this article.
(< 35 mmHg). Persistent hypocapnia can lead
to cerebral vasoconstriction and hypoxia. End-tidal carbon dioxide
■■ Hypercapnia is the term used to describe ETCO2 is defined as the carbon dioxide level at the
excessive partial pressure of carbon dioxide very end of expiration, which is taken to be
(> 45 mmHg). Persistent hypercapnia can lead equivalent to the arterial CO2 concentration, although
to respiratory acidosis, cerebral vasodilation, in reality it is usually 2–5 mmHg lower than actual
arrhythmias and, at very high levels, narcosis. arterial blood levels. Normal values are considered to
be 35–45 mmHg. Long-term elevations in ETCO2 are
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 15
How to read a
capnography trace
normal in shape but the end-tidal value will be understanding of the factors that can affect the
high or low. accuracy of the reading is important. The accurate
■■ ETCO2 may increase due to hypoventilation, upper measurement of ETCO2 depends on several factors:
airway obstruction and re-breathing. To distinguish
1. Ensuring there is no leak in the system. It is
the cause, the waveform should be evaluated.
important to use cuffed endotracheal tubes that
A normal waveform is seen with uncomplicated
have been inflated until there is no leak. The degree
hypoventilation, whereas an abnormal waveform
of accuracy can be estimated by assessing the
will be seen with upper airway obstruction (shark
capnography trace: if there is a good fit between
fin, Figure 9). The baseline will be elevated in a
the trachea and the ET tube there should be a
patient that is re-breathing and there may be a
plateau at the top of the trace if a positive pressure
value for inspired CO2.
breath is applied. An underestimation of CO2 will
usually occur if there is a leak in the system.
Effects of metabolism
2. High fresh gas flows that are required for non-re-
ETCO2 can give an indication of a patient’s
breathing systems can dilute CO2 levels when
metabolism.
using a sidestream sampling system. This is most
■■ An increase in ETCO2 can be interpreted as an commonly observed in small patients such as cats.
increase in metabolism if the patient is being 3. Removal of water vapour from the gas sample.
ventilated, as this helps to rule out changes in Water vapour will be present in a gas sample from
ventilation as the cause of the increase. Increased the respiratory tract and can cause an apparent
ETCO2 may occur with elevated temperature, increase. If water vapour reaches the measuring
shivering, convulsions, administration of cell it can interfere with performance, so care must
adrenaline, blood or bicarbonate, release of a be taken to monitor the level of water in the water
tourniquet, insufflation of the peritoneal cavity with trap. Water vapour can also occlude the sampling
CO2 and malignant hyperthermia (increased tube, preventing the gas from reaching the
ETCO2 occurs before an increase in temperature). analyser, resulting in a falsely low or totally absent
■■ ETCO2 falls with decreased temperature, capnograph.
increased muscle relaxation and increased
depth of anaesthesia. Interpreting capnograph traces
As discussed above, the absolute value of ETCO2 is an
Effects of circulation important piece of information when monitoring
anaesthesia. However, the capnograph trace allows
■■ ETCO2 will decrease if there is impaired the observer to gain additional information regarding
circulation to the lungs (e.g. hypotension, the cardiorespiratory function of the patient and
peripheral vasoconstriction), as well as impaired provides a visual aid to interpreting the ETCO2 value.
circulation through the lungs (e.g. embolism,
surgical manipulation). Variations on normal
■■ Gas emboli due to CO2 may increase or decrease The normal capnograph trace (Figure 2) is based on a
the ETCO2, but this is only likely to occur during ventilated adult human and has well defined phases. In
laparoscopy or thoracoscopy. veterinary anaesthesia there are many more variations
■■ ETCO2 can be used to monitor CPR and may be a of normal, as a large majority of patients will be
predictor of outcome in the dog. One paper breathing spontaneously and sampling is affected by
showed an increased likelihood of survival if the high fresh gas flow used in small patients breathing
ETCO2 was >20 mmHg during CPR. via non-rebreathing systems. One such example is
shown in Figure 4. In addition, cardiac oscillations may
Sampling problems be seen superimposed on the inspiratory portion of the
As with all automated monitoring equipment, some trace (Figure 5).
Time
Time
Figure 6: Sudden fall to baseline. Equipment causes include
Figure 4: Spontaneous breathing: the plateau may be less disconnection and capnograph zeroing. Physiological causes
defined are apnoea and cardiac arrest
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 17
How to read a
capnography trace
PaCO2 PaCO2
Time Time
Figure 8: Slow increase of plateau and end-tidal carbon Figure 10: Trace not returning to the baseline, indicating
dioxide value re-breathing of expired gases
environment
VENUE
Woodrow House,
Gloucester
BSAVA with BVBA FEES
BSAVA Member:
FEES
£240.00 inc. VAT
BSAVA Member: £20.00 inc. VAT Non BSAVA Member:
Non BSAVA Member: £30.00 inc. VAT £360.00 inc. VAT
Advanced Learn@Lunch
ophthalmology webinars
These regular monthly lunchtime (1–2 pm) webinars are
1 October FREE to BSAVA Members – just book your place through
the website in order to access the event. The topics will
This day is particularly aimed at those be clinically relevant, and particularly aimed at those in
clinicians that feel they have grasped some first opinion practice. There are separate webinar
of the basics of ophthalmology and wish to programmes for vets and for nurses
look further into more complicated cases This is a valuable MEMBER BENEFIT
BSAVA Member:
£172.00 inc. VAT
Non BSAVA Member:
£257.50 inc. VAT
D
elegates at BSAVA’s Scottish Congress are always assured a warm celtic
welcome and with an ever-expanding programme of scientific lectures,
extensive trade exhibition and sizzling social events, Scottish Congress
really is one of the most pleasurable weekends of CPD in the veterinary
calendar. We asked our morning lecture speakers a few questions about their
areas of expertise and what they will be covering at Scottish Congress…
■■ ECC for nurses: triage (interactive) What is your particular area of interest AND THERE’S MORE…
This lecture will use clinical cases to take as a VN in practice? Along with these morning lectures, there will
you through the triage process. My main area of interest is welfare. Animals also be a number of afternoon seminars with
Delegates will learn how to perform triage all over the world get a rough deal, I think. Iain A. Grant, Jenny Helm, Samantha Woods,
Brigitte Lord and Stephanie Lalor.
on cats and dogs presenting as It doesn’t matter whether they are a bear
emergencies and how to be aware of sitting in a tiny cage on a bile farm in For full details of the programme and prices
visit www.bsava.com/scottishcongress
life-threatening abnormalities identifiable China, a dog living free on the streets in where you can download a registration
on physical examination and their likely Bosnia or a pet cat living in a luxury form or register online. Follow us on Twitter
cause. Strategies for the management of apartment in Scotland, they will all be (@BSAVACONGRESS) for the latest news and
common life-threatening abnormalities experiencing their own individual welfare updates, or email scottishcongress@bsava.com
will also be covered. problems. The more research we do to for further information.
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 21
Congress · 9–12 APRIL 2015
You could be a
Congress
speaker
Clinical Abstracts are the scientific gems of
the Congress programme, and submissions
are invited from all areas of the profession.
Winners of the 2014 awards share their
experience, from submission to selection…
W
© DollarPhotoClub.com | © razihusin
hat sort of person would put themselves numbers alone, as the format plays a crucial role both
through the ordeal of allowing both their in the progress of veterinary science and in the career
friends and enemies to closely examine development of the speakers.
and criticize the quality of their work?
People like you, perhaps, as the BSAVA scientific GPs, VNs and PMs
programme offers an opportunity for anyone in the “The Clinical Abstracts are a part of the programme
veterinary profession to show what they can do. that allows veterinary surgeons, nurses or practice
Presenters of the Clinical Abstract sessions are given a managers to announce the preliminary results of a new
15-minute slot to describe the sort of project that could study, describe interesting cases or discuss new
be carried out in pretty well every veterinary practice techniques in a relatively relaxed and informal
around the country. environment,” says Nick Bexfield, vice chairman of the
Clinical Abstracts are one of the hidden gems of Congress Scientific Committee and one of those
BSAVA Congress, one that many who have been responsible for selecting the Clinical Abstracts.
attending the event for years may have never Although it is a longstanding feature of BSAVA
witnessed. The sessions are held in small rooms where Congress, like the rest of the scientific programme the
the audience numbers rarely rise above 20 or so, but Clinical Abstract stream is constantly evolving. There
their value should not be measured in terms of was a major change in 2013 when VNs and practice
managers were invited to give presentations for the
first time. A particular highlight was the paper by
Wendy Barnett, who holds an advanced surgical VN
qualification and is executive director of the Pet Blood
Bank UK in Loughborough. Her paper was on the
prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 in the
population of dogs donating blood for the national
service. For this she was awarded a prize at this year’s
meeting in Birmingham for the best paper in the
haematology category.
This was the first study where Wendy has
appeared as the first author, although she has made
contributions to previous publications. She expressed
her thanks to her co-author Rachel Dean of the nearby
University of Nottingham veterinary school, whose
Professor expertise in evidence-based medicine has helped
Michael Day and direct the research she is conducting with her
Wendy Barnett
colleague Jennie Walton.
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 23
Congress · 9–12 APRIL 2015
Davide Berlato at the Animal Health Trust. We were eventually identify the causative genes. So
able to make some interesting observations that hadn’t presenting her Abstract was an ideal opportunity to
been reported before about breed prevalence. bring this condition to the attention of a wider
Compared with Kennel Club registration data there audience. “Our main goal was to describe this
appeared to be an excess of retrievers and emerging and diagnostically challenging disorder,
Newfoundlands, and also in Golden Retrievers, the and inform first opinion veterinarians how to
prognosis was worse than in other breeds.” recognize, investigate and treat it. We also hoped to
raise much-needed awareness about this condition
Working towards qualifications and to encourage colleagues, owners and breeders
Anna Tauro from Fitzpatrick Referrals in Godalming to participate to a scheme to collect, store and
won the practitioners’ Clinical Abstract prize – analyse the DNA of affected families and their
sponsored by companion – at Congress 2014 for a relatives,” she explains.
presentation she gave last year on polymyositis in While Anna’s decision to submit an Abstract for
Hungarian Vizslas. Her presentation perhaps presentation in the neurology session was part of her
involved a little more preparation than Mickey or personal quest to understand an important new
Nele’s as it was not part of a larger study towards an disease, most of the other applicants had more
academic qualification. It described a project modest goals in using the experience as a step up the
involving retrospective analysis of clinical records professional ladder.
from 334 cases of this newly recognized and still
rather mysterious condition. Much of her work Because it’s worth it
involved trying to fill in the inevitable gaps in the data For those like Anna, Wendy, Mickey and Nele* who
from cases going back more than a decade. go on to win the section prizes there is the reward of
Anna’s work has made a key contribution a £300 cheque to pay for further CPD activities or to
towards an international effort, which it is hoped will buy books. Those who are not lucky enough to
catch the judge’s eye will at least have had the costs
of their attendance at the current meeting paid – for
the whole meeting in the case of those speakers
who are already BSAVA members and for the day of
their presentation for those that are not.
There were 20 Clinical Abstract sessions in
different clinical disciplines in 2014, including three
entirely new streams devoted to the subjects of feline
practice, canine practice and working in practice.
Prospective Clinical Abstract presenters are asked to
submit a written summary of their presentation of no
more than 350 words online by 20 October. Full
details are available on the BSAVA website. n
ADDITIONAL AWARDS
*Two further awards were made this year to Joana Gonçalves
Aguiar for the best Clinical Abstract by an intern/graduate
and to Xavier Navarro for the best Clinical Abstract poster.
Professor Michael Day, Anna Tauro and companion editor Simon Tappin
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 25
Celebrating 40 YEARS of improving the health of pets
PetSavers and O
ver the past 25 years, advances in
veterinary medicine, particularly in
oncology
diagnostics (imaging, cytology and
immunohistochemistry), along with higher
expectations of the pet-owning public, have resulted
in an increased rate of cancer diagnosis in companion
animals. The attitude and approach of both the
pet-owning public and the veterinary profession to the
diagnosis and treatment of cancer in cats and dogs
has also changed, with the demand for both basic
and specialist treatment of animals with cancer
continually increasing.
Cancer is estimated to affect For all these reasons, veterinary oncology has
become an important discipline within companion
one in four dogs and is one of animal medicine, with an ever-increasing demand for
the major causes of death in oncological expertize in advisory, referral, teaching
and research capacities. As a result, a need has
insured dogs and elderly cats. developed for postgraduate education to a specialist
Jane Dobson explains how level in this field. Not only must a veterinary
oncologist have good clinical knowledge and
PetSavers has played a key acumen, they must also have a good understanding
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 27
Muscle
condition
score
overweight but still have muscle loss – indicating a
The WSAVA Global Nutrition potential underlying problem, especially in diabetic,
otherwise ill or elderly patients.
Committee has developed a “For example, in some diabetic cats the inguinal fat
new tool for patient assessment pads still exist but the cat has lost the epaxial muscles.
Muscle mass is also lost with diseases such as chronic
kidney disease, cancer, hyperadrenocorticism and
I
osteoarthritis, and with corticosteroid administration.
Acute and chronic disease may cause loss of muscle
t can be challenging to calculate the body condition mass disproportionate to the loss of fat due to the
score for animals that have lost muscle mass but cytokine and neurohormonal effects on metabolism.
have retained fat. To help assess companion There is also muscle mass loss (sarcopenia)
animals more accurately, the Nutrition Service at associated with ageing.
Tufts University, led by Dr Lisa Freeman, has “Our Muscle Condition Score system is just one
developed a unique WSAVA Muscle Condition Score element of the GNC’s Nutrition Toolkit, which
system that now forms part of the WSAVA’s Nutrition contains a whole range of practical aids for the
Toolkit, developed by the Global Nutrition Committee veterinary healthcare team and educational
(GNC). A muscle condition score is based on the materials for pet owners.” ■
palpation of skeletal muscle over the skull, scapulae,
spine and pelvis.
Marge Chandler, Co-Chair of the GNC, explains: MORE ONLINE
“The value of the muscle condition score to the
veterinarian is to enable them to better evaluate the Additional resources and information are available online
health status of their patient. While the body condition ■ Muscle Condition Score system
■ GNC Nutrition Toolkit
score evaluates body fat, it is possible for a pet to be
I T
graduated from the College of Veterinary veterinary organization to help even out the he Scientific Programme for the
Medicine, Beijing Agricultural University, levels of veterinary expertise across the World Congress runs over four
now called China Agricultural University, continent. This is why FASAVA was days, with multiple parallel streams
in 1986, and in 1993 I chose to specialize created. FASAVA works closely with the for all members of the veterinary
in small animals. I still diagnose and treat WSAVA. What we now need to do is healthcare team and presentations from
sick animals at the Meilianzhonghe Animal strengthen communication with other globally renowned speakers. With Master
Hospital Union, a hospital union I WSAVA members – to help them to get to Classes and State of the Art Lectures on
established with other experienced know China and to help them realize that top, you will be spoilt for choice! World-
veterinarians which includes six directly Chinese people also love animals. class lecturers include:
managed hospitals and another twenty I became Chairman of FASAVA in May
■ Jane Sykes: Leptospirosis
hospitals. It aims to improve veterinary 2014 and my goals are to unite Asian
■ Joerg Steiner: Redefining chronic
skills, narrowing the gap between China countries as one, to continue with CE and
pancreatitis
and more advanced countries. to shrink the veterinary technology
■ Valerie Fadok: Allergic dermatitis
I have been involved with BJSAVA differences between us. We will make full
■ Ralph Mueller: Treatment of atopic
since 2002 and was elected President in use of traditional veterinary medicine to
dermatitis
2008. In my role for BJSAVA, I focus on cure those difficult and complicated
■ Leslie Lyons: Cat genetics and
improving standards of veterinary care in diseases that Western medicine can’t cure.
evolution.
China and carry out a great deal of CE for I want FASAVA to become the authority
our younger vets to ensure they gain among all Asian associations and want Topics of particular relevance in
experience and go on to become leading every veterinary and specialty association South Africa are also on offer, including:
vets in China. to work together for the prosperity of the
■ Andrew Leisewitz: Immunology of
In 2004, BJSAVA joined the WSAVA Asian veterinary profession. I believe that
babesiosis
and, thanks to the CE that the WSAVA Chinese veterinary medicine will soon be a
■ Shimon Harrus: Canine monocytic
provided, Chinese veterinarians started to global leader and the concept of Asian
ehrlichiosis.
learn from renowned international traditional medicine will spread in Western
veterinarians. Of course, because of our countries and play a huge alternative role Visit www.wsava2014.com for full
different culture, we still need an Asian on the international stage. ■ details and to register. ■
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 29
the companion interview
Martin Alder
Martin Alder is Editor of Veterinary Record and
In Practice, two of the most well-respected veterinary
titles in the UK. He grew up in Newcastle where his
mother and sister still live and to which, despite
having moved south nearly 40 years ago, he still
feels loyal. He graduated from Cambridge University
in 1978 with a degree in Natural Sciences, having
Courtesy of Gill Harris
Q How long have you been involved for it, as it turned out successfully, partly oversee things like printing, advertising
with the BVA’s publications and because the idea of editing a weekly and distribution. For the first 10 years or so,
how did that come about? scientific journal appealed to me and partly we also published journals on behalf of
A
I’m not sure where the time’s gone, because, naïvely, I thought it would be less other associations, including JSAP for
but I’ve been Editor of Veterinary demanding than my role on New Scientist. BSAVA and Veterinary Nursing for BVNA.
Record for 24 years. My association I couldn’t have got it more wrong. This was Throughout, I have been lucky to work with
with the journal goes back longer than that not long after the Salmonella in eggs an excellent and highly professional
as I worked on it as a subeditor for a (‘Currie’d eggs’) scandal and interest in editorial team.
couple of years soon after graduating, food safety was riding high. Also, BSE was The biggest changes over the past 10
under my predecessor as Editor, starting to take off. This kept me and years, affecting not just Veterinary Record
Edward Boden. obviously quite a few other people busy for but scientific publishing in general, have
Having done a zoology degree, I wasn’t most of the 1990s; I still think it was one of been brought about by the rise of the
quite sure what I wanted to do with my life the biggest science stories of the second internet and the growth in online
but that initial period on Veterinary Record half of the 20th century. Although I found publishing, including the push for open
convinced me that I wanted to be a myself working harder than I’d planned, it access for research papers. I like to think
scientific editor/journalist. I then worked for was a fascinating period and, in a perverse we’re on top of this, and an important part
a couple of years on a magazine called kind of a way, I think I almost enjoyed it. of that was our move, five years ago, to
World Medicine, which had quite a high BMJ, which has considerable expertise in
profile at the time, before joining New How have your role and the this and other areas and now publishes the
Scientist, where I edited the opinion and publications changed? two titles on behalf of the BVA. We now
letters pages and was also responsible for My role when I started as Editor was wider have a Veterinary Editor-in-Chief, Professor
the weekly diary column, Feedback. than it is today; as well as being Lord Trees, who is responsible for the
When the editorship of Veterinary responsible for the content of Veterinary clinical and research content, and BMJ
Record came up five years later I applied Record and In Practice, I also had to looks after all the commercial aspects,
which allows me to focus on commentary to that, but I’m not really sure. In some On a more positive note, it’s hard not to
and news. weeks, certain topics cry out to be written feel excited about the official
Veterinary Record now has an open about; in others, when not much is announcement in 2011 that rinderpest had
access facility and, in addition, we have happening, I really have to scratch around been eradicated worldwide, albeit that the
recently launched an online open access for a subject. It’s amazing how fascinating groundwork for this had been laid some
journal, Veterinary Record Open, to publish a previously boring subject can become as years before. The introduction of the Pet
material which, although scientifically a weekly deadline approaches, and how Travel Scheme in 2000 was another
sound, may not be of broad enough appeal that deadline can concentrate the mind. significant development, and was
for inclusion in Veterinary Record itself. We I get a lot of information from going to preceded by much more debate than the
also recently launched the online journal meetings and talking to people and more recent changes to the pet travel rules
Veterinary Record Case Reports which, listening to what they say. I also find things in 2012. On a personal level, I was proud of
given that many journals don’t accept case out by trawling the internet and reading a joint issue we did with The BMJ on the
reports these days, aims to fill a gap by reports that most people either haven’t got subject of One Medicine in 2005, a topic
publishing reports of interesting cases time to look at or would find too tedious to which is now getting more attention.
encountered in all branches of practice. contemplate. It’s not just vets who read the We also did a good issue when
editorials; they are also read by politicians World Rabies Day was launched in 2007.
You’ve probably met thousands of and the like. The aim is to reflect, rather Although certain events stand out, the
veterinary professionals over the years. than direct, veterinary thinking – to let veterinary profession has continued to
How would you characterize the people know what is happening, and evolve over the past 24 years, in terms of
veterinary profession? perhaps make them look at things in a its composition (it was predominately male
There’s definitely something unique about slightly different way. when I started), the way practice is
vets, but I’ve never quite managed to put structured and the types of activities vets
my finger on what it is. I used to think it was What have been the landmark events are engaged in, and I hope our coverage
the result of bonds formed at vet school as, that you have covered in your titles? has reflected that.
when I started, only about 50 people were Were there any subjects that were
entering each vet school each year and especially challenging? What single thing would improve the
everyone seemed to know everyone else. BSE was big, as already mentioned – and quality of your life?
However, with so many more vets in the so was foot-and-mouth disease in 2001. I often think that life would be better if
pipeline these days that can’t be the case The impact – politically, economically and emails hadn’t been invented, but I suspect
any longer and there has to be more to it emotionally – was huge, and the outbreak I’m not alone in that. Also, it would be good
than that. left a lasting mark on many of the people to have a bit more time for windsurfing, but
Maybe it comes down to experiences who were directly involved in trying to bring fortunately I manage to do a fair amount of
in common and a shared interest in it under control. It was also challenging in that already.
animals and their welfare. There’s also a editorial terms because this was before
strong sense of professionalism. I’ve met use of the internet really took off and Is there a song that will always get you
some great people and made some good people were relying on Veterinary Record on the dance floor?
friends in the veterinary profession, and for news. It would be better to ask if there is a song
have also had a lot of fun. Although I’ve For me, at least during the initial stages that wouldn’t get me on the dance floor
never wanted to be a vet myself (I’m much of the outbreak, this meant traipsing down but, even so, I’d be pushed for an answer.
too squeamish) I was pleased and felt very to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and I love dancing and, in the right company,
honoured when the RCVS made me an Food for daily press briefings, often at as at BSAVA Congress, for example, will
honorary associate a few years ago. short notice, and then, each Wednesday have a go at anything. ■
(when Veterinary Record goes to press)
How do you identify topics for your trying to make sense of it all and write
editorials, and stay so in touch with the something that would still be relevant by
profession? What do you aim to impart the time people received their copies of the
with your editorials? journal on the Saturday. It was all pretty
You’d think, having written more than a intense and, like everyone else, I was glad
thousand of the things, I’d know the answer when it was over.
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 31
Essential guides
for your practice
Our loyal members should have already received some or all of
these guides as part of their member benefits, or have access
to them via www.bsava.com. However, there is always room
on the practice shelf for extra copies!
BSAVA reserves the right to alter prices where necessary without prior notice.
Local
knowledge
News from BSAVA Regions
Let’s talk about sex, hear about Luke’s first-hand experiences of rabies vaccination in India, and
the tragic loss of life from rabies amongst children in the country. Thanks to the
say North East Region tremendous support from delegates representing practices from all over the
Southern Region, over £1300 was raised to split between PetSavers and
Ever wondered about exactly when to do the dog Mission Rabies.
caesarian? Fed up with trying to interpret mating Luke did an excellent job as quiz master. There was a nail-biting finish in
dates? Struggle dealing with the owners of the stud which nearly all teams scored full marks in the music round before Luke
dog that seems to lack that certain something? Or dramatically announced the winners. Congratulations to the winning quiz
stressed about seeing pups that seem determined to team, ‘Simple Minds’ from the Falkland Veterinary Clinic in Newbury, ably
pass away? assisted by Bayer’s Ronan Fitzgerald and Sam Le Vallee. Incredibly close in
If you answered yes to any of the above questions second and third places, with just a point between them all, came ‘Clueless’
then come to the North East’s meeting with Gary – the Ashworth Vets team from Farnborough – and ‘Anton Whatevers’ from
England on 28 September and all will be revealed Anton Vets in Andover.
(well, almost all). Our thanks also to go to our sponsor for the evening, Bayer, and to the
This meeting is for vets and VNs, and you can following companies and individuals for their generous donations of raffle and
benefit from our Early Bird discount of over 50% if you quiz prizes and donations to the charities: Dignity Pet Crematorium, Winchfield,
register before 9 August. Visit the website or email Hants; Mérial UK; Zoetis; Hill’s; Anderson Moores Veterinary Specialists;
administration@bsava.com for more details. See you Dechra; Nutravet; Protexin; KA Veterinary Services Ltd; Jenkyn Place Vineyard,
in Darlington. ■ Bentley, Hants; The Potters Heron Hotel, Romsey, Hants. ■
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 33
CPD diary
AFFILIATE WEBINAR
BSAVA & AVA
Tuesday 16 September
21:00–22:00
Making sense of breathing
systems
July LUNCHTIME WEBINAR Speaker: Susannah Taylor
Online
Wednesday 20 August Details from courses@bsava.com
DAY MEETING – 13:00–14:00
SOUTH WEST REGION Analgesia and pain assessment LUNCHTIME WEBINAR
Wednesday 9 July Speaker: Jackie Brearley
Online Wednesday 17 September
Are you flummoxed by fluids? Details from administration@bsava.com
Rethinking fluid therapy in 13:00–14:00
emergency patients LUNCHTIME WEBINAR
Different diagnosis of haematuria
Speakers: Sophie Adamantos and Speaker: Rob Foale
Christina Maunder Wednesday TBC August Online
Darts Farm Shopping Village, Exeter Details from administration@bsava.com
13:00–14:00
Details from southwest.region@bsava.com
Basic ophthalmic exam
Speaker: TBC DAY MEETING –
EVENING MEETING – Online IN CONJUNCTION WITH VCS
EAST MIDLANDS REGION Details from administration@bsava.com
Thursday 18 September
Tuesday 15 July
Getting the most from cardiac
The PUB Clinical Club: Collapse in
the dog – a night at the movies September diagnostics
Speaker: Mike Martin
Speaker: Mike Martin Woodrow House, Gloucester
The Royal Oak, Ockbrook DAY MEETING – Details from administration@bsava.com
Details from eastmidlands.region@bsava.com IN CONJUNCTION WITH BVOA
© BSAVA 2014
| companion JULY 2014 | 35
B
Wh SAV
fro ole A M
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an jus ongr emb
d £ t £ es e
16 209 s p rs
5f r
or for ices
Nu Vet
rse s
s
29–31 August
Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot-Watt,
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Email scottishcongress@bsava.com or
visit www.bsava.com/scottishcongress
to register and for full programme