Click image for larger version

Name:	Untitled.jpg
Views:	230
Size:	47.4 KB
ID:	42744
BSAVA Congress continues to be the place to unveil innovations as hundreds of exhibitors enjoyed thousands of face-to-face conversations with delegates in the Barclaycard Arena.

The exhibitor village saw the launch of new companies, brands, products, services and systems, with many innovative new ways for the industry to engage with the veterinary profession, and it continues to be a vital resource for all involved, including the BSAVA itself.

Below is a summary of some of those innovations…

BSAVA Balcony
The bustling BSAVA Balcony proved popular for sales of around 40 different titles – including two new editions of BSAVA manuals, the latest small animal formulary Part A Canine and Feline, and collected articles from BSAVA Companion magazine from 2012-16.

There were three new BSAVA manuals available for pre-registration, on reptiles, avian practice and canine and feline nephrology and urology.

The vibrant CPD Knowledge Lounge and membership area goes from strength to strength, plus a fun horse-racing challenge raised hundreds of pounds for the BSAVA’s PetSavers charity.


Abaxis
Abaxis medical director Dr Andrew J Rosenfeld travelled from San Francisco to conduct a CPD training course for BSAVA delegates. The training, conducted over three lectures, focused on clinical pathology and emergency medicine.

Dr Rosenfeld said: “The training will help the general practitioner and emergency vet in aspects of our clinical diagnostics, so that they can utilise information very accurately to make quick decisions in times of emergency care.

“My background is largely emergency, so I have a few talks that are case-based, and they are focused on how to get a minimal clinical database; that’s a lot of information from a little blood.”

The training covered how to diagnostically evaluate blood films, blood gas, and how to analyse and fully approach vomiting and diarrhoea in a dog.

Dr Rosenfeld enjoyed discussing issues with BSAVA delegates, and added: “The programme has been wonderful so far, it’s been very busy and we’re moving forward really well.”


Anaequip
An award-winning research anaesthetist, whose anaesthetic equipment promises to save veterinary practices thousands of pounds, used Congress to tell delegates about his new series of webinars.

Dr David Humphrey, who designed the Humphrey ADE Circle System, said delegates interested in the system, which was first introduced to human medicine in 1980, will be able to learn more about the environmentally friendly equipment when it launches its online learning series.

“We first came to Congress in 2000 and we’ve experienced an exponential curve since, selling many machines direct to delegates,” said Dr Humphrey.

“Vet nurses love the system because it is a multi-purpose system that is simple to use and versatile because it uses just one system for all animals – from a bird to a lion.

“We’re delighted to now be fully described in the BSAVA vet and nursing manuals and to have received RCVS approval. To complement, will be launching our webinars so that more people can learn about the system. As well as getting delegates to sign up for them during Congress, we’ve also been selling our machines, too.”

www.anaequip.com


AniCura
AniCura is currently the fastest growing veterinary care company in the world and invited delegates to share the adventure.

The company was formed in Sweden in 2011 as the first merger of companion animal hospitals in Scandinavia. Today it has almost 3,000 employees and provides high-quality veterinary care for pets at more than 150 hospitals and clinics in seven countries across Europe - Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

AniCura focuses on high quality care and has a quality programme for medical development. Each year, the company issues a quality report presenting the most important findings around veterinary medicine. Through both physical and digital platforms AniCura makes sure that specialists and other employees within the group share knowledge and best practice.

People power plays a huge part in AniCura’s success, so it was keen to reach out to delegates to discuss its strong and healthy company culture and the opportunities available for veterinary professionals to take part in an exciting journey shaping the future of veterinary care across Europe.

Sara Dahlstrom, Group HR director, said: “AniCura is shaping the future of veterinary care, together as a family of carefully selected animal hospitals and clinics that share the same vision.

“As we grow rapidly our main focus is to find, develop and recruit engaged and skilled people, this will be key to our success. Our stand is the best place to learn more about what opportunities and possibilities we have for veterinarians and nurses.”

Congress plays an important role in bringing the entire companion animal veterinary profession and industry together and Anicura believes its investment in employees and medical quality are key to enhance professionalization across the whole sector.

“Pet owners’ demands for advanced treatments and specialised care have increased rapidly, so as a financially stable, rapidly growing company we are investing in advanced equipment as well as development of our people,” Sara Dahlstrom added.

“We are a values-driven company and a quality leader, offering unique opportunities for personal development, networks and growth in a larger company.”

www.anicuragroup.com


AniPOC
A rapid anaemia testing kit that provides haemoglobin and haemocrit (Hb/Hct) results in ten seconds, was officially launched at Congress.

AniPOC Ltd, a new biotech start-up company based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, says its AniPOC Hb/Hct POC System, a portable, hand-held device, could transform the way that veterinary practices test for anaemia.

It uses a single pin prick - less than two microlitres - of blood from a capillary or venous source and results take ten seconds, compared with 15 minutes for centrifugal analysis. Its calculations show that the test costs about £1.50 to veterinary practices compared with £3 for a 15-minute centrifuge blood analysis.

Developed and tested in just 15 months, the device is also a cost-effective way of carrying out anaemia tests, said Sarah Pearson, AniPOC’s marketing co-ordinator.

“We are very pleased with our rapid anaemia testing device because it is highly accurate and it works particularly well for exotic, small or stressed pets or animals in their natural environment,” she said.

Richard Littlehales, chief executive of AniPOC Ltd, added: “We are thrilled at the response. This is the first time such an accurate test has been possible in a portable device.”

www.anipoc.com


ArtuVet
Veterinary practices wanting to learn more about allergens in cars and dogs can take advantage of a new online learning presentation and earn valuable CPD points.

Launched by ArtuVet, which supplies veterinary allergen immunotherapy and allergy tests, the presentation enables vets and nurses to learn about allergies in cats and dogs and recommended therapies from the comfort of their own practice.

The presentation takes an average of 20 minutes, said Michael Ward, of ArtuVet, which exhibited at Congress. Participants log on to the presentation and dial in to an ArtuVet expert, who then takes them through each of the slides.

Because each presentation is carried out for individual practices, participants can ask questions, go over slides and ask further advice on treatment options.

“Up to 10% of all animals have allergies so we wanted to introduce an effective way for vets and nurses to learn about diagnosis and specific treatments,” said Michael.

“Being able to undertake individual learning remotely is less time consuming for practices, which also makes it more cost-effective.

“It’s also more environmentally friendly because we can cover the whole of the UK from our desks, rather than driving to practices.

“We don’t know of anyone else doing this in the veterinary sector, so we’re hoping to show as many people as possible the advantages of our remote learning presentation.”

Veterinary nurses can receive a CPD certificate once they have completed the presentation.

www.artuvet.com


AT Veterinary Systems
Delegates saw a real-time reporting software system for the first time that promises to revolutionise how veterinary practices operate.

AT Veterinary Systems’ Ultralink is a real-time practice analytics tool that produces reports on any practice process or activity – from clinical procedures to appointments and from financial reports to sales analytics.

It comes with pre-loaded reports that can be customised, while new reports can be created using the in-built editor function.

William Burrows said: “It allows practices to constantly review their performance, respond rapidly to unforeseen challenges and proactively manage their service levels, clinical performance, healthcare protocols and business efficiency.”

Feedback to the new software, which was 18 months in development, has been extremely positive, he said, with one key client from a leading independent veterinary practice consultant describing it as “the best thing he had seen in the last year”. Visitors to AT Veterinary Systems’ stand also said they wanted to install it as quickly as possible at their own practices.

“It changes the way practices work because they can produce reports as often as they want – daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly – it enables a practice to balance their workload, reducing stress and increasing wellbeing,” added William.

www.vetsystems.co.uk


Avid
Avid, the global manufacturer and supplier of pet identification microchips, celebrated its 25th anniversary in the UK with the launch of a new scanner at Congress.

The Bluetooth Mini Tracker, which came directly from the USA, provides an error-free way of transferring microchip data into a PC or mobile device.

Simon Clark, manager of the Sussex-based business, said: “As a company we have to keep innovating and have something a little different. In the past 12 months there has been a lot of growth, because of the compulsory chipping.”

Avid, which has microchipped 25 million animals worldwide, also runs its own database service.

www.avidplc.com


BreathEazy
A new, improved nebuliser for small animals and exotics was introduced to market for the first time.

Kirsty Ryley, of BreathEazy, said the C1 is the next generation of nebuliser and supersedes the Flexineb SA, which was launched last year.

The small, hand-held battery pack is silent and it is the only stress-free nebuliser on the market, she said.

Delegates were impressed by its compact size and have welcomed the improved version, which can be used to treat a range of respiratory infections, asthma and allergic rhinitis.

“People have loved it,” said Kirsty, who is technical adviser at the Malvern-based company.

“It’s not ultra-sonic and is only 80kHm, which makes it completely silent to mammals. People who have seen it are really keen to try it because it is so small and quiet.”

www.breatheazy.co.uk


CelticSMR
CelticSMR attracted a few questions on its stand, as the team demonstrated the functionality of the wireless endoscope using a red pepper.

Alan Clarkson, technical director of CelticSMR said: “In terms of a replication of what you may see in an endoscope examination, it actually shows off the detail of the image and the luminescence of the actual endoscope itself in the particular area.”

CelticSMR also observed a heightened interest in Laser Therapy, explaining that their sales of the Class 4 laser had, appropriately quadrupled.

Alan Clarkson added: “I’ve been attending the BSAVA for approximately 30 years. It’s one of our primary shows of the year, and great to catch up with old and new customers.”


Ceva
It’s a well-known issue that most cat owners have to tackle: their pet scratching household furniture.

Now, Ceva Animal Health has an innovative new pheromone to help alleviate the issue.

Introduced at Congress, Feliscratch by Feliway is a synthetic copy of the feline interdigital semiochemical (FIS) and is the sole product that is clinically proven to redirect scratching behaviour, controlling both vertical and horizontal scratching.

Claire Russell, pheromone product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: “Scratching is a major problem in cat-owning households, with many owners experiencing damaged carpets, sofas and other household furniture. Feliscratch by Feliway can help redirect scratching onto a desired location, such as a scratching post.”

The new product can be used in conjunction with the Feliway Classic and Friends ranges.

www.feliway.com/uk


Diversey Care
Diversey Care, a world leader in cleaning and hygiene, is to sponsor two new infection prevention CPDs, it revealed at Congress.

Miguel Nunes, business development manager, said it would sponsor a CPD in Northern Ireland in October and another in June 2018 in London as it looked to provide greater support to veterinary professionals.

“Infection prevention care is vital and we can help them,” he said.

The news coincides with Diversey Care’s launch of Oxivir Excel at Congress. The product is a very low cost, super-concentrated cleaning solution that disinfects an area and kills the parvovirus within a minute, compared to usual cleaning products that can take up to 30 minutes to kill bacteria.

This enables veterinary practices to increase the number of cases they see, thereby increasing potential revenue, said Miguel. The professional standard product, which does not need to be rinsed, is also non-corrosive, making it safer for animals.

Diversey Care calculates that the one-step, concentrated product is also extremely cost-effective for practice, working out at 85p a spray bottle.

Diversey Care has an excellent track record for innovation. It was one of the first cleaning and hygiene specialists to recognise the disinfection performance of patented Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide (AHP).

Disinfectants containing AHP are highly effective against viruses, spores, yeasts, and fungi found in veterinary settings - this broad-spectrum performance has been tested to the latest EN standards, proving efficacy against canine parvovirus and feline calicivirus within one minute.

Products containing AHP technology offer the fastest contact times on the market and are the only disinfectants that sterilise before the surface dries.

https://sealedair.com


Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust used Congress to introduce vet nurses to its new behaviour and training CPD evenings.

It was the ideal opportunity for the UK’s largest dog charity to tell delegates across the veterinary profession about its newly launched Dog School, which will give owners of puppies, adult dogs and rescue dogs the opportunity to take part in affordable, accessible behavioural training.

To complement the school, it has also launched CPD events across the country to enable nurses to learn about canine communication, puppy socialisation and training.

Hannah Wilkinson, head coach at the charity Dogs Trust, said: “Lots of people are interested in our dog school, which offers affordable training for puppies, adult dogs and rescue dogs and there’s also been a lot of interest in the CPD events we are running for vet nurses. Congress has given us a great opportunity to tell people about it.”

She said the classes aim to give owners and dogs the foundations they need to develop a strong bond, cope with everyday domestic life and avoid some of the common pitfalls that lead to behaviour problems.

www.dogstrustdogschool.org.uk


Eickemeyer
Eickemeyer, the medical technology specialist, celebrated its tenth UK anniversary by introducing a new dental x-ray system at Congress.

The Digivet CR Dental Reader is designed to provide fast, high quality readings of reusable dental imaging plates from 0 to 4c.

Eickemeyer also unveiled the Hiray Dental Generator, which has 0.4mm focal spot and adjustable kV and time.

Christoph Sprung, managing director, of the Surrey-based company, said: “We’ve launched a number of products at Congress this year, including an endoscopy product and ultra-sound units and we’ve been getting very good feedback from delegates.”

He said dental x-ray was emerging as a key treatment area for veterinary practices.

“It’s becoming an important part of first-opinion practice, so our new dental reader has big market potential,” added Christoph. “It’s compact, simple to use, very flexible and very quick.”

www.eickemeyer.co.uk


Flexadin Virtual Reality experience
Vetoquinol’s joint supplement Flexadin Advanced reached new dimensions with a virtual reality experience at Congress. Delegates could take a journey into a dog’s joint to discover the science behind UC-II.

During a busy day on the stand, Sandie Dashper, regional sales manager explained: “We are proud to be here at BSAVA launching our Virtual Reality experience as part of the new Flexadin Advanced campaign. Flexadin Advanced is a unique joint support product containing UC-II, undenatured type II collagen.

“Because of its unique mode of action, we felt Flexadin Advanced deserved an innovative approach in how we present it to our customers.”


GAMA Healthcare
A leading supplier of infection control products to the NHS, has cleaned up at its first Congress, thanks to its washable PC keyboards and mice.

Sarah Ewart, sales manager at GAMA healthcare, introduced its Clinell EasyClean computer accessories and said the response to them had been far greater than she’d anticipated.

“We sold quite a few more than we thought we would; it has been phenomenal, definitely surpassed our expectations,” she said.

Feedback was particularly positive from ophthalmologists because the keyboard is also backlit, which is a considerable benefit to them when they have to work in near darkness.

Studies have shown 33-95% of keyboards have positive cultures for microbes including multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs).

Clinell EasyClean computer accessories were developed to simplify cleaning procedures and increase compliance and suits all cleaning protocols and hospital-grade disinfectants, including chlorine.

Sarah also introduced to the veterinary profession for the first time the portable Clinell UV-360 room sanitiser, a cost-effective ultraviolet device that has been clinically proven to reduce C.difficile spores and MRSA by 99.99%.

www.clinell.com


Hall Green Retired Greyhound Trust
Furry VIPs from the Hall Green Retired Greyhound Trust were brought in for a live demonstration. Stephen Constable carried out a diagnostic ultrasound on Gordon the greyhound, giving delegates the chance to experience a unique and practical illustration.

Stephen said: “The advantage is that I’m able to actually do the examination on the dog while I’m talking, and that means people can see the difficulties. When you’re talking from slides you can mention that you ‘just do this or that’, but it doesn’t take into account the real practical difficulties that are encountered every day, which is what I spend a lot of time teaching people to deal with.”

Stephen illustrated ultrasound screening that a first opinion practitioner should offer, from the bladder and urethra to thorax and heart. His approach was appreciated by delegates, who took the opportunity to ask questions both during and after the demonstration.

Stephen said: “We had to chase them out about 15 minutes after we were supposed to finish, so we scored that as quite a success.”

The Hall Green Retired Greyhound Trust also provided patients for the following demonstration.

Tracey Parbery, chair of the Trust said: “Greyhounds are handled quite a bit, so from that point of view it’s easy for them to be used on practical demonstrations, because they don’t bounce around. It’s a win-win situation for us, because it shows how wonderful the dogs are, and helps Stephen to show his equipment.”

Watching the demonstration was Locum Vet Hayley Brewis, who said: “The practical ultrasonography session was a real asset to the Congress programme.”


Kattec
Kattec exhibited at Congress for the first time, with a focus on bringing exclusive high quality pet products from around the world to the UK veterinary industry.

The new Cryo Pen is the latest addition to the range, allowing vets to carry out effective and precise removal of skin lesions and warts without putting pets through surgery and reducing pet pain.

Another product is the Vet reader - a portable, compact point of care analyser suitable for any vet practice, with results ready in 11 minutes for Canine CRP, Feline SAA and equine Haptoglobin to ensure early detection as well as improved monitoring of inflammation.

Kattec strives to distribute products that improve animal health and the veterinary practice and its ethos is to help the veterinary profession and pet owners constantly improve their care.

Director Adam Dodkins said: “I thoroughly enjoy the veterinary market and feel the products Kattec provides will improve animal wellbeing. We search for products that will improve how things are done, either saving vets time, improving patient care, or generating additional revenue for their practice. For example, the Vet reader allows an early, in-house diagnosis of Canine CRP and Feline SAA so the practice no longer wait for external test results for acute phase proteins.

"Congress is all about engaging with our customers and being new to the industry means it is key that we create a presence that delegates notice. But more long-term, we are looking to build partnerships through a flexible approach, quality service and reliable product offering to ensure there will always be value in dealing with Kattec.”

www.kattec.uk


Kruuse
Kruuse launched a brand new X-lifter, designed to improve working conditions for veterinary health care teams.

Darren Walle, South West territory manager said: “It’s very easy, needs one hand and two people to raise and lower it and it’s got very easy big casters to move across the car park. It’s designed not to get in the way of your own feet, and comes with a stretcher that flops over so that you can take the animal off.

“It’s very much a tool to prevent the injuries that vets and nurses get, and therefore hopefully help with the lessening of time off due to those injuries as well. I think people forget how important that is, especially with backs, how easily they can be injured and how long people take to recover. There are a lot of people that have left the profession due to injuries, so we think a piece of equipment like this goes a long way to help.”

“It’s something that’s regularly overlooked. You’ll see in practise its whatever piece of equipment they’ve got from blanket or towels, to go out into the car park and get that animal.”

The X-lifter has a cross frame structure that prevents wobbling, so that even with an 80kg load at its maximum height of 97cm, it can remain firm. It can also be used within hospitals.


Lafeber
A new recovery food for herbivores and a foraging treat were unveiled for the first time at Congress, in readiness for an autumn 2017 launch.

Developed by US-based Lafeber, in conjunction with exotic animal veterinarians, emergency clinicians and nutritionists, Emeraid Sustain Herbivore recovery nutrition complements its Emeraid Intensive Care Herbivore for debilitated small animals.

Nadine Lafeber said the easily absorbable powder contains eight types of fibre to promote GI health and motility; mint and papaya to aid digestion; and hydrolysed proteins and vitamins to help build lean muscle.

“We’re very excited by the new product,” she said. “This is the first time that we’ve brought to the UK and we’re looking forward to introducing it to the market,” she said. “It’s approved for long-term feeding and can also be mixed together with our Emeraid IC Herbivore as part of a herbivore’s rehabilitation process.”

Lafeber has also brought its new Hey! Berries foraging treats to Congress, which it also aims to introduce to the UK market this autumn, following a USA launch in July.

The treat, which has 70% Timothy hay and pieces of mango and papaya, can comprise up to 10% of a herbivore’s daily diet. This compares with usual treats, which should be 5% of the daily diet.

“This is a great foraging treat that isn’t even in production yet,” said Nadine. “It is more stimulating and exciting for rabbits and guinea pigs.”

www.lafeber.com


MDC Exports
Delegates were encouraged to provide essential feedback on four new prototypes developed by a family-run business.

MDC Exports, which has been developing award-winning products for the animal welfare and veterinary sector for 50 years, showcased its new stretcher, which also doubles as a body bag.

Washable, waterproof and made from strong, woven nylon, the new-design product, which has yet to be named, will come in small and large.

Miranda Luck, of the Hertfordshire-based company, said: “We’ve been getting positive feedback from vets on this product. Home euthanasia is distressing enough for owners but the plastic containment bags that a body is put in can add to that.”

She said the bag addresses the necessary practicalities for vets, with crucial details such as a waterproof zip, while providing pet owners with a product that looks more caring for the consumer.

Veterinary professionals have been suggesting names for the product over the past few weeks. These include: Dignity Duvet, Zip and Lift, and the Charon Stretcher.

MDC also unveiled its new-look smart mobility sling aid, which is softer and washable, and includes a soft mesh to reduce pressure on a dog’s genitalia and bladder.

Other new products that delegates offered feedback on were the smart mini finger toothbrush training set for kittens and puppies, made from very soft silicone fine, concave bristles, and a new-look cat catcher that has a flexible rubber ‘jaw’.

www.mdcexports.co.uk


Pet Plus
Pet Plus launched Renate, a new phosphate binder for cats, designed for cats with chronic kidney disease. Unlike many other products on the market, Renate doesn’t require two daily doses. Instead, owners will be able to mix the product with cat food, and allow their pet graze throughout the day, creating a simple solution for everyone.

Representatives at Pet Plus were pleased to enjoy the support of Sarah Caney, who ran a full lecture for the launch.

During a busy day at Congress Phillipa Chadwick, head of marketing at Pet Plus said: “We’ve had a number of orders placed and it’s been incredibly positive. We’ve had a huge amount of interest on the stand, at points our own staff couldn’t get on to the stand because the queues were seven deep. So a very, very positive experience for us, and we’re looking forward to what the next few days will bring.”


Poo Guard
An environmentally friendly spray developed to protect against viruses and bacteria from pet excrement hit Congress for the first time.

Poo Guard managing director Kevan Norton said: “It is a world’s first. When you bag a poo, it isn’t what you bag, it’s what you leave behind.”

By disinfecting the surrounding area after removing pet excrement, Poo Guard users can stop cross contamination and protect children, parents and other pets.

Kevan Norton added: “We started this about two and a half years ago and how we came up with it was out of necessity. I rehomed a husky and she left a deposit that was hard to deal with. And I thought to myself, with mothers and children walking past and other dogs, she’s obviously not well, and I can’t leave what’s there. So I bagged what I could and then I used soil and grass to get rid of it. I thought to myself, when I get home I’ll find something that I can just spray and it’ll kill everything and make it safe. But unfortunately there wasn’t.”

Poo Guard attended the BSAVA with new partners Henry Schein. Kevan Norton said: “They have seen this and tested it and they’re right behind us, so we’re pretty proud of that. They see the potential within this and they want to make sure everybody gets to know about it. So the more people we get to use it, the quicker we break the chain of disease transfer.”

Kevan was pleased with the “massive response” he his product received at Congress, and he started taking orders. After a successful day speaking to delegates, he said: “What we’ve found is, as soon as people know about this product, they want it.”


Pride Veterinary Centre
Pride Veterinary Centre has launched a new interventional radiology service, to carry out procedures for dogs and cats through minimally invasive means.

Caroline Kisielewicz, referral vet at Pride Veterinary Centre said: “We’re very excited that we can now offer these facilities and services to our patients. An example would be tracheal stenting, which is something we’re hoping to be able to share with all of the vets here at Congress.”

The new interventional radiology service aims to carry out procedures using less invasive technologies. The advantages to this are many, as patients will require less hospitalisation and enjoy shorter recovery times, meaning animals can be returned to owners much faster. These techniques are often a similar or lower cost than a full surgical procedure.


Royal Canin
Royal Canin, the global manufacturer of dog and cat food, unveiled its latest diet product at Congress: an anallergenic food for cats.

Three years after it introduced its work up feed for dogs, the company has now introduced a feed that can be used as an elimination diet for cats.

John O’Connor, Royal Canin’s veterinary marketing manager, said the product eliminates all stray proteins – effectively making it a “pre-digested” product for cats that have to undergo nutrient intolerance testing.

The extensively hydrolysed diet, which has also undergone significant testing for palatability, comprises 88% of protein as amino acids and 99% finished product protein <6KDa to significantly reduce the risk of response. It is formulated with starch, rather than whole cereals.

The final product was subject to PCR DNA testing to minimise the risk of protein contamination.

It is manufactured to exacting, controlled standards in a single factory in Cambrai, France. To ensure that the extensively hydrolysed product is as pure as possible, the anallergenic food is produced on only one day a month.

Prior to production, a team of 14 spends eight hours scrupulously cleaning the production line and the first half tonne of food is disposed of to make sure there is no contamination.

John said because identifying the underlying cause of dermatosis can be challenging, an elimination diet of six to eight weeks is a crucial to establish properly the reasons behind the allergy.

“We are trying to change the perception and awareness among vets about food allergies in cats. It is difficult to diagnose skin allergies, but food is probably a part of that.”

The anallergenic diet can also be used as part of a long-term nutritional management programme.

www.royalcanin.com.uk


Safe 4
Safe 4 hoped to raise at least £5,000 for the charity Blue Cross by selling its leading disinfectant brand.

Highlighting the joint venture with the charity at Congress, Alan Dudley, Safe 4 sales director, said that for every £4 bottle of disinfectant sold, the bio-security manufacturer will donate 50p.

He said the DEFRA-approved, non-toxic disinfectant is already used by thousands of veterinary practices and the newly branded Blue Cross charity bottle will be sold via NVS from this month (April).

Safe 4 is hoping to boost the tally further by selling direct to consumers in 107 Blue Cross charity shops across the country.

“We hope the minimum we raise in the first year is £5,000 through sales of the disinfectant,” he said. “The figure is uncapped, so if we raise more, that will be great.”

www.safe4disinfectant.co.uk


Simply Locums
A new recruitment company launched by a practising vet is promising to change the way that the veterinary profession connects with new staff.

Ben Sweeney, founder and director of Simply Locums, said he was extremely pleased with the reaction he’d had at his first Congress, just weeks after setting up the company.

“I came with the hope of getting 50 people to sign up and we’ve spoken to more than 200 and had at least 15 practices sign up to us,” he said.

“As a new start-up, it has been great to meet such a lot of people and explain our new, affordable recruitment concept.”

Ben said because he is still a practising vet, he understands the needs of practices.

He interviews candidates himself to establish their expertise, needs and interests, and connects them with practices. He also offers practical advice to candidates to make sure they are making the right career choices.

“My passion is about getting the right people in the right job and getting to understand their expectations,” continued Ben. “I’ve spoken to a lot of students at Congress, as well as practices, and it has been great.”

www.simplylocums.co.uk


Vetbuild Solutions
Practice design specialist Vetbuild Solutions was this year’s sponsor of the glitzy BSAVA Banquet, helping to celebrate the association’s 60th anniversary in style.

The company has worked exclusively in the veterinary profession with more than 250 practices, since it was formed in 2008 in Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, and has just opened an Edinburgh office to service clients in Scotland and the north of England.

Its work on design, build and refurbishment has seen a growing trend for technology investment, including new build practices and large extensions, where offering a more cost-effective service for clients is paramount.

A reputation for excellence has been built on comprehensive, tailor-made solutions, a passion to meet challenges head on and attention to detail, allowing vets and their teams to focus on what they do best.

Managing director Derek King said: “We were very excited to sponsor the black-tie banquet for the first time, we’ve been exhibiting for eight years and wanted to take the next step to support this excellent association and its members – many of whom are our existing clients.

“Our business understands the needs of vets and RCVS regulations, from initial design all the way through to completion. Our mission is to help clients create a hygienic and practical environment to the high standards that the veterinary profession demands, suitable for the needs of both clinicians and client.

“Many clients say we take the burden of the project off their shoulders and Congress is the perfect time to engage with vets and nurses to get their feedback on our latest innovations. We understand the problems of refurbishing a practice while it is still working and our tradesman are specialists working in veterinary surroundings.”

www.vetbuildsolutions.co.uk


Vet Direct
A medical instrument that has been used in human surgery for more than 30 years has been introduced to the veterinary world for the first time.

Vet Direct, the specialist veterinary supplier, introduced a ligation system for suture surgery – and feedback at Congress was “phenomenal”, said Nigel Brechnay.

“These have been used in human medicine for years but these are new to the vet world and it really is revolutionary for vets,” he said.

He said the precise-loading ligation system, which has colour-coded microclips and comes in five sizes, enables veterinary surgeons to undertake sutures easily and very quickly.

It means animals need less anaesthetic, undergo their procedure in less time and there is less chance of the suture slipping and bleeding.

“It is exciting and everybody who has come to the stand thinks it is fantastic,” added Nigel.

Although one of the cheapest innovations on the stand, it’s the one that caught delegates’ attention.

Vet Direct also launched a new range of ultrasound machines, including the Edan U2 PE with two probes, and the lightweight, portable D’Vinci Dental X-ray system.

www.vetdirect.com


VETisco
Specialist orthopaedic equipment supplier VETisco has introduced two CPD programmes for veterinary nurses as part of its 2017 course offer.

Orthopaedic nursing and surgical nursing are aimed at nurses working in orthopaedic practice as well as those who are keen to develop their skills further.

VETisco also launched eight CPDs for vets at Congress, including An Introduction to External Fixation and an Introduction to Stifle Surgery.

Dr Edwina Thirkell, of VETisco, said this year it is offering more courses covering a broader range of orthopaedic topics.

“The nursing ones have been launched because of the demand from nursing fraternity to promote their status within the surgical teams. They aim to offer maximum value.”

She added that delegates – both vets and veterinary nurses – have expressed interest in the programme that it has offered for 2017.

www.vetisco.com


Vetstream
Vetstream, which developed and created Vetlexicon, the world’s largest peer-reviewed veterinary clinical reference source, has revealed its new service – Exotis.

Vetlexicon Exotis is an online learning resource that focuses purely on exotic species and will include quick and easy access to clinical information for a range of animals, such as ferrets, rodents and exotics.

The guinea pig is the first animal compendium to be available on Exotis and it includes information written and peer-reviewed by 16 of the world’s leading exotic specialist veterinarians.

Practising vets can find information on more than 25 medical categories such as oncology, laboratory medicine and gastrohepatology; content on more than 90 diseases; hundreds of images, including radiographs and videos; and 34 owner factsheets.

Dr Mark Johnston, managing director, said: “It’s very simple, straight-forward and provides very good information and we will be adding more to it. The first one is on guinea pigs because there is no real information on them, apart from a chapter in a book, and we’ll be increasing the number of animals over the coming months. Feedback has been tremendous.”

Exotis complements Vetstream’s existing Vetlexicon, which has more than 20,000 text and multimedia sources on diseases, drugs, diagnostic and surgical techniques for the treatment of cats, dogs, rabbits and horses.

www.vetstream.com


Zoetis
Brand new flea and tick solution Stronghold Plus was pre-launched at Congress. The unique Zoetis stand gave delegates a chance to discuss and pre-order the product, before its release in May.

James Hill, of the Zoetis area veterinary team said: “It’s an evolution of an already very strong product called Stronghold, and very originally we’ve given it the name Stronghold Plus. We’ve added to an exceptional flea product the molecule sarolaner, and that not only enhances the flea performance of this product for cats but it adds in the four main ticks that they may encounter as well, which has always been an Achilles heel for the product that we’ve now sewn up very nicely.”

Stronghold Plus will be available to wholesalers in May.

The Zoetis stand attracted delegates with an unusually large watering can suspended above the exhibit. James explained that the stand was intended to draw attention to their range of business consultancy services.

He added: “We have been very busy on stand, it’s been very successful, we’ve got quite a unique looking stand that’s brought people in, and the product we’ve been discussing with them has been very positively received.

“Once people realise we’re trying to help them to grow their garden they realise why we’ve brought our garden to Congress.”