Author Archives: Amber Tennant

The Kennel Club announces the reclassification of the Basset Hound

The Kennel Club has announced the reclassification of the Basset Hound, from category three to category two of its Breed Watch system, with effect from 1st January 2017.

The reclassification follows a recommendation from the Kennel Club Dog Health Group, and means that Basset Hound best of breed winners or those winning their third challenge certificate will no longer require a veterinary health check at championship shows.

The Kennel Club will continue to monitor the health of the breed, and the Breed Health Co-ordinator for the breed will still be required to submit a comprehensive annual breed health report each year. In addition they will work with the Kennel Club as a key contributor to the Breed Health and Conservation Plan for Basset Hounds. Judges will also continue to submit mandatory health monitoring forms after each championship appointment.

For more information on Breed Watch and the guidance given to category three breeds, please visit The Kennel Club website. Alternatively, more information regarding Basset Hound health and welfare initiatives can be found on the Basset Hound Health Group website.

Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: Health and safety in the workplace

Did you know each year around 630,000 people in the UK are injured at work? All employers have a responsibility when it comes to health and safety in the work place. Most companies will have a health and safety policy which you will have to make yourself familiar with. Common paperwork relating to health and safety are risk assessments, accident books, questionnaires on basic health and safety and employee information. When starting a new job always make sure you are made aware of the policies and procedures with health and safety. Also make sure you know where the fire exits, fire points and extinguishers are in case of a fire.

http://www.healthyworkinglives.com/advice/Legislation-and-policy/Workplace-Health-and-Safety/health-safety-legislation

 

The Kennel Club approves Cavalier Heart Scheme

The Kennel Club, working in association with the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Kennel Club, has approved a new health testing programme for myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel; the programme will help to dramatically improve heart health in the breed. The decision follows a 2016 scientific paper that was published on the decrease of MMVD prevalence following the use of the existing heart programme for Cavaliers in Denmark.

Heart failure was the most commonly reported cause of death for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the Kennel Club’s Pedigree Breed Health Survey 2014, affecting 19.73%, while heart murmurs (9.73%) and mitral valve disease (7.32%) were the most commonly reported conditions in live dogs.

Aimee Llewellyn-Zaidi, Head of Health and Research at the Kennel Club said: “Heart problems are the most prevalent condition in Cavaliers and this heart scheme will help breeders make informed decisions when it comes to breeding, enable potential puppy buyers to be aware of issues which could affect their breed, and ultimately further improve the health of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. We are pleased that we will be able to offer a means of centralising the data obtained through this testing which should go a long way in protecting the health of the breed.”

More information regarding this development, and updated breeding recommendations for the breed, can be found on the Kennel Club website.

Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: Stress

Did you know the work place is a key factor in causing stress? Stress can be caused by many different things; trauma, exams, work and daily struggles. Stress can have lot of symptoms and these can be shown through physical, psychological and behavioural. Over-eating, unable to concentrate, lack of interest, tiredness and behaviours such as nail biting are all symptoms of stress. Seeking help when having symptoms of stress is very important because it can affect your daily life massively.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/Pages/low-mood-stress-anxiety.aspx

Nomination period for RCVS and VN Council elections 2017 now open

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is now accepting nominations from veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who would like to stand as candidates in the RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurses Council elections next year.

In order to stand, candidates for either council will need to submit a nomination form, short biography, personal statement, and high resolution digital photo by Tuesday 31 January 2017. Each candidate will also require two nominations; these should be veterinary surgeons who are on the College’s register but or not current RCVS council members for RCVS Council Candidates, and registered veterinary nurses who are not currently on the VN council for VN council Candidates.

Further information and guidance for prospective candidates for either councils can be found on the RCVS website.

Application for entry to the register of VNs – Employed Students

When applying to the RCVS to register as a VN, you must include evidence of meeting the RCVS Registration Rules i.e. a minimum of 94 weeks and 2990 training hours.

You will need to send to the RCVS a completed Record of Veterinary Nurse Training.

You will need to complete pages 1 – 3, the college will have sent you evidence related to page 4 that you must send to the RCVS alongside this form.

WVS launches bursary for VNs volunteering around the world

A bursary launched by The Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) for veterinary nurses who would like to volunteer for charitable projects, will cover the travel and accommodation costs of sending up to 12 nurses per year on animal welfare projects around the world.

The bursary is available to qualified VNs working in a UK or European veterinary practice, with at least three years’ experience. More information, and details about how to apply, is available at www.wvs.org.uk/bursary

UFAW opens applications for animal welfare scholarships

The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) has opened applications for its Animal Welfare Student Scholarships 2017. The aim of the scheme is to help students pursue their interests in animal welfare through research and other projects.

Successful candidates will be awarded up to £2,000 to cover subsistence, and up to £400 towards project expenses. The funded projects must be relevant to improving the welfare of farm, companion, laboratory, zoo or free-living wild animals whose welfare is compromised by human factors.

Application forms must be submitted by 28 February. Further information, and details about how to apply, can be found at www.ufaw.org.uk/awss

Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: Lung Cancer Awareness

Did you know almost 45,000 people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year in the UK? There are little or no symptoms in the early stages of the cancer forming. The signs to look out for are continuous coughing, breathlessness, coughing up blood, pains when breathing, weight loss and tiredness. Your GP suggests that if your cough continues for more than 3 weeks (with no improvement) you must book an appointment. If you have a concern about you or someone you know make sure you book an appointment with your doctor as catching it early is always best.

To reduce your chances of lung cancer stop smoking as smoking causes damage to the cells in your lungs. Watching what you eat; be careful of how much fatty foods you consume.
Exercising regularly can also help reduce the chances of developing lung cancer. Its suggested that adults do at least 2 and a half hours of exercise a week to keep fit and healthy.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cancer-of-the-lung/Pages/Introduction.aspx 

Remember, Remember – pet safety this November!

Bonfire Night is fast approaching, but random explosions and flashing lights make the night stressful for some. It is estimated that 45 percent of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. Remember to look out for your pet in advance by…

  • Knowing the signs of distress in your pet so you can comfort them if need be; for instance pacing, trembling, cowering, hiding or loss of appetite.
  • Making sure your pets are indoors where possible to prevent them from running away and getting lost or injured.
  • Preparing your house so it is as comfortable as it can be; for instance by creating a suitable hiding place that your pets can go to if they’re scared, closing windows and curtains to reduce the visibility of flashing, and by creating similar sounds such as TV or radio to muffle the sound of fireworks.

For more information and resources on how you can help your pet cope with firework phobia, you can visit the RSPCA website.