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Cow-side milk test launched
Testing kit launched for measuring ketone levels in milk

Ketosis can be a common problem in freshly calved dairy cows, but subclinical cases often go undetected, with costly consequences. Elanco have now launched a cow-side testing kit to measure ketone levels in milk, called Keto-Test.

The test uses colour-graded dipsticks to measure levels of the ketone, betahdroxybutyrate (BHBA) in milk. The deeper the colour purple on the test strips, the higher the concentration of BHBA in the milk, and therefore the greater the level of ketosis.

It has been found that the results of this new method of testing compare well with the method of taking blood samples to be sent for laboratory analysis, providing an accurate assessment of the presence of subclinical ketosis.

In order to monitor herd ketosis levels, the test should be carried out every 2-3 weeks on cows that have calved between 2 and 21 days previously, Elanco says. A minimum of 12 cows should be tested, and if more than 25% have positive results, the herd vet and nutritionalist should be consulted. Hidden ketosis is known to be detrimental to cow performance and increases the risk of other health problems, says Elanco's UK technical consultant.

The kits are now available and come with 20 testing strips and a colour chart.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.