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The lost owner epidemic
Out-of-date information on microchips remains an issue, making it very difficult to reunite pets with their owners.
Database seeks to address incorrect microchip information
 
Two in five vets say they are unable to reunite missing pets with their owners due to incorrect information on the microchip database, according to new figures from the BVA.

The National Veterinary Data Service, which exhibited at last week’s BSAVA Congress (6-9 April), is working to address this issue by providing an advanced reunification service. The NVD database is synchronised with registered practice management systems, meaning clients do not need to update their personal information with both the practice and the database.

It has been a year since dog microchipping became compulsory in England, Wales and Scotland, and estimates suggest the majority of dogs are now microchipped. BVA’s latest Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey found seven in 10 vets believe the majority of dogs they see in practice have been chipped. However, out-of-date information on the microchip remains an issue, making it very difficult to reunite pets with their owners.

Moving house or bringing a new dog into the home are risky times; dogs feel disorientated and microchip details are most likely to be incorrect during these times. BVA stressed the importance of owners updating information as soon as they bring a new dog home or move to a new address, but this is something that is often forgotten.

Speaking to delegates at this year’s BSAVA Congress, NVD staff explained that the database was set up specifically to overcome these issues.

All microchip information is processed and kept up to date through the pet owner’s veterinary practice; if the client moves home or changes phone number, all they need to do is inform their registered veterinary practice. The information updates on the PMS, which automatically synchronises and updates the NVD database.

As a result, NVD-registered practices are able to reassure their clients that should their pets go missing, the most up-to-date contact information will be available.

For more information visit: nvds.co.uk

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.