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Tortoise owners urged to delay hibernation
Owners should be advised to delay hibernation until November or December by keeping their pet warm using heat lamps.
Lack of understanding leading to health problems, say vets  

British veterinary organisations have joined forces to ensure hibernating pets have a happy and healthy rest this winter.

The move follows BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession Survey, which showed over 50 per cent of vets saw tortoises with weight loss or anorexia following their last hibernation.  

The survey of more than 1600 BVA members revealed that many vets believe lack of understanding directly contributes to the animal developing such health problems.

“With modern advice having moved away from the traditional idea of placing your tortoise in a shoebox in the attic, many vets believed these health problems stemmed from the way the tortoise was hibernated,” said the BVA.

To ensure good hibernation husbandry, the BVA, BSAVA and BVZS have put together some tips for owners to make sure their pets stay healthy while having the best possible winter rest. The tips include:

    •    A pre-hibernation health check and weigh-in with a vet

    •    Weekly weight checks to ensure weight loss does not exceed five per cent of the starting body weight

    •    A temperature recommendation of between 5-8 degrees Celsius during hibernation to prevent problems like excessive weight loss or blindness

Although the weather is getting colder, the BVA said vets should advise owners to delay tortoise hibernation until November or December by keeping their pet warm using heat lamps. This will avoid an overlong hibernation that can result in depletion of energy stores, dehydration and accumulation of toxins.

BVZS president Mark Stidworthy also suggests tortoise owners use a fridge to hibernate their pet to avoid some of the hazards of traditional methods, like frostbit or rodent injury.

“We have a far greater knowledge now of a tortoise’s health and welfare needs; however, it’s possible those who have had tortoises for decades may not be aware of the new practices,” said Gudrun Ravetz, president of the BVA.

“We would always encourage tortoise owners make sure their pet has regular health checks with their vet to ensure good health and that they are equipped with the most up-to-date advice to prevent health problems.”

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VMD responds to Solensia injection concerns

News Story 1
 The VMD has added anaphylaxis to the SPC of Solensia 7 mg/ml Solution for Injection for Cats.

It says that this is a rare side effect, with such adverse events affecting fewer than three animals for every 1000 doses of Solensia sold.

Solensia is used to alleviate osteoarthritis pain in cats. It contains the active ingredient frunevetmab.

Anaphylaxis joins effects such as alopecia, dermatitis, pruritus on the list of adverse effects.

The VMD says that is constantly reviewing adverse event data for all medicines. 

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Applications open for RCVS Fellowship

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has opened applications for veterinary surgeons to join the RCVS Fellowship.

The RCVS Fellowship is a learned society which works to advance veterinary standards and promote scientific excellence.

Veterinary surgeons can enter the RCVS Fellowship through three routes, each with different criteria. This enables people with a range of expertise and experience to join the society.

The routes are: Meritorious Contributions to Clinical Practice, Meritorious Contributions to Knowledge and Meritorious Contributions to the Profession.

Applicants must share a summary of their contributions to the profession, including examples of significant works produced throughout their career. The application will then be assessed by a panel of judges against a set of criteria.

Veterinary surgeons have until 4pm on Friday, 14 March to submit applications. More information, including requirements and guidance can be found here.