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BSAVA asks for feedback on antibiotic tool
Veterinary professionals from all areas of practice are asked to respond by the end of May.
The demo version was launched at BSAVA Congress.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the Small Animal Medicine Society (SAMSoc) are calling for feedback, as they seek to develop a decision-making tool for antibiotics.

The resource will support veterinary professionals with the prescription of antibiotics, as the organisations work to combat antimicrobial resistance.

A demo version of the tool was launched at BSAVA Congress, which took place in March. BSAVA are now asking for feedback from veterinary professionals from all areas of practice before the end of May.

The tool aims to give veterinary professionals more confidence with deciding when to prescribe, and when to withhold, antibiotics from animals. A current demo version only covers advice on gastrointestinal infections, however there is additional work underway to cover more areas.

It is the next step of the organisation’s PROTECTME initiative, which seeks to encourage responsible antibacterial use within the veterinary community.

The core of the initiative will be the BSAVA/SAMSoc Guide to Responsible Use of Antibiotics: PROTECTME guide. It will accompany an ‘Antibiotic use in our practice’ poster in the BSAVA Library.

Other new additions to BSAVA’s PROTECTME initiative have included a collection of resources to support the medication of cats, produced by the International Society of Feline Medicine and the Feline Centre at Langford Vets. There is also a new FAQ section for owners who have received a non-prescription form.

Cameron Shuttlewood, production editor at BSAVA, said: “Responsible use of veterinary medicines is key in supporting One Health and in retaining the right to prescribe antibiotics that are important in human medicine.
 
“We are pleased that the small animal veterinary community is embracing the importance of antibiotic stewardship, and we want this tool to make it quick and easy to follow existing evidence-based guidance.”

Veterinary professionals can try out the new tool here.

The full PROTECTME guide, which includes printable posters and non-prescription forms, can be found here. BSAVA members can request free copies of the poster, and non-members can purchase them from the shop.

Image © Shutterstock

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."