Sunday, December 13, 2015

In case you wondered why we blood test your dogs at vaccine time...

Regular visitors to our clinic will know that when it comes to your dog's 'booster vaccination' visit, we are more likely to have a conversation with you about taking a vaccine antibody test before deciding whether to vaccinate or not.

What you might not realise is just how unusual this is for a veterinary clinic to take such a strategic and well-considered approach to vaccination, to focus our efforts on making sure that your dogs remain fully protected rather than just vaccinating away with little regard for any possible adverse consequences.

We are proud that for many years we have been so far ahead of the rest of our profession, and it was gratifying this week to read an article this week in the Veterinary Record (the weekly journal of the British Veterinary Association)  about vaccination  against parvovirus, the often fatal virus gastro-enteritis that affects dogs.

Here are just a few direct quotes from the paper and it's accompanying editorial piece:

- vaccination may be unnecessary if an animal already has antibodies against the infectious disease, but usually vets do not know the immune status of their patients

- antibody status against canine parvovirus should be determined instead of periodic 'blind' vaccination  to ensure reliable protection with unnecessary vaccination

- such an approach could prove useful in reducing the adverse effects of vaccination, such as hypersensitivity and immunosuppression

- obesity is considered a chronic inflammatory state that can lead to impairments in innate and adaptive immune functions

- Riedl and others have helped to develop a new concept; to evaluate the immunity of a dog before it's first and subsequent vaccinations

- with cat calicivirus (flu) infections, serological data in predicting protection are limited

- transient side effects to vaccination are common and can be indicative of an adequate immune response

- transient side effects occurred in 37% of dogs: lethargy 17%, gastro-intestinal signs 12%, increased thirst 1% or a combination of problems 5%. Injection site reactions with local swelling or pain 2% and lymph node enlargement 20%

The final recommendation was that:

- antibody status should determined instead of periodic re-vaccinations to avoid unnecessary vaccinations in adult dogs.

The Hyde Park Veterinary Centre - way out ahead in appropriate pet health care!



Monday, December 7, 2015

LGBT vets led by our very own Mat Hennessey

Vets come together to support LGBT colleagues

18 September 2015
Vets across the country are coming together to back a new initiative that will support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender colleagues in the veterinary professions and provide a support network promoting fairness and equality for all.
The new British Veterinary LGBT group (BVLGBT) will meet at the British Veterinary Association (BVA) headquarters at the end of September in London to bring together supporters and start to plan activities for the coming year.
Vet Mat Hennessey started the group after noticing a medics banner at the Pride in London parade and realising that there was a need for representation and support for the LGBT community amongst vets. BVLGBT is open to anyone who wants to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights within the veterinary professions, whether studying or working, and already has nearly 300 members.
Mr Hennessey said:
“Seeing that banner brought to the fore something that I had been aware of for some time – the need for a visible and supportive community for veterinary professionals who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender and the colleagues who want to support us and promote equality.
“Veterinary professionals are a supportive bunch, but there has not been an open culture for LGBT vets on campus and in practice and that should change. The nature of veterinary work also means that vets can be located in remote, rural regions, without an LGBT community to plug into and this can be a very lonely and isolating experience. BVLGBT wants to engage with all colleagues who could benefit from the group and we are particularly keen to reach out to vets working in those rural areas without an LGBT community to feel part of.  We are here for you.”
John Blackwell BVA President commented:
“This is a forward thinking and much needed initiative and one that BVA is proud to support. Veterinary surgeons and our veterinary nurse colleagues work within a close-knit community whether it is practice based or otherwise and the formation of BVLGBT sends a clear message out that the veterinary professions and organisations such as BVA welcome diversity and will fight for equality. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our LGBT colleagues and look forward to marching with them at Pride in London in June 2016, having achieved much in the coming year.”
To find out more and become involved in BVLGBT, please emailbvlgbt@gmail.com  
The BVLGBT/BVA meeting in September 2015 is by invitation only. Please email bvlgbt@gmail.com