Vet Practice June 2015

ANNUAL REPORTOur guide to the best surgical & diagnostic products for veterinarians on the market today, page 29

International investigator

Degrees of preparationManaging pets in emergency

situations, page 10

EOFY special featureWhat you need to know

at this time of year, page 26

PPRRAACCTTIICCEE

9 design dramas

Avoid these common

mistakes, page 22

Renowned veterinary pathologist, Associate Professor Chiara Palmieri, talks about her

research and how it impacts the profession

JUNE 2015 $6.95 GST INCL.

JUNE 2015

Cover storyOne for all 18Associate Professor Chiara Palmieri talks about the world of vet pathology and how her work and research influences the profession

News + eventsNew report reveals challenges facing vets 4BOQ Specialist releases a benchmark report; understanding deadly liver disease, and much more

Your worldAnimals in bushfires 10Dr Phil Tucak reports on managing pets in emergency situations

Your businessThe exit strategy 14How you manage staff out of your business is just as important as bringing a new team on board

Design dramas 22The common mistakes to avoid

EOFY special report 26What you need to know at this time of year

Your toolsNew products 8Latest and greatest gear for your practice

Product guide 29Vet Practice’s guide to the best surgical and diagnostic products on the market today

Tools of the trade 43Reviewed by your peers

Your lifeOn a roll 46With a helmet, a pair of skates and a dollop of attitude, vet nurse Jo McArthur transforms into roller derby bad-ass, Dusty Flya

Contents

C O N T E N T S

18

14

26 46

PRACTICE Editorial Director Rob Johnson

Sub-editor Kerryn Ramsey

Editor Nicole Hogan

Digital Director Ann Gordon

Art Director Lucy Glover

Contributors John Burfitt, Chris Sheedy, Dr Phil Tucak, Tracey Porter

Commercial Director Mark Brown

For all editorial or advertising enquiries:Phone (02) 9660 6995 Fax (02) 9518 [email protected]

Vet Practice magazine is published 11 times a year by Engage Media, Suite 4.17, 55 Miller Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009. ABN 50 115 977 421. Views expressed in Vet Practice magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or Engage Media. Printed by Webstar.

22

10

Sales Director Adam Cosgrove

4,557 - CAB Audited as at March 2015

Professional services banking provider BOQ Specialist recently released a benchmark report, Specialists Serving Specialists, that for the first time compares the working environment, opportunities and challenges of Australia’s 100,000-strong medical, dental and veterinary professions.

The report reveals the changing demographics of Australia’s most influential healthcare professionals, and identifies distinct and differing trends across each profession.

The BOQ Specialist team has over 20 years of experience developing and offering tailored financial services to Australia’s professional sector. BOQ Specialist chief executive officer Barry Lanesman said health professionals such as doctors, dentists and vets played an important role in the community, and would become even more important due to demographic changes and rising expenditure on health care.

“BOQ Specialist released this report to provide specialists with a resource to further understand how they compare to colleagues as well as to other like-minded professionals and how the existing economic conditions

or changing landscape may impact their business if it has not already done so,” said Lanesman.

Different profession, different challengesAs well as the years of vocational training that they all need, the three groups of specialists have a number of features in common: they all earn relatively high incomes; increasing numbers of specialists are women; over one third of each group are over 50 years of age.

However, it is the differences that are even more noteworthy. Vets have moved from being mainly providers of care to sick and injured animals to being suppliers of comprehensive pet care solutions. Their clinics often include stylish retail areas, offering pet food, leads/collars and pet toys. Many vets are thinking about branding and marketing.

Meanwhile, 60 per cent of vets are women (and the number is higher for younger vets): many of them are looking to work part-time as they balance work and family commitments.

“While facing different challenges, one common thread among all specialists is the unique financial needs compared to other people,” said Lanesman. “Often specialists only start to earn good money when they are in their thirties. However, the cost setting up a practice means they often have to take on substantial debts. Managing cash flow to reduce and service these debts over the long term requires detailed attention.”

New report compares challenges and opportunities facing Australian vets

4

news + events

The Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney was ranked the top veterinary school in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere, and equal 11th (with the University of Bristol) in the world.

The Faculty of Veterinary Science has demonstrated the excellence of its teaching and research in achieving a global ranking of 11 in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.

The rankings are based on the expert opinion of more than 85,000

academics, who identify the leading institutions within their field and region of expertise, and more than 41,000 employers, who identify the universities that have produced outstanding graduates in a given discipline area.

The results are also informed by the analysis of 17.3 million research papers and 100 million citations.

Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Professor Rosanne Taylor, said, “This ranking recognises the international standing of our

graduates and the impact of the Faculty’s research.

“The Faculty’s research has global significance and impact. We are solving problems in food security, One Health (the connections between animal and human health) and the health of our ecosystems and wildlife—challenges that are of the utmost concern to society. Our graduates are also advancing the care and wellbeing of our animal companions at an astounding rate.”

Top veterinary school in the Southern Hemisphere announced

Key findings:

• Australia has about 10,500 vets.• Vets are becoming increasingly

commercial, moving beyond being only providers of care to sick and injured animals to becoming stylish retailers offering pet food, leads/collars and pet toys.

• Of all vets, 60 per cent are female; of vets aged 20-30, 84 per cent are female.

• Among vets aged between 31 and 50, male vets work 11 hours more per week, on average, than female vets who tend to work part-time.

Australian Veterinary Owners’ LeagueThe Australian Veterinary Owners’ League (AVOL) is organising a co-operative sale of veterinary practices in Australia. By selling at the same time, practice owners will be able to take advantage of the high price currently being paid for large group practices. 30 Australian practices are already involved in this process.

AVOL is looking for 10 more practices for our co-operative sale.

Who’s the buyer?We’ve secured one of the world’s most experienced veterinary operators as the buyer. With practices in the US and the UK, they are known for maintaining the heritage that practice owners have built over many years. They do not brand practices, do not interfere with medical practice and are known as the vet-friendly alternative to the big publicly traded companies in those countries.

Your practice would benefit from increased CE opportunities, professional back-office support, and access to one of the best veterinary networks in the world. As in other countries, they will create an environment that will encourage you to stay and practise medicine as long as you want.

Why are they paying more?Because we’re all selling at the same time, the buyer will avoid significant administration costs. And by buying a big group, they will be able to afford the large and professional organisation they need to run a high-quality operation. We are also very selective, and are only accepting practices that meet a high standard. These are major advantages that justify the price. Being part of this process will result in a price as much as 50% higher than selling to a traditional acquirer.

How can I join?If you are considering a practice sale, this may be a great time to do it. Our sale will take place at the end of 2015, but we are only accepting new practices until the end of June. To qualify, you should have more than $1.5M in turnover, be able to arrange a long-term lease with the new owner and have at least three veterinarians working at your practice. We can discuss other criteria in person. The process is entirely confidential.

For more information, please call 1300 412 300 or e-mail [email protected].

Sell your practice for more

The demand for your practice has never been higher. You have multiple offers and are getting letters every week. How do you choose?

Here’s more information about one of your options.

1300 412 300 [email protected]. ownersleague.com.au

CONTACT

Missed us at PAN PAC?

There’s still time to join! Call or e-mail us

confidentially to find out more

A co-operative sale of Australian Veterinary practicesJoin us, and sell your practice for more

6

news + events

A veterinary scientist from the University of Sydney has been instrumental in an international research effort that has discovered an animal model of a disease of the developing liver. This disease is the most common reason for liver transplantation in children.

The findings confirm the importance of documenting unusual disease episodes in animals as they may offer potentially valuable scientific discoveries, including models of poorly understood human diseases.

“This is an excellent example of how field investigations of spontaneous livestock disease can uncover new mechanisms of human and animal disease,” said Emeritus Professor Peter Windsor, from the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Veterinary Science.

In 1990, the then Dr Windsor was a veterinarian working for the NSW Government’s Department of Agriculture and reported an outbreak of a disease that was killing lambs and calves. Affected animals were from mothers that had been restricted to grazing the pigweed plant (Dysphania species) on the banks of the Burrinjuck dam in NSW during drought.

“The Australian livestock outbreaks were always suggestive of a toxic cause and we were keen for a group of chemists and experimental pathologists to take an interest in and pursue this unique finding,” said Emeritus Professor Windsor.

Recurrence of the disease in 2007 enabled Dysphania to be collected by the district veterinarian Stephen Whittaker and colleagues, and sent to a research team in the US. This resulted in an unlikely collaboration which has made several surprising discoveries.

The international team of gastroenterologists, pediatricians, natural products chemists, and

veterinarians established that the chemical found in Dysphania provides insights into the cause of a debilitating disorder affecting newborns, biliary atresia—a failure of development of the ducts of the liver that excrete bile.

Their findings are published in Science Translational Medicine last month.

Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common indication for a liver transplant in children. The incidence of BA in humans is one in every 10,000 to 15,000 live births. It occurs worldwide and is one of the most rapidly progressive forms of liver cirrhosis and liver failure. While a life-saving surgical procedure is available to babies, most will later develop cirrhosis of the liver and ultimately liver failure, leading to the need for a transplant either in infancy, childhood or adolescence.

At the University of Pennsylvania, the research team isolated a plant toxin with a previously uncharacterised chemical structure that causes BA in zebrafish and mammals.

Peter Windsor had joined the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Veterinary Science in 2002 and as Professor of Livestock Health and Production, he participated with the research group, advising on outbreak epidemiology, comparative pathology and the original livestock disease’s origin and development.

One of the perplexing qualities of the plant toxin is why it only acts on large bile ducts outside the liver. To better understand this, the researchers examined various zebrafish mutants,

with the hope of finding one that might be either more sensitive or resistant to bile duct injury.

Remarkably, the group was able to identify a mutant that was sensitised to the toxin, and this mutation mapped to a region in the zebrafish genome that is similar to an established human BA susceptibility region found previously. This provided further evidence that

the Dysphania BA syndrome will be important for understanding human BA.

Taken together, these findings provide direct evidence that BA could be initiated by prenatal exposure to an environmental toxin.

While it is clear that humans do not consume the pigweed or related

plants implicated in the livestock BA outbreaks, a non-toxic, structurally related compound is found in beets, chard and other consumable plants.

The team is currently studying whether gut bacteria can convert this inactive compound into the active toxin.

The research team is now attempting to synthesise a large enough quantity of the toxin to study its effects in mice, which have a liver and biliary system more closely related to humans than fish.

In addition it will work with the models that they have already established in their respective laboratories to determine the toxin’s mechanism of action and understand how this can be used to prevent and treat BA.

Advance in understanding deadly liver disease

Emeritus Professor Peter Windsor, University of Sydney.

http://sydney.edu.au/search/?collection=Usyd&scope=sydney.edu.au/vetscience/&query=Peter%20Windsor


http://sydney.edu.au/vetscience/

http://stm.sciencemag.org/


Australia: Boehringer Ingelheim Pty Limited ABN 52 000 452 308. Animal Health Division, 78 Waterloo Road, North Ryde NSW 2113. Toll free: 1800 038 037. Fel-O-Vax® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. Bi787TA-06/14

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8

l Put the treat back in treatmentNew GLYDE® Mobility Chews from Parnell are a tasty treatment for dogs with osteoarthritis. Containing therapeutically proven doses of chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory ingredients, GLYDE Mobility Chews improve joint health and function.

These soft, breakable, heart-shaped chews are simple and easy for clients to use. In addition, GLYDE Chews are gluten-free and made here in Australia from environmentally sustainable suppliers.

No shark cartilage is used in GLYDE Chews.

Add GLYDE Mobility Chews to your practice to easily treat joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. For more information, call 1800 665 882 or via email at [email protected].

N E W P R O D U C T S

PRODUCTS GUIDENEWThe latest and greatest products for vet practices

l New ultrasound platformsEsaote, one of the world’s leading companies in veterinary MRI and ultrasound imaging, launched two new ultrasound platforms for veterinarians at the 40th World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress in Bangkok, Thailand.

The complete and compact MyLabTMGamma and MyLabTMSix, along with the top performance and specialist MyLabTMAlpha and MyLabTMSeven platform, complete Esaote’s veterinary ultrasound product line. Both platforms facilitate imaging examinations for small animals, equine, farm animals and exotics.

Each platform offers a console and a portable system to suit the varied and complex needs of veterinarians. The MyLabTMSix and MyLabTMSeven are cart based, created for in-practice use and designed to meet increasing demand from veterinarians, clinics and group practices wishing to offer high-quality ultrasound services.

The MyLabTMGamma and MyLabTMAlpha are lightweight and portable, enabling scanning in any environment—providing clinical excellence and flexibility for the veterinarian, the animal owner and the animal.

For more information, visit www.esaote.com.

Off to a flying start.

vetmedin.com.au or vetmedin.co.nz User name: veterinarian Password: livelongerAustralia: Boehringer Ingelheim Pty Limited. Animal Health Division. Level 1, 78 Waterloo Road, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Toll Free 1800 038 037.

New Zealand: Boehringer Ingelheim (N.Z.) Limited. Animal Health Division. Level 1, Unit 9, 42 Ormiston Road, East Tamaki, Auckland 2016. Toll Free 0800 802 461. Restricted Veterinary Medicine. Access is only through a veterinary authorisation. Vetmedin® contains pimobendan. Vetmedin® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH. © Boehringer Ingelheim Pty Limited, 2014. All rights reserved. WH BI19169/VP

References: 1. Häggström J, Boswood A, O’Grady M, et al. Effect of pimobendan or benazepril hydrochloride on survival times in dogs with congestive heart failure caused by naturally occurring myxomatous mitral valve disease: the QUEST study. J Vet Intern Med. 2008;22(5):1124–1135. 2. Lombard CW, Jöns O, Bussadori CM; for the VetSCOPE Study. Clinical efficacy of pimobendan versus benazepril for the treatment of acquired atrioventricular valvular disease in dogs. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006;42(4):249–261.

Choose Vetmedin® Injectable as a fast-acting option in the clinic to provide rapid, reliable cardiovascular treatment. Then, send your dogs home with an oral formulation to help them feel better and live longer.1,2

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Y O U R W O R L D

Animals in bushfires Dr Phil Tucak reports on managing pets in emergency situations

Nurse Jodie helps Dr Simon Edwards, one of SAVEM’s operations managers, amputate a broken horn on a pet goat, injured when running from the fire.

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Animals in bushfires

SUMMER IN AUSTRALIA USUALLY means hot temperatures and the ever present threat of bushfires. Emergency warnings interrupt radio programs. There’s a faint smell of smoke on the breeze, and large smoke clouds are billowing on the horizon. Unpredictable in nature and devastating in their effect, bushfires impact not only humans but wildlife, livestock and pets.

With the resources of emergency authorities typically dedicated to saving human lives and homes, animals are often left to fend for themselves. When wildlife and livestock are caught in the fire path, the result can mean severe burns, starvation, dehydration or death.

Concerned for the plight of animals caught up in bushfires, South Australian veterinarian Dr Rachel Westcott took the initiative to start a volunteer organisation that’s now part of the State’s formal Emergency Management legislation.

Dr Westcott now coordinates South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management (SAVEM), the fully volunteer veterinary emergency management agency and independent not-for-profit organisation focused on animal welfare for all species as part of South Australia’s formal Emergency Management arrangements.

“The origin of SAVEM goes back to the Victorian Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009 when I coordinated veterinary donations from South Australia to assist colleagues in Victoria. In the aftermath of those horrific fires, I delved into local arrangements for animal emergency management during bushfires in South Australia and found that arrangements for animals and their owners were minimal,” says Dr Westcott.

During emergencies such as bushfires, the effective use of resources and having the ability to get the job done safely depends on having established processes and arrangements with other emergency

organisations. This ensures responders are kept safe and their efforts made meaningful and effective.

The journey to set up SAVEM involved developing the policies, processes and procedures to formalise the agency and have it ‘assured’ by the South Australian Government. In 2011, SAVEM was formally included in South Australia’s State Emergency Management Plan, meaning the agency is jurisdictionally sanctioned to act in emergencies. This represented an historic ‘first’ for any structured veterinary agency in Australia.

Getting SAVEM to this stage is the result of Dr Westcott’s hard work and determination in leading a group of local veterinarians and supporters in raising awareness of SAVEM’s plans and lobbying for funding support. Once funding was secured, SAVEM trained its volunteers in the protocols used by emergency services across Australia.

“This means SAVEM volunteers speak the same consistent ‘language’ as other emergency services, which is so important during actual bushfire emergencies. We responded to our first fires at Wilmington in 2011 and since then our experience has grown through attending multiple bushfire events right across South Australia,” explains Dr Westcott.

During bushfire events, once the fire-ground is opened to Emergency Response agencies, SAVEM field teams are often one of the earliest agencies into the fire-ground. Their field work is backstopped by arrangements with veterinary clinics, zoos and animal hospitals where triaged animals are taken for further treatment.

“We find ourselves offering psycho-social counselling to animal owners and residents within the fire-ground—those who ‘stayed and defended’ and others who evacuated to relief centres leaving their animals behind, who are desperate for any news of their pets, livestock or wildlife,” says Dr Westcott.

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At the SAVEM triage hospital at the Kersbrook Football Club, duty

SAVEM operations manager Dr Claire Moore works with duty

nurse coordinator Kristy Pearn. RSPCA officers Paul and

David await tasking details, while volunteers Bev,

Di and Torben prepare for an admission.

Typical macropod burned feet, also fly-blown.

Above (from left): Rachel Westcott, team leader Tam

Cresswell, RSPCA chief inspector Andrea

Lewis, and vet nurse Belinda Battersby

(partly hidden).

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Photo: Dr Claire Moore

SAVEM is also helping to educate animal owners with advice on how to be bushfire ready, highlighting that every family and individual needs to have developed their own survival plan, including for their animals.

“You need to decide if you’re going to ‘leave early’ or ‘stay and defend’. The latter means having done months of prior preparation for safety and resources on the land, with opportunities for animal containment, removal to safe areas, and provision of feed, water and shelter. Animal owners are responsible for their animals in the prevention-and-preparedness phases. Preparedness now is a year-round event,” says Dr Westcott.

In early 2015, South Australia experienced some of the worst bushfires since the Ash Wednesday fires of 1983. The bushfires at Sampson Flat resulted in SAVEM’s biggest response to date. As Dr Westcott explains, “SAVEM rotated 70 people through the control centre, the Kersbrook triage hospital where teams of six people attended during each shift and up to five teams with vehicles in the field.

“The triage hospital ran for two weeks assessing about 170 animals and the field teams were involved in over 800 taskings varying from individual animals to multi-dozen herds and mobs over six weeks of deployment.”

For Dr Westcott and the other SAVEM volunteers, their presence in the fire-ground provided support to the local community far beyond their assistance to injured animals.

“People from the affected communities came to our triage hospital not only to obtain animal treatment, but because they wanted to talk and try to get a handle on this major disruption to their lives. The animal welfare inevitably extends to human wellbeing and the presence of SAVEM in the field helped these communities with a sense of continuity far beyond when the fires had been extinguished,” says Dr Westcott.

The philosophy underpinning Dr Westcott’s approach to setting up SAVEM is summed up by the adage, the purpose of life is a life of purpose. Her dedication

Y O U R W O R L D

12

to improving animal welfare in emergency responses now sees her undertaking a PhD project studying the interactions between animal owners and emergency services in the response phase of a bushfire.

SAVEM is also undertaking research associated with the data it collects during bushfire responses, such as a longitudinal study of kangaroo joeys treated during the Sampson Flat fire. Joeys which were orphaned or burnt during the fire have been rehabilitated by various agencies including Adelaide Zoo, Fauna Rescue and Native Animal Network. These agencies have since collaborated with SAVEM in the release of these kangaroos into unburnt areas and the longitudinal study will monitor whether these juveniles integrate into a socially cohesive mob.

Making a positive difference to the welfare of animals caught up in bushfires has been reward enough for Dr Westcott and the SAVEM team. However the wider community has recognised the value of

SAVEM’s efforts with various accolades coming their way. In 2012 SAVEM was awarded state winner and national highly commended in the Resilient Australia Awards. “Working on the fire-ground involves long days which are exhausting, but the rewards are immense. Local communities have been welcoming and other agencies are coming to value SAVEM’s dedicated animal focus which permits them in turn to concentrate on their core business,” says Dr Westcott.

For more info on SAVEM including treatment sheets, training material and volunteer forms, visit www.savem.org.au.

“You need to decide if you’re going to ‘leave early’ or ‘stay and defend’.”Dr Rachel Westcott, South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management (SAVEM)

Right: The Sampson Flat joeys at the first stage of their soft release. The joeys were either orphaned or recovering from burns.

SAVEM staff were thrilled and moved to see their name on a roadside sign.

http://www.savem.org.au

[Agency Code]

Reference: 1. Tipold A. Clinical efficacy and safety of imepitoin in comparison with phenobarbital for the control of idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2014. 2. Löscher W et al. Epilepsia 2004; 45(10): 1228−1239. 3. Rieck S et al. Vet J 2006; 172: 86−95.Australia: Boehringer Ingelheim Pty Limited. Abn 52 000 452 308. Animal Health Division, 78 Waterloo Road, North Ryde Nsw 2113. Toll Free 1800 038 037. Fax Number 02 8875 8715. New Zealand: Boehringer Ingelheim (NZ) Ltd. Animal Health Division, Level 1, Unit 9, 42 Ormiston Road, East Tamaki, Auckland. Toll Free 0800 802 461. Fax Number 09 271 0629. Restricted Veterinary Medicine. Access is only through a Veterinary Authorisation. Pexion® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, 55216 Ingelheim/Rhein.For further information relating to transition, dose adjustment and treatment protocols, please contact our Technical Services Veterinarians on the toll free number.

Reason 125: His nose gets into everything.

There are a million reasons why owners love their dogs

NONE OF THEM ARE WORTH GIVING UP

Introducing Pexion® for canine epilepsy.For years, the treatment of canine epilepsy has remained unchanged. Treating an epileptic dog is important but conventional therapy can leave much to be desired. Now there is Pexion®, a new and innovative anti-epileptic medication that provides highly targeted seizure suppression,1,2,3 allowing pets to be more like their old selves again.

Be a part of the change.

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Y O U R B U S I N E S S

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How you manage staff out of your business is just as important as bringing a new team onboard. So, why do so few practice managers get it right? John Burfitt reports

The exit strategy

15

FIRING A STAFF MEMBER IS unlikely to ever make it to the top of the list of what a practice manager enjoys most about their job. In fact, it is often credited as the thing many managers hate the most.

While hiring new people is part of a manager’s role, so too is the other end of the cycle—letting go of the people who are not performing or do not fit in.

Once warnings have been issued, negotiation meetings held and performance management plans put in place, sometimes the only outcome is to tell the staff member it is time to go.

“That is a conversation so few business owners like to have and they are actually scared of performance managing that employee,” HR On Call director Melissa Behrend says.

“Many managers simply do not know how to say to people, ‘you are not performing in your role as expected’, and instead will put up with a lot of behaviour that is detrimental to the business.

“This is a principle of life and of business—deal with it head on and deal with it immediately. If you don’t, it will only get worse and you can not predict the outcome of having that person remain in your business.”

The term for this process is ‘directioneering’, which covers how an organisation retains, and releases, its people and the critical role it plays in sustaining

company performance. Even the best of intentions, not to mention

the best of management practices all the way along, can end up with staff not performing to expectations. If all attempts at improvement have broken down, there can only be one solution.

“It can all come down to cultural fit and anyone in business will tell you this happens all the time,” says Graham Catt, chief executive officer of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA). “Sometimes that person just does not fit into your business—for a wide variety of reasons—and they need to move on.” The AVA offers members a human resources advisory service, which attracts over 200 calls per month, many of them about the issue of fair and legal dismissal.

“It is not about pointing fingers or laying blame; it is about how do you move from this point in a way that is best for both parties,” Catt says. “Often the best and most simple thing is to admit there has been a mistake made and allow that person to move on to a place where they fit in better.”

The starting point of the process is for the practice manager to know what are the legal obligations and also, their rights as an employer. A clear understanding of what are the steps to follow and how to comply is essential.

As is standard across most Australian businesses, an employer must take part with the staff member in three formal discussions and written warnings.

If those attempts have not resolved the situation, the employer has the right to dismiss the employee. Allowing the staff member to bring in a support

person for that final meeting is crucial.“If it ever ends up in a court or

tribunal, and if you did not allow the employee to have a support person present, I know of many cases when they ruled against the employer just because of that,” says Dr Peter Higgins, lecturer in the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney.

“They are not there to challenge or say anything, just to witness and support the person in the meeting.

“And this isn’t something you say to someone in passing in a corridor. It has to be a formal situation where you sit down, take notes and those notes are handed to the employee. Legally, these are called ‘contemporaneous notes’ and they can be presented in court as primary evidence.”

One way to assist with the process, adds Behrend, is to bring in an outside HR consultant who can offer impartiality to what is possibly a tense situation. “By bringing in an external party, the employee realises the situation is more serious,” she says. “It is also a matter of steering this the right way. There is often an existing relationship within the business, but the external person has none of that and can help both sides process what needs to be done.”

One of the best ways to achieve a smooth transition is by offering the employee the opportunity to leave on the spot, with a payout.

“I suggest you give them a cooling off period so they can think about it,” Dr Higgins advises. “But in my experience, they usually want to go and they are at this point just looking for an authority figure to tell them they are a good vet, but they are not fitting in here.” One important law of the Unfair Dismissal Code is to know in what category your business falls and how long the

Ever wanted some one-on-one time with a specialist? Now you can indulge your dream by bidding in our charity auctions taking place all through June and July. VetPrac is the premier education business teaching a community of better vets and vet nurses the skills required to thrive in a competitive market. VetPrac bears a close relationship with Vets Beyond Borders and we have partnered with Veterinary Specialists from all over Australia and New Zealand to raise much needed funds for the care of animals affected by the devastating earthquakes in Nepal. Some of these specialists include:

Each specialist has created a unique profile and will be inviting the winning bidder to shadow them in practice and/or receive a tutorial of their choice. You can bid for these specialists by visiting the VetPrac Website Social Responsibility Page: http://www.vetprac.com.au/social-responsibility/

Just follow the links to the E-Bay Auction sites for each specialist. Remember the more you bid, the more good you do. Not only will you benefit from the experience of learning from the best, you will also be helping some of the worlds poorest communities rebuild after heartbreaking experiences.

And if the specialist you wish you could spend a day with isn’t on the site, please contact us. We’ll invite them to participate so more animals can receive care where they need it most. VetPrac exists so animals and those that care for them can have a healthier life. We are proud to be part of this initiative and grateful to live in a society that lends a hand where it is needed most.

Dr Kersti Seksel Dr Aaron Moles Dr Chris Preston Dr Brad Gavaghan Dr Mark Billson

Dr Natalie Webster Dr Bruce Smith Dr David Vella

And more....

VETPRAC CHARITY AUCTION TO RAISE $50,000 FOR NEPAL’S ANIMALS

[email protected]+61 414 581 600Photography: Navesh Chitrakar

employee has been employed. If your business is classed as a small business (less than 15 staff members) and the employee has been in the role for 12 months or less, it will be difficult for them to claim unfair dismissal. Making the most of noting performance within the probation period can also help save this situation evolving later on. Letting go of a team member can challenge the managerial procedures of even the best employers.

Dr Deborah Osborne of the Alice Springs Veterinary Hospital recalls one staff member who wouldn’t take responsibility for poor performance. It was always the fault of someone or something else.

“I was trying to coach this person to accept these situations were within their control and to take charge of their life. Eventually, a business mentor said to me, ‘You are not their mother and you don’t have time for that’,” Dr Osborne recalls.

“It was great advice, as the situation was unfair to that employee as well. The sooner

you let them go, the sooner they can go on to another role that they are a far better fit for. Most people won’t see it like that at the time, but they might later and a lot of that has to do with how you conduct yourselves through the process.”

One of the best ways to manage the exit from the business is through offering

services with an employment specialist and career counselling to help the

dismissed employee determine a course to their next role.

“One of the best ways to be positive about this is to support the employee to find a new job,” Behrend adds. “If a person has been dismissed and offered this kind of outplacement service,

the result will be more positive for both parties. “Managing someone on the way

out is just as important as on the way in. This could prove to be one of the best

things you can do for the reputation of your business brand and company culture.”

In the case of a crisis, like theft, fraud, gross or negligent misconduct or physical assault, then the laws are far simpler. “In those cases, there is no reason to give warning; you can dismiss them on the spot,” Dr Higgins says. “However, the legal side of anything you do with your staff needs to be at the forefront of your mind at all times.”


“One of the best ways to be positive about this is to support the employee to find a new job.”Melissa Behrend, HR On Call

C O V E R S T O RY

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A veterinary pathologist from Italy has become a central and broadly respected member of the Australian academic community, thanks to her equal dedication to the animal and human kingdoms. Chris Sheedy reports

One for allMANY IN THE VETERINARY AND medical world have heard of the One Health Initiative, a worldwide strategy that encourages and expands interdisciplinary collaborations across the spectrum of human care, animal care and the environment. The synergies achieved are expected to accelerate new discoveries, enhance public health efficiencies and improve medical education and care for humans and animals. Although the idea of a single, interconnected health ecosystem encompassing humans, animals and the environment dates back to the ancient Greeks, it is a concept that has only recently been organised into a movement, one still gaining traction.

But ever since the beginning of her career, in the early 2000s, this is the only way that Associate Professor Chiara Palmieri has understood medicine to operate. Now a veterinary pathologist working since 2012 within the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland, and the president of the Australian Society of Veterinary Pathologists, the Italian national also considered studying for human medicine as well as dentistry before settling on veterinary medicine.

“I loved medicine in general, but what brought me to vet science was the idea that it’s more exciting than being a human doctor, since you have different species with different biologies and anatomies and

functions and behaviours,” she says. “So it’s more challenging and more exciting to deal with animals compared to humans. And, of course, when you are in vet science, it doesn’t mean your work is different to human medicine, since animals can be models for human diseases.”

A/Prof Palmieri grew up on the Adriatic coast of Italy and had several pets as a youngster. But it was an experience later in life, when she first began studying at the University of Teramo, that influenced the direction of her study. Her father suffered prostate cancer and the realisation of the enormity of the problem in men sent her work in a specific direction.

“I have different research interests, but my main area is small animal oncology and specifically prostate cancer,” A/Prof Palmieri says. “I began to study prostate cancer in dogs when I realised what a big issue it is in men. I thought, since dogs are the only animals in which prostate cancer continuously occurs, it would be interesting to study prostate cancer in them in order to translate those results to human medicine. So, it was a personal drive. I’m interested in other cancers as well, and in other things such as bird pathology or koala diseases, but mainly it’s the comparative features of small animal cancer that I’m very interested in.”

Right now, the 37-year-old is involved in canine osteosarcoma and prostate cancer research projects, as well as other studies including one on koalas and chlamydia and another on avian pathology, with a collaborator in the US. The koala project is a great example, she says, of the value of travelling and working in different parts of the world.

Her original degrees, including a PhD in ultrastructural pathology in 2006, were completed in Italy, including a residency program at the School of Veterinary Medicine in Milan. A/Prof Palmieri has also studied and worked in Prague, at the

18

“I loved medicine in general, but what brought me to vet science was the idea that it’s more exciting than being a human doctor.”Associate Professor Chiara Palmieri

19

system compared to Europe, says A/Prof Palmieri. It’s easier in Australia to build up your own research team and to collaborate with people from various departments, for example, although both systems have their benefits.

A/Prof Palmieri’s experiences with small animals have also helped, in a surprising way, with her latest adventure—motherhood. She recently gave birth to her first child, a girl, and has received compliments from other mums who admire her understanding of her baby’s moods.

“I was talking to one of my friends

One for all

Institute of Animal Production, and in the US at the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System.

“One of my friends was moving to Australia,” she says. “She was working at the University of Melbourne and told me about the opportunity to move. There were a few positions available, and I knew UQ [University of Queensland] was one of the best universities in the world for vet science. But really I wanted to move to have a different perspective on my work, to see different cases by working in a different environment. I wanted to experience different points of view

to achieve more of a 360-degree view of veterinary pathology.

“So, I moved in 2012 to improve myself and my job, to get an opportunity to join a good university with a good reputation and to have the opportunity to do different things. Veterinary pathology is a very broad topic and there are different species here. While I was in Italy, those species were exotic, but now I’m dealing with koalas, with marsupials, monotremes and other species, so it’s quite exciting. It’s a very good experience.”

There’s also a greater independence for the researcher in the Australian academic

20

C O V E R S T O R Y

yesterday and I told her that babies are like animals because they don’t speak at all,” she says. “She was very impressed with my attitude towards the baby, and that I was not freaking out while my baby was screaming or crying. But I am used to communicating with animals and trying to understand their needs. They are very similar. You need to be patient with animals and with babies. You need to understand the ways that they try to communicate with you. So, I think that being a vet, in this sense, has helped me a lot with my baby.”

Not that she has ever actually practised as a vet. A/Prof Palmieri says she doesn’t believe she would be very good when it comes to clinical examination, although her experience with the anatomy of various animals, and with post-mortem examinations, would likely mean she would make a great surgeon.

But the arena of academic research is where A/Prof Palmieri has found her true calling. Her research interests include reproductive pathology encompassing canine prostate and testis cancer, female genital system pathology and infertility in farm animals. She has also looked into the evaluation of pregnancy losses and placental abnormalities associated with assisted reproductive techniques, the ultrastructural characterisation of neoplastic diseases in domestic animals, male reproductive pathology induced by chlamydia infection in koalas, and avian pathology.

Her work has a large and appreciative audience of academics, researchers and pet owners. A/Prof Palmieri has had 37 papers published in international journals. She regularly travels the world to speak at events, including an upcoming trip to Italy to present to the Italian Association of Veterinary Pathologists.

What is she most proud of so far in her relatively short but enormously impressive career? One study A/Prof Palmieri remembers with great satisfaction was around the topic of placental lesions, she says. The work was based around what was going on in pregnancies resulting from assisted reproductive techniques. What are the pathologies associated with these pregnancies,

i PA D

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etc? It led on to a great deal of further research and, as a result, a new chapter of knowledge in vet science.

“In the first part of my career, during my PhD and for a few years after, I was mostly focusing on pathology associated with assisted reproductive techniques, and I’m very proud of this part of my research,” she says.

“What I have in mind these days is a big picture, in which there’s a link between pets and humans. This is what’s driving my research. Of course, if you’re studying causes or effects of specific diseases in animals, then your work is important for animal owners, for the pet’s health and for developing better therapies. But the most important thing driving my research is linking the medical knowledge we have of animals and of humans. We really can look at pets to learn more about treating human diseases.”

A/Prof Palmieri, then, is a veterinary pathologist who is not just interested in finding better therapies for animals, but is also hoping to add to that knowledge by using it to better understand the causes, effects and treatments of human diseases. Her research, originally kickstarted by her father’s illness, is now being driven by the translational side of the knowledge she is producing. It is being driven by the fact that the results of her work can actually help to create better tools, processes, drugs, education and policies around the treatment of both human and animal diseases.

“The One Health concept talks about medical issues affecting both humans and animals,” she says. “Everyone now knows how important it is to study animals and to discover things in animals in order to find out important information about humans as well.”

And A/Prof Palmieri says that in today’s academic world, where the time frame from research project to practical application was once measured in decades, real outcomes for the industry can sometimes be achieved just three years after the launch of a research study.

“It depends on the type of research and the types of diseases, but four to five years is the minimum, I think,” she says. “But everything starts from research and only after that is done can we seek the practical application of that research, which is so important for vets and for pet owners. Considering the potential translational importance to human medicine, this is a very interesting field to be working in.”

ANNUAL REPORTOur guide to the best surgical & diagnostic products for veterinarians on the market today, page 29

International investigator

Degrees of preparationManaging pets in emergency

situations, page 10

EOFY special featureWhat you need to know

at this time of year, page 26

PPRRAACCTTIICCEE

9 design dramas

Avoid these common

mistakes, page 22

Renowned veterinary pathologist, Associate Professor Chiara Palmieri, talks about her

research and how it impacts the profession

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Associate Professor Chiara Palmieri’s research interests include reproductive pathology encompassing canine

prostate and testis cancer, female genital system pathology and infertility in farm animals.

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22

1Don’t miss the fine print After finding a potential property, check the council zoning restrictions.

“One of the biggest mistakes is not employing an experienced veterinary fit-out company to confirm the site can accommodate your requirements,” explains Russell Lacey, Perfect Practice’s project consultant. This includes making sure it’s not too close to residential areas and food shops.

Another common mistake, says Robert Bowles, founder and managing director of CBD Projects, is that passion often overtakes logic. “I’ve found that some

veterinarians choose a building because they like the look. It has real charm with a great location but if it turns out to be heritage listed, the renovation costs increase by about 50 per cent.”

2 Don’t pretend you’re a designerWe’d all be nervous if an architect

decided to spay their own puppy, and that works the other way—a veterinarian shouldn’t attempt to design a contemporary, well-equipped practice. The solution is putting together your needs and dreams then working with a design consultant.

“First, the vet needs to figure out what they’re trying to achieve—looking at the number of treatment rooms and the size of the operating theatre, for example, or whether they’re more of a consultancy practice,” says Bowles.

He suggests that the owner/vet should also establish the number of patients visiting the practice as it will help finalise seating options in the waiting room, as well as car-parking needs.

After that, design and construction experts will oversee the entire development process while instituting best practice principles, bringing together

There are a number of pitfalls to avoid when designing or remodelling a vet practice. Leading design consultants tell Kerryn Ramsey their top peeves—and their fool-proof solutions

Design dramas: Easy mistakes to avoid

23

“Isolation protocols are rarely employed in practices, and you have a piece of real estate sitting there doing nothing.”John Hamilton, Hamilton Veterinary Design

materials, plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

3Don’t overspendIn the early stages, it’s tempting to give your surgery all the bells

and whistles but this can easily blow the budget. “A new build is expensive and most vets don’t have money to burn,” says John Hamilton of Hamilton Veterinary Design, which has been running for 25 years. A long-term plan is usually the best solution. Once the layout is designed, extra treatment rooms can be fitted out down the track.

“Remember, it’s likely to expand quickly, so make sure there are enough car spaces for staff and clients,” he says.

4Don’t ignore noiseThe sounds of barks and squeals are impossible to avoid, but

quality noise control can help keep staff, customers and pets calm. Introducing solid walls and doors throughout the practice is an inexpensive solution, while noise-absorbing materials are an effective way to minimise sound from the runs.

Keeping the waiting room peaceful helps calm anxious pets. “Wherever there are

animals, there will always be noise, but softer finishes on the walls help,” says Bowles. “You still need to have a hard surface on the floor—if an animal has an accident, the ability to perform a quick clean-up is vital. However, excessive sounds can be absorbed by using quality linoleum or rubber flooring and soft furnishings.”

5Don’t turn up your noseControlling odours makes your practice a more pleasant place for

both staff and clients. During the design stage, ensure the regular cleaning of runs and cages is as easy as possible. Water hose bibs in handy locations are essential, and high-pressure, hot-water spray and disinfectant systems are needed to wash away any waste and bacteria.

Perfect Practice’s Russell Lacey says the design of the ventilation system is critical, ensuring the correct number of air changes per hour is achieved to prevent the build-up of odour within the practice. “Intelligent use of impervious materials for flooring, walls and joinery are also critical aspects of odour control, as is the sealing of joints between these materials to prevent the ingress of fluids,” he says.

6Don’t waste space when it comes to isolationAn isolation room is a necessity but

since it’s rarely required, this space can be used effectively in various ways. “Isolation protocols are rarely employed in practices, and you have a piece of real estate sitting there doing nothing,” Hamilton says. He suggests that this space should be used as a small ward for day cases, separation of animals, and even a holding area for

Don’t let passion overrule logic.

surgery. “That way the vet gets much better use of the facilities.”

When the isolation room is required, staff need to be able to view the animal, preferably through a window or by installing cameras. This means the mandatory isolation protocols—wearing disposable clothing, using disinfectants, etc—are reduced by the ability to make casual observations without entering.

7Don’t dismiss hospital inspectionIt’s important to build confidence in

your facility with your clients. A great trick is to invite them to take part in a hospital inspection. “When an animal comes in for an elective procedure,” says Hamilton, “the last thing you want to do is just take the pet and leave the owner in the waiting room. It’s better to take the owner and the animal through the hospital—all the way to the holding facility in the back.

“The client can look around and see the facilities, equipment and staff—all things that inspire confidence. It’s a golden opportunity that should not be wasted,” he says.

It’s important to think about this during the design stage as the hospital needs to present itself extremely well in order to build confidence.

8Don’t treat grooming as a priority

A grooming area is a handy add-on, particularly in an affluent area, but Robert Bowles warns that the fit-out and plumbing can make it an expensive proposition.

“You have to jump through a few hoops from the EPA [Environmental Protection Authority],” he says. This includes such things as installing basket traps to catch all of the fur; agreeing not to wash dog faeces into the sewers; regulating the amount of water used, and more.

“If a vet feels there’s good value there, it’s worth making one room ready,” he explains. “However, it can be easier to tell the clients about the mobile grooming services in the area.”


Are you connected?Vet Practice magazine is your monthly vet news source, but did you know about all our online tools?

News in the veterinary space is breaking faster every day. Log on and see how we keep you up to date with:

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And keep a check of our twitter feed at: @VetPracticeMag

PRACTICE

9Don’t turn your hospital into a pet shopWhile it’s tempting to display

gourmet cat food and diamanté dog collars, Hamilton suggests that the margins aren’t great. It also requires huge storage in the practice. “Do you want to look like a professional veterinary practice or a pet shop?” he asks rhetorically.

“When you’re a veterinarian, the major income is from consultations, procedures, observations, surgeries, and things of that nature. The more time, funds and energy you put into that income-earning stream, the better off you will be.”

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26

It’s not something you normally highlight on your calendar. Unlike birthdays, the

end of the tax year doesn’t involve the exchanging of gifts, but financial

experts argue that getting your fiscal affairs in order can be worthy of

celebration. Tracey Porter reports

The numbers game

27

FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS, GRAHAM Middleton has rifled through mountains of paper receipts and unformulated Excel spreadsheets to help leading veterinary practices stay on side with the tax man.

But Middleton, the founding partner of Victorian accountancy firm Synstrat and author of several tomes including 50 Rules for Financial Success as a Veterinary Surgeon, says the problem with end of financial year (EOFY) advice from a veterinarian’s perspective is that it usually arrives too late to be of any use.

“If [vets] haven’t structured their businesses to share income with spouses when purchasing or starting a practice, it is too late to contemplate it prior to a 30 June year-end, particularly as restructuring often triggers capital gains tax considerations.

“If they haven’t structured their practices to enable retention of some earnings in order that personal taxable income can be smoothed over several years, it’s not going to be practical to achieve several years later at short notice.”

However, he says, there are still plenty of things veterinarians can do to get their finances up to speed ahead of the 2014-15 EOFY—not least of which involves planning for the days ahead.

SUPERANNUATIONExperts agree that raising superannuation contributions up to the permitted tax-deductible limit is a great way to save costs.

RSM Bird Cameron director Pat Flanagan, whose area of specialty includes succession planning for veterinary practices, says currently the minimum superannuation business owners must pay is 9.5 per cent of an employee’s ordinary time earnings. However, business owners can generally claim a tax deduction for superannuation contributions that are paid on time.

Recently, the contribution limits for superannuation were raised up to $30,000 and $35,000 for those aged under 50 and over 50 respectively.

Flanagan says vets should always consider contributing the maximum levels of both concessional and non-concessional superannuation “as superannuation is, generally speaking, the most tax-efficient vehicle available”.

TRUSTSJohn Rowe, the owner of Sydney brokerage firm Vet Finance, says tax concessions vary depending on whether the entity is set up as a sole trader, partnership, company or trust. While there may be some common benefits in tax planning, he says it’s important to remember some entities may also have limitations on what they can claim or carry forward depending on turn over.

However, Flanagan says that savings can also be made by vets who operate their business via a trust, providing trustees decide how the profit will be distributed prior to 30 June.

He says it’s important this decision is recorded and signed off before the end of the financial year as vet

practice owners can find any profit is taxed at the top marginal rate of 47

per cent if appropriate steps are not taken prior to the EOFY.

“By being proactive, you can ensure that you know of the obstacles that lay on the road ahead and you can even take steps to

ensure these obstacles are less significant and easier to navigate past.”

HEALTH COVERMost small- to medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners know that if they have a taxable income of $90,000 (single) or $180,000 (joint) and are without health insurance, they will be required to pay the Medicare levy surcharge. However, Middleton notes, it is a little-known fact that an individual is not required to have extras cover as basic hospital cover will suffice.

He says those in the vet sector should be aware that whereas hospital cover pays out 96 per cent of private hospital costs on average, this falls to 52 per cent of costs rebated against extras expenditure such as dental, optical or physiotherapy.

Middleton suggests vets consider reviewing their health insurance regularly and if it includes extras cover then consider the actual claims made over its duration.

“The fact is that on average, funds skim off 22 per cent of the fees paid for ancillary cover. If paying a fund 22 cents in the

“Superannuation is, generally speaking, the most tax-efficient vehicle available.”Pat Flanagan, RSM Bird Cameron

Tax time tips in brief1. Keep in regular contact with your

accountant who will review and be across your financial situation.

2. Pre-pay interest on investment properties or lease agreements on equipment and cars. Pre-pay expenses where possible.

3. Maximise superannuation contributions for yourself before 30 June and pay staff entitlements. Contributions must be receipted by your super fund, not just paid; otherwise the tax deductibility of the contribution may be disallowed for that year and fall into the next financial year.

4. Review your bad debts before 30 June and write off any you are unlikely to recover.

5. Watch stock levels—obsolete/out-of-date stock may be able to be written off.

dollar to recycle 78 cents of benefit to you sounds like a pretty poor deal for most, then it’s true. Most poker machines have a higher payout percentage.”

SUCCESSION PLANNINGRowe, who has been in the financial services industry since 1981, says many vets are working to get out of their business but struggle to find a way to plan for it.

He says a good succession plan creates a smooth transition from the old owner to the new with minimal disruption to the business and clients. It is generally better to sell one’s practice to an internal vet as opposed to bringing in a new purchaser, Rowe says.

“A run-down practice will not realise one’s full capital gains [but] working hard for the last five years of your working life, expanding and developing your business is more likely to maximise your return.”

AREAS TO AVOIDNever buy an investment asset such as a rental unit just because an agent or a property spruiker talked up the tax benefit, says Middleton.

There are always better financial options available to vets than buying investment units or houses. He says that the same is true of hobby farms.

“You may like to watch the cattle or sheep grazing in the meadows, or enjoy the smell of freshly baled hay but, financially speaking, hobby farms are black holes into which health professionals pour their profits.”

Flanagan says that where tax optimisation is the goal, it’s best to invest in the areas of the business that will provide prompt tax deductions. Therefore the areas of spending to avoid would be capital expenditure or pre-payments where the deduction will be delayed to later years.

“Capital expenditure such as asset purchases or renovations will be treated as assets of the business and a deduction will only be claimed as the asset depreciates in value. Where pre-paid expenses extend beyond the next year, or for larger purchases, part or all of the tax deduction


NVC_VetPractice_halfpage_185x127_v2.indd 1 28/01/15 2:10 PM

will be deferred,” he says.Rowe says many business owners tend

to panic towards the EOFY and commonly look for as many tax deductions as possible. But this does not always work in the vet’s best interests, he says.

The buying/financing of cars and equipment in June is not necessarily going to obtain those tax deductions one is looking for given there is little, if any, interest or depreciation. The real benefit is therefore obtained in the following tax year. The best advice for tax planning is to start early and be in regular contact with your accountant and finance broker. “Proper planning will provide better results.”

Avoid making ‘panic purchases’.

PRACTICE

P R O D U C T G U I D E

29

Surgical & Diagnostic Product guide

Vet Practice magazine’s guide to the

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A D V E R T O R I A L

30

Make the most of the changes to small business tax breaks by purchasing any instrument in the Vetscan range for under $20,000 or purchase a centurion centrifuge, prices range from $1495 - $3250 (ex gst).

ACCELERATED DEPRECIATIONThe Government has proposed to expand accelerated depreciation by allowing small businesses with an aggregated annual turnover of less than $2 million to immediately deduct each asset that cost less than $20,000. The measure will apply to assets acquired from 7.30pm, 12 May 2015 until 30 June 2017.

This will replace the previous instant asset write-off threshold of $1,000.

The balance of a small business pool can also be immediately deducted if the balance is less than $20,000 at the end of an income year that ends on or after 12 May 2015 and on or before 30 June 2017 (including existing pools).

Further information on accelerated depreciation is available on the ATO website: www.ato.gov.au

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VetACE® comes with useful client handouts to increase owner awareness of the signs of congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease, driving early detection. Posters and postcards are also available as additional awareness tools. Following diagnosis, further handouts are available to help communicate the options and goals of therapies in order to improve owner understanding and compliance. VetACE® is an Australian made benazepril tablet made to the highest GMP (good manufacturing practice) standards. VetACE® comes in blister-packed 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 20 mg tablets to suit dogs and cats of all sizes, and in both 28 and convenient 42 tablet packs for flexibility in ongoing treatment. ACE inhibitors are indicated for dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF) and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

For more info go to www.jurox.com.au or contact Customer Service on 1800 023 312

The best therapeutic outcomes are driven by early detection and owner compliance

Why VetACE®?VetACE® tablets contain benazepril hydrochloride – a class of cardiac medications known as Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitor (ACE inhibitors). This medication is used in cases of heart and kidney disease to correct abnormal levels of vasoconstriction and water retention, reducing elevated blood pressure to normal levels.

What do you see as the major benefits? In clinical terms, treating with benazepril helps to reduce the long term effects of heart disease and kidney disease and improves the quality of life of cats and dogs with these chronic conditions. For the veterinary hospital, the benefits of using VetACE® also lie in the availability of a range of helpful and informative owner-oriented brochures to assist in

communicating a complex disease process which often involves several therapeutic options.

What does Jurox do that stands out in additional service?Jurox is an Australian veterinary pharmaceutical company so we understand the needs and concerns of Australian vets treating Australian pets. With this in mind, we try to surround all of our products with tools that not only make them convenient and clear to use, but also helps vets do their jobs more effectively. As well as the tangible tools available for vets to use in their practice, each product is backed up by a team of dedicated and experienced technical services veterinarians who can assist with any query related to the product and disease process.

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34

Compact FireCR Flash Veterinary Readers combine crystal-clear image quality, speed and affordability.

DLC Australia Pty Ltd is proud to release the NEW FireCR Flash Veterinary Readers.

The compact FireCR Flash Reader product line offers crystal-clear image quality, along with fast scanning speeds and other key features to meet every imaging need.

The new FireCR Flash Readers feature technology advances pioneered by 3DISC imaging that result in the highest possible signal collection efficiency—providing the high image quality facilities need for diagnostic imaging applications.

The FireCR Flash Readers have been specially designed to deliver the exceptional image quality required for diagnostic imaging, while offering aggressive pricing to make the readers affordable for large and small volume veterinary practices.

FireCR Flash Readers also feature a number of design and engineering innovations, in keeping with 3DISC’s mission to provide the latest in advanced imaging technology. They offer increased productivity, with a fast throughput of up to 70 plates per hour. They also are exceptionally small and lightweight, able to be placed on a counter or wall-mounted—ideal for even the most space-challenged radiology department or practice.

FireCR Flash Readers accommodate a range of cassette sizes to meet every imaging need—including a unique veterinary dental cassette accessory kit that allows veterinary practices to scan dental imaging plates using the FireCR Flash Veterinary Reader. The cassettes feature advanced engineering that makes them strong and robust. A specially designed metal plate ‘carries’ the imaging plate through the system, reducing the chance of damage and prolonging the life of valuable imaging plates.

Introducing Advanced FireCR Flash Readers Also new is a convenient USB 2.0/

Ethernet interface.With the FireCR Readers, there is no

need for veterinarians to compromise on features and functionality—whether they are a high-volume but space-challenged clinic, a smaller low volume veterinary clinic with a tight budget but plans to grow, or a busy veterinary clinic or practice. They can select a system that meets their exact needs and budgets—and also have flexibility that lets them grow.

Introducing the Next generation FireCR Dental ReaderAffordable computed radiography system for veterinary dental —the FireCR Dental Reader—with a number of new features and capabilities that enhance veterinary practice productivity.

Designed to provide rapid, high-quality reading of reusable dental imaging plates, the FireCR Dental Reader’s small footprint—about the size of a shoebox—allows it to integrate seamlessly into even the most space-challenged veterinary clinics.

The small size and unique features of the FireCR Dental Reader mean that it can be conveniently placed in each exam room, allowing for faster diagnosis and streamlined patient care as there is no wait time required to leave the room to scan images on a centralised scanner.

Contact details:Southern OfficePO Box 4438,17-19 Horne StHoppers Crossing VIC, 3029Phone: 03 9360 9700Fax: 03 9360 9994Toll Free: 1300 785 405Email: [email protected]

Northern OfficePO Box 833,Unit 6/1 Lear-Jet Dr,Caboolture, QLD 4510Phone: 07 5428 3666Fax: 07 5428 3777Toll Free: 1300 785 401Email: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

3 Speeds Available » FireCR Flash 30 Reader » FireCR Flash 50 Reader » FireCR Flash 70 Reader

Please Contact Our Office for Further InformationP. 1300 785 401 E. [email protected] W. www.dlc.com.au

Join the growing number of radiology departments, clinics, and speciality practices around the world that are turning to FireCR Readers for proven technology—along with the flexibility that helps them grow.

In this increasingly competitive environment, show patient owners that your practice offers the latest in digital imaging technology for improved patient results. Whether you’re looking for a central reader that can distribute images throughout your facility, or an affordable exam-room based solution, the next-generation FireCR Dental Reader is the natural choice for practices looking for a full-featured system that delivers high-quality digital images—along with the flexibility that helps them grow.





3 Speeds Available »FireCR Flash 30 Reader »FireCR Flash 50 Reader »FireCR Flash 70 Reader
















VP014_PG-DLC-Part 2.indd 37 7/05/2015 4:43 pm

VETQUIP IS A VETERINARY distributor who specialises in supplying customers with an extensive range of veterinary products, including anaesthesia, monitoring, lighting, orthopaedic equipment and more.

With a comprehensive line of products, from a range of leading manufacturers, it is no wonder that veterinarians trust VetQuip for the very best products and equipment for their veterinary practice.

If you are looking for a specialty item, or a difficult-to-find product, let one of Vetquip’s skilled staff members help you find what you are looking for. VetQuip’s friendly staff can help if you are interested in learning more about the products they

have on offer.The high calibre of technical expertise

and prompt service provided by Vetquip, ensures Vetquip’s equipment is used in leading medical institutions and veterinary centres worldwide.

Vetquip is the largest veterinary equipment repair organisation in Australia, specialising in equipment repairs for both veterinarians and wholesalers.

Utilising the G.A.S. network enables Vetquip to offer complete sales and servicing for an extensive range of vaporiser manufacturers. Leak testing and recalibration services are available for all vaporiser models.

Vetquip’s vaporiser service includes a

Leaders in veterinary equipment repairsOffering experienced biomedical technicians

For more information on the VetQuip autoclave range visit www.vetquip.com.au or call 1300 888 427

Fast and easy use for efficient instrument processing

Reliability and effectiveness for infection control assurance

AUTOCLAVE RANGE

Midmark VetAssure B23


NEW Midmark VetAssure B23 & B60



The new B60 from Midmark is the ideal large capacity autoclave for busy clinics with heavy work loads.

Massive 60 litre chamber

The new B23 from Midmark will maximise throughput and efficiency for your clinic.

Large 23 litre chamber

Midmark M11 UltraClave® Automatic SteriliserLet the Midmark M11 UltraClave® do the work for you. Simply load it, set it and forget it.

Large 24.6 litre chamber

Midmark M11 UltraClave® Automatic Steriliser



For more information on the VetQuip monitor range visit www.vetquip.com.au or call 1300 888 427

Features:

4.3” Touch screen display

Veterinary specific operating system software

Nellcor OXIMax SP02

NIBP

Features:



Nellcor OXIMax SP02

5 lead ECG

Dual temperature

NIBP

Features:



Nellcor OXIMax SP02

2 channels of Invasive blood pressure

5 lead ECG

Dual temperature

NIBP

Optional:

5 lead ECG

Dual temperature

Resperonics ETC02 add anytime (software and plug)

Arrhythmia and S-T segment analysis

Lithium Ion 4hr back up battery


Thermal printer

Interfaces: SD card, USB, VGA

Standard display and big font display options

Arrhythmia and S-T segment analysis

Lithium Ion 4hr back up battery


Thermal printer

9 waveform display, trends

Standard display and big font display options

Interfaces: SD card, USB, VGA

Optional: Anaesthesia gas module

VetQuip C30V

VetQuip C50V

VetQuip C80V

MONITOR RANGE Designed & built for veterinarians

For more information on the VetQuip autoclave range visit www.vetquip.com.au or call 1300 888 427

Fast and easy use for efficient instrument processing

Reliability and effectiveness for infection control assurance

AUTOCLAVE RANGE



NEW Midmark VetAssure B23 & B60



The new B60 from Midmark is the ideal large capacity autoclave for busy clinics with heavy work loads.

Massive 60 litre chamber

The new B23 from Midmark will maximise throughput and efficiency for your clinic.

Large 23 litre chamber

Midmark M11 UltraClave® Automatic SteriliserLet the Midmark M11 UltraClave® do the work for you. Simply load it, set it and forget it.

Large 24.6 litre chamber

Midmark M11 UltraClave® Automatic Steriliser

computer driven laser refractometer and Druck electronic leak testing equipment to ensure accuracy.

Vetquip’s biomedical technicians also deal with an extensive range of medical respiration monitors, fluid pumps, pulse oximeters, ECG machines and more.

Vetquip can cater to almost every need a veterinarian has for their practice including: Anaesthesia Dental Fluid therapy Diagnostic Lighting Monitoring

Surgical Consumables Stainless steel Cages Orthopaedic Gas supplies

Professional, friendly and helpful staff, are always available to discuss your requirements and provide answers to your technical questions.

Call now or email onPh: 1300 888 427Email: [email protected]


Surgical and Diagnostic Product guide

38

Your final opportunity to capture maximum tax deductions for the current fiscal year ends on 30 June 2015. Making lease repayments in advance may allow you to benefit now by capturing tax deductions in the current tax year.

If you are on the simplified tax system with less than $2 million in revenue, you may be entitled to make 12 months of advance payments if the lease was established within the previous 12 months, and effectively reduce your taxable income. There may be real benefits making tax deductions now, as money is generally worth more now than it will be worth in the future.

For example, assume you own your practice with turnover below $2 million and an average net profit of $200,000 a year. You are paying a lease on your equipment which costs $24,000 a year (total lease of $100,000 over 5 years). By making an additional $24,000 in any financial year, you might be able to reduce your net profit for that financial year by $48,000, saving you more money in tax now. The money you save in tax may be worth more in your pocket now than if you applied the same deduction in the future.

Payment structure options based on above example

Figures shown in the above table are for illustration purposes only and represent the approximate leasing repayments over 5 years based on finance of $100,000.

Speak to a finance specialist who understands your industryDiscuss your needs with a dedicated finance specialist who understands your profession and the financing options available. BOQ Specialist offers chattel mortgages, asset purchase finance and leasing for medical equipment, fit out and practice assets.

Contact 1300 131 141 or visit boqspecialist.com.au

Advance your lease payments

DisclaimerProducts and services are provided by BOQ Specialist - a division of Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 AFSL and Australian credit licence No. 244616. (BOQ Specialist). BOQ Specialist is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 (BOQ). BOQ and BOQ Specialist are both authorised deposit-taking institutions in their own right. Neither BOQ nor BOQ Specialist guarantees or otherwise supports the obligations or performance of each other or of each other’s products.

BOQ Specialist is the credit provider. Terms and conditions, fees and charges and lending and eligibility criteria apply. We reserve the right to cease offering these products at any time without notice. The information contained in this article (Information) is general in nature and has been provided in good faith, without taking into account your personal circumstances. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information is accurate and opinions fair and reasonable, no warranties in this regard are provided. BOQ Specialist is not offering financial, tax or legal advice. You should obtain independent financial, tax and legal advice as appropriate.

Year Advanced lease repayments Standard lease repayments

1 $48,000 $24,000

2 $24,000 $24,000

3 $24,000 $24,000

4 $24,000 $24,000

5 0 $24,000

Points to consider:n Capture maximum tax

deductions this financial yearn Making lease repayments

in advance allows you to benefit now by capturing tax deductions in the current tax year

n Contact BOQ Specialist on 1300 131 141 to find out more.

Stafford HamiltonFinance Specialist

Financial products and services described in this document are provided by BOQ Specialist Bank Limited ABN 55 071 292 594 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 234975 (BOQ Specialist). BOQ Specialist is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 (BOQ). BOQ and BOQ Specialist are both authorised deposit-taking institutions in their own right. Neither BOQ nor BOQ Specialist guarantees or otherwise supports the obligations or performance of each other or of each other’s products.

BOQ Specialist is the credit provider. Terms and conditions, fees and charges and lending and eligibility criteria apply. We reserve the right to cease offering these products at any time without notice. BOQ Specialist is not offering financial, tax or legal advice. You should obtain independent financial, tax and legal advice as appropriate. For full credit card terms and conditions visit boqspecialist.com.au/credit-card-terms.

Offer is available for selected new asset finance agreements with a 48 month term (or greater) that are settled between 17 May and 30 June 2015. You must apply for and be approved for a BOQ Specialist Signature Credit Card. An annual fee of $400 applies. One loan per client or related party. Offer is not able to be combined with any other offer. For terms and conditions of the offer, please refer to boqspecialist.com.au/eofy15.

* You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn Qantas Points. Membership and the earning and redemption of Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. Qantas Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the BOQ Specialist Qantas Rewards Program Terms and Conditions. Qantas Points and bonus Qantas Points are earned on eligible transactions only. See definition of Eligible Transaction in the BOQ Specialist Qantas Rewards Program Terms and Conditions. Please allow 6-8 weeks after purchase for points to be credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account. BOQ Specialist recommends that you seek independent tax advice in respect of the tax consequences (including fringe benefits tax, and goods and services tax and income tax) arising from the use of this product or from participating in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program or from using any of the rewards or other available program facilities.

To earn and redeem Velocity Frequent Flyer Points you must be a Velocity Frequent Flyer member. Velocity membership and Points earn and redemption are subject to the Member Terms and Conditions, available at velocityfrequentflyer.com, as amended from time to time.

Buy your car, equipment or fitout before 30 June and earn one point per dollar financed at no additional cost.

We will help you make the purchase on a BOQ Specialist Signature card and then conveniently convert it into a finance contract. Existing cardholders will earn points in their current program. New cardholders can choose between either the Qantas Frequent Flyer or the Velocity Frequent Flyer reward programs*. Call our team of experienced financial specialists on 1300 131 141.

BOQS001361 V1 04/15

A pointless purchase? We think not.

Products and services are provided by BOQ Specialist - a division of Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 AFSL and Australian credit licence

No. 244616.

Offer is available for selected new asset finance agreements with terms from 12 to 60 months that are settled between 11 May and 30 June 2015. You must

apply for and be approved for a BOQ Specialist Signature Credit Card. An annual fee of $400 applies. One loan per client or related party. Offer is not able

to be combined with any other offer. For terms and conditions of the offer, please refer to boqspecialist.com.au/eofy15.

*You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn Qantas Points. Membership and the earning and redemption of Qantas Points

are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. Qantas Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the BOQ Specialist

Qantas Rewards Program Terms and Conditions. Qantas Points and bonus Qantas Points are earned on eligible transactions only. See definition of Eligible

Transaction in the BOQ Specialist Qantas Rewards Program Terms and Conditions. Please allow 6-8 weeks after purchase for points to be credited to your

Qantas Frequent Flyer account. BOQ Specialist recommends that you seek independent tax advice in respect of the tax consequences (including fringe

benefits tax, and goods and services tax and income tax) arising from the use of this product or from participating in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program

or from using any of the rewards or other available program facilities.

To earn and redeem Velocity Frequent Flyer Points you must be a Velocity Frequent Flyer member. Velocity membership and Points earn and redemption

are subject to the Member Terms and Conditions, available at velocityfrequentflyer.com, as amended from time to time.

Financial products and services described in this document are provided by BOQ Specialist Bank Limited ABN 55 071 292 594 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 234975 (BOQ Specialist). BOQ Specialist is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 (BOQ). BOQ and BOQ Specialist are both authorised deposit-taking institutions in their own right. Neither BOQ nor BOQ Specialist guarantees or otherwise supports the obligations or performance of each other or of each other’s products.

BOQ Specialist is the credit provider. Terms and conditions, fees and charges and lending and eligibility criteria apply. We reserve the right to cease offering these products at any time without notice. BOQ Specialist is not offering financial, tax or legal advice. You should obtain independent financial, tax and legal advice as appropriate. For full credit card terms and conditions visit boqspecialist.com.au/credit-card-terms.

Offer is available for selected new asset finance agreements with a 48 month term (or greater) that are settled between 17 May and 30 June 2015. You must apply for and be approved for a BOQ Specialist Signature Credit Card. An annual fee of $400 applies. One loan per client or related party. Offer is not able to be combined with any other offer. For terms and conditions of the offer, please refer to boqspecialist.com.au/eofy15.

* You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn Qantas Points. Membership and the earning and redemption of Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. Qantas Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the BOQ Specialist Qantas Rewards Program Terms and Conditions. Qantas Points and bonus Qantas Points are earned on eligible transactions only. See definition of Eligible Transaction in the BOQ Specialist Qantas Rewards Program Terms and Conditions. Please allow 6-8 weeks after purchase for points to be credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account. BOQ Specialist recommends that you seek independent tax advice in respect of the tax consequences (including fringe benefits tax, and goods and services tax and income tax) arising from the use of this product or from participating in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program or from using any of the rewards or other available program facilities.

To earn and redeem Velocity Frequent Flyer Points you must be a Velocity Frequent Flyer member. Velocity membership and Points earn and redemption are subject to the Member Terms and Conditions, available at velocityfrequentflyer.com, as amended from time to time.

Buy your car, equipment or fitout before 30 June and earn one point per dollar financed at no additional cost.

We will help you make the purchase on a BOQ Specialist Signature card and then conveniently convert it into a finance contract. Existing cardholders will earn points in their current program. New cardholders can choose between either the Qantas Frequent Flyer or the Velocity Frequent Flyer reward programs*. Call our team of experienced financial specialists on 1300 131 141.

BOQS001361 V1 04/15

A pointless purchase? We think not.

$11,800 $5500

$7950 $2600

$1295From

$6495

CR7 Vet Dental X-Ray

iM3 elite LED with Oil Free Compressor

Revolution 4DC X-Ray

Portable Dental X-Ray

42-12 Ultrasonic Scaler

LED Advantage Swivel High Speed Handpiece

p e

T h e V e t e r i n a r y D e n t a l C o m p a n y

* Prices exclude Freight and GST

p 02 9420 5766 e [email protected] h e V e t e r i n a r y D e n t a l C o m p a n y

p 02 9420 5766 e [email protected] h e V e t e r i n a r y D e n t a l C o m p a n y

Compared to other veterinary dental scanners, the CR7 Vet

provides unsurpassed high-resolution images, fast

processing time, user friendly software and the largest range of reusable flexible plate sizes

for dental and small animal extremity applications.

“You’d be hard placed to find another piece of equipment that ticks those elusive three boxes of good investment more effectively.”

Dramatically improves patient care and decision making

Delivers solid profit

Does not need a specialist level of training to deploy

Dr Dave Nicol, MRCVS.

3

3

3

I have used a number of DR systems in the past, both in veterinary and human practice (Schick, Sirona, Kodak and Genoray), but I would have to say that the results and image quality that I am getting with the iM3 CR7 Vet is the best so far.

The advantages of the CR7 Vet over other DR systems when used in the veterinary environment include a unique range of plate sizes from size 0 up to size 5, which covers all pets from small to large. There is even an intraoral plate for rabbits.”

Dr. Anthony Caiafa BVSc BDSc MACVSc (SA Surgery and Veterinary Dentistry)

CR7 Vet Dental X-Ray

Confused about dental radiology, CR vs DR?

Size 5 CR Plate (Actual Size) - only for the iM3 CR7 VET

Size 3.2 CR Plate (“True” 4C)

DR Sensor - Size 2

Take advantage of the $20,000 tax break with BCF - purchase and pay prior to the end of June to claim this year

Poloxamer gel for ear infectionsby Dr Anna Kolodina, Glen Osmond Veterinary Clinic, Fullarton, SA

When dealing with dogs that have ear infections, the owner often has to apply ear drops twice a day for an extended period of time. Once a dog realises what’s happening, it won’t let its owner get anywhere near its ears. It can make treatment extremely difficult.

What’s good about itThis product is a thermo-reversible gel which can be compounded to include a number of active ingredients. Once it’s applied in the ear, it lasts for seven days. There’s no need for pet owners to continually apply ear drops. We’ve only just started using this product but the feedback from clients has been very positive and the ear infections have all cleared up nicely.

The gel can be used on a wide range of conditions. Once we have had a look at an ear smear under the microscope and identified the type of yeast or bacterial infection, we can prescribe a treatment specific to that condition. We inform HPS Compounding of which medication we require and they produce it in the form of a gel. The gel is usually supplied the next day.

Very rarely a dog may need some sedation to place the syringe in its ear. However, as it only requires one application, most dogs take it very well. The gel slowly releases the medication in the ear canal and is fully absorbed. Occasionally, there’s a little bit of dry debris that we need to clean out.

I love this system. It’s easy to apply, it’s effective and it eliminates the need for dog owners to place drops in the ears of an often uncooperative pet.

What’s not so goodSometimes, when I want specific medications compounded, they don’t have them on hand. In those cases I have to play around with the drugs that are available. I usually find a solution.

Where did you get itHPS Compounding (www.hps.com.au).

43

Y O U R T O O L S

The perfect way to show clients what’s happening; a handy gel for ear infections; an educational nutritional consultation app, and much more are under review this month …

TOOLS TRADE

of the

UB Cam Proby Jess Hofmaier VN, Horsham Veterinary Hospital, VIC

This is a videoscope that connects directly to a computer via a USB port. The results can be seen live or the data can be saved. It comes with a number of different attachments that can be used in ear ducts, oral cavities or to check skin lesions.

What’s good about itThis is a great tool to use when clients are present. It lets them see exactly what’s happening and helps them understand the severity of their pet’s condition. It’s one thing to tell them their dog has wax discharge or ear mites but it’s another thing to show them.

The video camera can freeze an image or take a photo. Those files can be emailed to clients or shown to them when they come into the practice. Once they actually see the problem, clients are usually very keen to find a solution.

One client who was certain that nothing was wrong with her dog was shocked when I showed her a live shot of the ear mite infestation. She was very appreciative of our efforts to cure her pet.

It’s also instructive to show before-and-after treatment images. It helps clients understand what we do and that our techniques are effective.

The still images can be easily saved to the patient files which make the medical history of the animal more complete. It’s a great little unit.

What’s not so goodThis may just be our unit and not a design flaw but the cord that connects to the base of the unit doesn’t fit very well and sometimes comes out. It can get a little annoying, especially when using it with a client.

Where did you get itDLC Australia (www.dlc.com.au).

Take advantage of the $20,000 tax break with BCF - purchase and pay prior to the end of June to claim this year

http://www.hps.com.au

http://www.dlc.com.au

Hills Healthy Weight Protocol appby Laura Martin VN, Belmont Vet Centre, VIC

This is a free app for accurately determining if a pet is overweight. I am a nurse at Belmont Vet Centre working in nutritional consults with clients. This app can help make a difficult conversation with a pet owner much easier.

What’s good about itThe app lets you determine an animal’s ideal weight by inputting a few simple facts such as species, sex, age, current weight and body measurements. It can then determine if the animal is overweight and can give food recommendations to get it back to a healthy weight.

It’s a very user-friendly system and it’s quite easy to input all the information. The food recommendations are for Hills products but the process is very effective. At the same time, the results need to be tempered with a little common sense and not just taken as gospel.

Owners often feel their pets are not overweight when they’re clearly obese. This app helps to quantify their pet’s weight and makes the process less confrontational. Generally, we explain why we think the pet is overweight and couple those observations with a solution. That solution can include running their pet’s statistics through this app while explaining the consequences of having an overweight animal.

What’s not so goodThere are a few small problems when inputting information. You can only list the name of one veterinarian so when the results are emailed to the owner, it may not be from the vet who dealt with the client. The app lets you choose between three types of food—wet, dry or treats. However, you have to go through the entire process for each type of food. It would be nice if you could choose multiple food types and the results showed how much of each could be given to the animal.

Where did you get itThe iTunes store.

Y O U R T O O L S

continued from page 43

44

Zero Degree endoscope/sinoscopeby Dr Rebecca Robey, Heathcote Veterinary Hospital, NSW

Our practice owner was at a veterinary conference a couple of years ago and purchased a large endoscope. This little Zero Degree model came as a bonus with that purchase. I think we probably use it more often than the larger one.

What’s good about itIt fits the hand very nicely, has a battery-operated light supply and is small enough to operate with one hand. One of the most useful ways I use it is to intubate rabbits for anaesthetics. Placing a tube down a rabbit’s trachea for an anaesthetic is very tricky and a lot of vets, me included, find it almost impossible. Using this little rigid endoscope is a bit of a cheater’s way to do it but it helps a lot.

The other way that’s really useful is for checking up dogs’ and cats’ noses for grass seeds and foreign bodies. I’ve used it to help remove all sorts of sticks, twigs, needles and things. I’ve also used it as an aid in placing urinary catheters in female dogs.

It can be used to sex birds surgically. We don’t offer that service at the clinic but I’ve done it at Taronga Zoo.

I find it very handy for a range of everyday procedures. The in-built light supply and compact design makes it very easy to use.

What’s not so goodEven though it’s a rigid endoscope, sometimes the rigidity can be a little bit limiting. It can be frustrating when you get to a bend in the nose or down a rabbit’s throat and you effectively hit a dead end.

PurchasedThis unit was a gift at a veterinary conference but a full range of endoscopes is available at Ausvet Endoscopy (www.austvetendoscopy.com.au).

http://www.austvetendoscopy.com.au

On a roll

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46

Y O U R L I F E

“I’ll play roller derby until my body shuts down. It already takes a lot of strapping tape to get me through the season but I’m hanging in there.

“So far, I’ve been lucky and suffered no major injuries, though we’ve had a few really nice fractures and torn muscles throughout the team. A few of the girls skate with pins holding various parts of their skeleton together.

“About four years ago, my friends dragged me along to my first roller derby, promising that I would see something amazing. They were right. I joined the Blood Diamonds the very next day. I was re-christened Dusty Flya and skate with a great bunch of women including Bloody Fiasco, Lady Savage, HMAS Destroyher and Shampain Migraine.

“The rules of roller derby are fairly simple. There are five people on each team and one of them is the jammer who wears a star on her helmet. The jammer scores a point every time she passes one of the opposition. I am the jammer for the Blood Diamonds and it’s my team’s job to get me through the pack. The opposing team’s job is to stop me.

“When you’re part of a roller derby team, nobody cares about what you do. I may be a vet nurse during the day but when I’m in the rink, I’m Dusty Flya, the jammer. You leave all your baggage at the front door.

“Our eldest teammate is in her fifties and we have some 18-year-olds who are just getting started. Of course, they’re skating rings around us older players.

Most of my teammates are in their mid-thirties.

“The Brisbane competition is called Open Season and last year the Blood Diamonds won. We have the trophy on our mantelpiece and we don’t intend to give it back. We also play in the Queensland tournament called Tropicarnage. We are ranked fourth at the moment but I’m sure we can go one better. My husband and three boys [aged five, seven and nine] love watching me compete.

“I really enjoy the physicality of roller derby and being able to unleash. It’s a very athletic and mentally demanding sport. We spend a lot of time working on game strategy.

“Roller derby has a very different culture to the other sports I’ve played. All the teams are brimming with bravado but everyone works together and shares coaching, administration, everything. I absolutely love it.”

With a helmet, a pair of skates and a dollop of attitude, vet nurse Jo McArthur of Moffat Beach Veterinary Surgery in Queensland transforms into the roller derby bad-ass, Dusty Flya

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PRACTICE

Through the keyholeWhy minimally invasive

surgery is gaining popularity, page 10

Bright futureWhat you need to

consider to future proof your practice, page 14

Taking the leadWinner of the recent Vet Nurse of the

Year Award, Tiffany Swift, shares what

it takes to be the best Social policyLearn how to manage your workplace social

media usage, page 26

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Are you: Renewing or New

M1506VET

Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. © 2015 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. Mar 15. ZOEAPO1086

Historically, allergic skin disease was thought to be a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction mediated by cutaneous mast cells and IgE. However, thanks to novel discoveries led by Zoetis researchers, we now know that inhibiting the Janus kinase (JAK) intracellular pathway is the key to rapidly stopping the continuous itch cycle, without the side effects seen with current therapies.

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JAK AND THE NEW SCIENCE BEHIND CANINE ITCH?Zoetis technical vets will be available from 7 April to 30 June to visit your clinic for a personalised ‘lunch and learn’ session where you’ll learn about Apoquel (oclacitinib), a new therapeutic approach that may benefit your canine patients.

There is a new way of getting fast and safe symptom relief for your canine patients struggling with acute, seasonal and chronic pruritus.

GET THE FACTS ON JAKRegister for your

own ‘Lunch and Learn’ in-clinic session at

www.apoquel.gettimely.com

ITCHING

A BREAKTHROUGH WE’RE TO SHARE WITH YOU.

Documents

Vet Practice June 2015