Vet Practice October 2015

Dr Lisa Chimes is helping to reduce animals in shelters,

one puppy at a time

Clickbait The trend for online shopping

is pervading the world of pets, but at what cost?

Supply and demandWithout oversight, the

prevalence of professional education is leading to a vet nurse oversupply

Look smartTwo practices

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OCTOBER 2015

Cover storySeeking shelter 18As television’s newest veterinarian face, Dr Lisa Chimes is educating Australians on rescue animals.

News + eventsThe latest in the veterinary world 4Reducing the number of unwanted kittens, and more.

Your worldSummer of love 10As the trend for cat cafes continues to grow, they’re helping to provide a home for unwanted animals.

Your businessFears for the future 14With the number of veterinary training institutions continually on the rise, concerns are being raised about the quality of graduates and the number of jobs.

Handled with care 24In today’s crowded market, standing out has never been more important. These two practices demonstrate significant architectural innovation.

Pet projects 28While shopping centre pet stores are under scrutiny, online retail is just another avenue in which animals can be traded unscrupulously.

Your toolsNew products 9Assistance with practice stock control.

Education guide 33Vet Practice’s guide to the best in training and professional development.

Tools of the trade 41Reviewed by your peers in the profession.

Your lifeThe big chill 46For Dr Geoff Wilson, combating some of the world’s most challenging locations—and raising money all the while—is a thrilling addiction.

Contents

C O N T E N T S

10

18

28 46

PRACTICE Editorial Director Rob Johnson

Digital Director Ann Gordon

Contributors Tracey Porter, Frank Leggett

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.

24

14

Sales Director Adam Cosgrove

4,557 - CAB Audited as at March 2015

Sub-editor Kerryn Ramsey

Editor Mitchell Oakley Smith

Art Director Lucy Glover

Every dog has its day.

remember Nexgard on your chosenday of the month,every month tokill fleas and ticks.

One NexGard chew, once a month, kills fleas and ticks.

NexGard makes protecting your pet against fleas and ticks easier than ever before.

It’s the once-a-month treatment that combines state-of-the-art science with an active ingredient that works to protect against fleas and ticks, in a tasty chew that dogs love to eat.

You can make your NexGard Day the first of the month, or any day you choose, every month.

It’s as simple as that.

When science meets simplicity, NexGard is more than just a flea and tick product; it’s Next-Generation Protection.

nexgard.com.auA SANOFI COMPANY

See product label for full claim details. Merial Australia Pty Ltd. 12-24 Talavera Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. ABN 53 071 187 285.®NEXGARD is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2015 Merial limited. All rights reserved. NXGD.15.07.0182b

kills fleas kills ticks one chew once a month

tasty chew

SMMRL 0120 297x210mm NXG [P] Vet Practice.indd 1 1/10/2015 12:28 pm

4

news + events

Reducing the number of unwanted kittensWhile spring brings warmer weather and longer days, it also marks the beginning of the most prolific cat breeding season of the year, with many kittens born without homes. While animal shelters do an outstanding job in protecting these unwanted kittens, the burden in Australia is a significant one, often leading to overcrowding and

a strain on resources for these non-profit institutions.

“Breeding season varies depending on where you are in Australia,” said Dr Robert Johnson, the president of the Australian Veterinary Association [AVA]. “It typically begins around September when we start to see the first groups of pregnant cats and very young kittens arrive at vet clinics and shelters. By early October, the situation worsens with

mums and kittens arriving in fatal numbers.”

While there are initiatives in place to address

the high level of unwanted companion levels—including

at the government legislative level—there is more that can be

done to help lessen the situation over the coming months.

“The AVA believes that the most effective way to make an impact on the problem involves

a multi-pronged approach that’s appropriate to the situation in each

state or local government area,” said Dr Johnson. This includes: Understanding the problem: Most unwanted cats and kittens

ending up in shelters are stray or surrendered owned cats and kittens. Others may be feral or lost. The source of unwanted animals in each particular area needs to be identified and addressed.Education: Rather than feeding stray cats, it’s better to take ownership of them or take them to a shelter. Otherwise, they will continue to breed in large numbers, further contributing to the problem.Identification: Microchipping and collars with tags are vital to ensure that lost animals can be returned to their owners without having to go to a pound or shelter and further adding to overcrowded facilities.Desexing: That prevents pet cats having unwanted litters of kittens.Targeted desexing programs in areas where there is an unusually low number of desexed cats can be an effective strategy to reduce unwanted animals in particular communities.Enforcing regulation: Regulations for breeding, keeping and selling companion animals need to be enforced to reduce impulse buying, poor animal welfare and euthanasia rates.

A new female labrador, Radar [pictured], recently joined Assistance Dogs Australia’s troop of specially trained dogs, helping to provide aid to people in need, with thanks to the support of The Advantage Family, which provided sponsorship to cover the cost of the dog’s two-year training. During this period, Radar will learn how to provide specialised support to Australians in need by performing tasks including the opening and closing of doors, retrieving

dropped items, removing items of clothing from washing machines and

paying cashiers at stores. Richard Lord,

the chief executive officer of Assistance

Dogs Australia, said that the cost of training an assistance dog is close to $30,000, which includes its food, veterinary treatments, placement and follow-up care for the next eight to 10 years of the dog’s working life. What’s more is that Assistance Dogs

Australia currently operates without government funding, relying instead on the corporate sponsorship such as that by The Advantage Family.

Established in 1996, the organisation places the trained canines in homes free of charge, and trains two types of dogs: those for service and those for support. The former is placed with adults with physical disabilities and young people with autism, and are trained to respond to up to 50 specialised commands. Support dogs, on the other hand, provide therapy support to special needs schools, aged-care facilities and children’s hospices.

It’s a girl

With spring comes kitten breeding season.

Reducing the number of unwanted kittens

Associate Professor Trish Fleming of Murdoch University, Perth, wrote in the online news service, ScienceNetwork WA, about the lack of attention and respect given to animals at the less attractive end of the spectrum. With the demise of numerous species in recent years, including the Christmas Island pipistrelle and some native rodents and bats, A/Prof Fleming’s concern was that on a government and community level we tend only to contribute—whether financially, professionally or at a grassroots level—to the protection of large, charismatic animals at the expense of small (and, sometimes, ugly) ones.

“Most people would be surprised to learn that Australia is home to more than 70 native rodent species, and about the same number of bats,” wrote A/Prof Fleming. “Bats and native rodents make up almost half of our total number of mammal species, and yet for most species, science has done barely more than catalogue their existence.”

A/Prof Fleming’s observation is supported by the extinction of at least three native rodent species, described only from bone fragments in caves where owls roost.

The losses are being caused by a number of factors, largely environmental. With 2010 the driest and warmest summer on record, vast expanses of forest were lost, including tuart trees, under the canopies of which the western false pipistrelle forages. “When we lose forests, we also lose habitat for microbats,” wrote A/Prof Fleming.

“We don’t understand the full impact of this loss, but we know that small insectivorous bats can eat up to 1000 mosquitos in an hour—4000 for nursing females—and losing bats from our environment means less control over mosquito numbers.”

“We could [soon] lose the animals that pollinate our plants, recycle nutrients into the soil, help plants become established,” wrote A/Prof Fleming. “We need to work together in order to work in complex systems. In the same way that isolated groups could not save the Christmas Island pipistrelle, we need communication, integration, and interaction to save other species.”

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Native bats are just one species with dwindling

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Following a recent spread of parvovirus throughout the United States, an outbreak in Riverland, South Australia, has been deemed the worst in 15 years, reported ABC News. The outbreak, the result of owners failing to vaccinate their dogs against parvo, has lead to more cases in the past few months as in all of 2014.

Parvovirus, which can be fatal, attacks the immune system of young puppies and is spread via faeces, and usually experiences a spike during the spring

news + events

An outbreak of parvovirus

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According to a survey conducted by Dairy Australia in 2013, the average size of Australian dairy herds has risen 37 per cent over the past decade, a trend that looks set to continue with a third of the surveyed farmers expecting to calve more cows in the following year. The increased scale of production, the Australian Veterinary Association believes, could impact the individual welfare outcomes of the cows.

“Increasing scale of production means larger herd sizes, increased stocking densities, longer milking times, longer walking distances, and reduced ability to examine and treat cows individually,” said Dr David Beggs of the Animal Welfare Science Centre of

Assessing the welfare of cows in large dairy herds

REVIEWERS WANTEDWe want you to write for Vet Practice!Every issue, we’re asking vets to review their tools—telling us in a couple of paragraphs what they love about them and what they don’t like. Check out the reviews starting on page 41.

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If you’d like to write a review, email the Editor at [email protected], and he’ll tell you what’s involved.


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the University of Melbourne. “These factors have the potential to cause reduced welfare outcomes for dairy cows. But on the other hand, there are management aspects that often improve outcomes with economies of scale. Welfare can be difficult to measure and there’s been little published regarding the welfare outcomes for cows in large Australian dairy herds.

“Larger enterprises are more likely to have modern rotary dairies that reduce milking time. They may also be more likely to have infrastructure to electronically identify, monitor and feed individual cows, they may be more likely to use professional advice and provide superior nutrition, and they may have greater capacity for staff training and quality assurance,” Dr Beggs said.

As part of a PhD looking at welfare outcomes in larger herds, he conducted a survey in 2014 to assess the relationships between herd size and known or proposed risk factors for adverse animal welfare outcomes in Australian dairy herds. “We received responses from 863 [13 per cent] Australian dairy farms representing 260,000 cows with an average herd size of 304 and what we found was that a larger herd size was associated with risk factors for animal welfare concerns in relation to decreased staffing per cow, increased grain feeding [which can lead to diseases] and milking time.

“There was no evidence, however, of an increase in disease, cow contentment levels or other adverse welfare outcomes. More than 95 per cent of farmers believed that their cows were content most of the time. This can probably be explained by larger enterprises having access to better training and education of staff, routine veterinary herd visits, separate milking of the main herd and the sick cows, transition diets before calving and written protocols for treatment of disease.”

season. Symptoms include sudden vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, quiet behaviour, blood in vomit and stools and dehydration. Breeds at particular risk are Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, labrador retrievers and German shepherds. While there is no definitive cure for parvovirus, increased hydration by placing the animal on a drip can help prevent fatalities.

Animals showing

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

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With kitten season on the horizon, a growing number of cat cafes and kitten-sharing initiatives aim to raise awareness of shelter animals, writes Mitchell Oakley Smith.

FOR MANY PEOPLE—SUCH AS THOSE living in apartments or regularly travelling —owning a companion animal isn’t an option, but the benefits of spending time with them have been well documented. And even those who do invest in purchasing a kitten, the commitment required in caring for it—time, financial, emotional, and so on—can often prove too challenging, leading to the incredibly high numbers of animals kept in shelters around the country, as detailed in our cover story with Dr Lisa Chimes [page 18]. It’s unsurprising then that cats have become such a popular rental commodity in the form of cat cafes, affording the opportunity to spend time with the animal without the associated long-term care.

“I was so excited to visit a cat cafe because it was a novelty,” says Anita Loughran of Cat Café Melbourne. “It sounded fun but I quickly realised there was more to them than just a gimmick. Everyone gets something different out of visiting cat cafes, [whether it’s] animal companionship, a way to de-stress and relax, or to help them heal after losing their own pet.”

Wenee Yap, co-owner of Catmosphere Sydney, agrees, adding that with urbanisation driving the world towards high-rise living, having a four-legged friend

Summer of love

11

Dr Kendall believes Cat Palace is the world’s first ethical cat cafe. Cats, by their very nature, don’t tend to enjoy interacting with other cats, particularly new ones, so Dr Kendall has crafted Cat Palace with a stable colony, where they’re not required to interact with one another or share living space, litter, food or water. When they interact with humans, they do so under supervision and based on whether they’re a playful or lap cat. “It is a pretty special cat that can tolerate all the pressures of a confined environment, other cats and different people,” says Dr Kendall, which is why she ensures each of her cats is screened before being integrated.

A similar process is in place at Cat Café. “Our cats were chosen specifically for their social personalities, so they quite enjoy the

attention and interaction,” says Loughran, who ensures that no more than 15 people per hour are admitted and that sleeping cats are not disturbed. Catmosphere worked with World League Protection of Animals, from where its cats were sourced, for more five months to ensure its cats were well-suited to high levels of human interaction, and opened the cafe in an incremental way to ensure the cats weren’t stressed by the process. “We have a cat handler in the room at all times to ensure our visitors are well-schooled in how to interact with cats and to intervene if the cats seem distressed,” says Yap. Like Cat Café, Catmosphere has quiet rooms for the cats to disappear to if they desire.

Not all part-time kitten interaction seems to take into account the welfare of

is more frequently precluded, leading to the rise of cat cafes. “Studies have repeatedly shown the health benefits of pets—stroking, sitting beside or playing with them offering calm and wellbeing,” she says. Indeed, some law schools in the United States have taken to introducing on-campus pets to address high rates of depression and anxiety in students.

Cat cafes originated in residentially dense Asia, with the first, Cat Flower Garden, opening in Taipei in 1998. Over the following decade, countless more opened throughout the region, with the concept becoming a craze in Tokyo, Japan, where cats hold a special place in the local culture as a symbol of good fortune. The trend hasn’t escaped Australia. In addition to Catmosphere, which opened earlier this year, and Cat Café Melbourne, opened in 2014, there’s a handful of similar ventures around the country, varying in form from pop-up to permanent, and owners strongly believe in the importance of the projects—for both cats and humans alike.

“Our cats are not commodities,” says Dr Kim Kendall, a veterinarian, cat behaviourist and proprietor of Cat Palace in Chatswood, NSW. With the consultation of fellow behaviourist Dr John Bradshaw of University of Bristol in the United Kingdom,

“We help advertise local shelter promotions, especially in

summer during kitten season.”

Anita Loughran, Cat Café Melbourne

Above: Nod, a resident of Cat Café Melbourne, was from the Lost Dogs Home. Left: Cat Café Melbourne.


12

the animals, however, with ride-sharing service Uber coming under scrutiny for its UberKittens promotion. Following its popularity in the US, Uber Australia teamed with a series of cat shelters and allowed users to ‘order’ a kitten through the app for $40, which buys 15 minutes of play time. The intended purpose, according to Uber, was to raise awareness of cats in animal shelters, and indeed all profits were donated to the respective cat shelters in each city, such as the Cat Protection Society of NSW in Newtown.

But while the industry agrees that introducing shelter animals to prospective parents and raising awareness about the number of discarded animals is important, opinion is greatly divided on the UberKittens promotion. “It’s abhorrent,” says Dr Kendall. “I was surprised any rescue group was prepared to put kittens through such an ordeal.” The vet notes that while cats can be trained and subsequently enjoy doing different things, driving them around the city to meet a vast number of different people is not beneficial to the kittens’ wellbeing.

“They internalise the stress,” she says, noting symptoms of diarrhoea and flu that can potentially be fatal. Claire Fryer, a campaign coordinator for PETA, told the Sydney Morning Herald at the time of the event that it was “stressful for the animals and may also lead to them missing out on a potential forever home when serious adoptees visit the animal shelter.”

At the heart of these ventures is the

re-homing of abandoned cats or the raising of awareness of shelter animals to the broader public. While Dr Kendall’s establishment comprises seven cats registered to her and found through various channels, many cat cafes operate in partnership with animal shelters, helping to provide a caring home, introducing the cats to adoring visitors and, in some cases, finding them permanent homes with adoptive parents. “The cats will live as a colony here for probably two years and then we will re-home them if appropriate,” says Dr Kendall. “They do their duty and move on, and most of the cafe attendees want to take one of the cats home.” Cat Palace has created a tablet with a link to rescue websites so visitors can browse for cats they might like to meet.

Cat Café Melbourne is a partner to Geelong Animal Welfare Society and the Lost Dogs Home in North Melbourne, and while like Cat Palace, its feline residents are permanent, they are, as Loughran says, “great mascots for the beautiful animals available for adoption. We help advertise local shelter promotions, especially in summer during kitten season.” Additionally, it donates funds to the shelters and conducts a food drive throughout December. “We love discussing the benefits of adopting and will continue to promote this in the hope of increasing adoption from shelters.” Yap adds that interest is on the rise. “We’ve received no shortage of enquiries and hope these cats can find their ‘furr-ever’ home.”

Top: Fifi with a patron of Cat Palace. Above: Sasha of Cat Palace.

Lexi of Cat Café Melbourne is often found lounging in the sun, or looking for pats.

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Y O U R W O R L D

14

numbers—sometimes thousands—of students. “The number of students has increased dramatically. Students want to study veterinary nursing and many enrol without the understanding that they must have a workplace to complete the training. Veterinary nursing has been seen as a cash cow by some RTOs.”

Harrie Phillips, managing director of the private provider, Australian College of Veterinary Nursing [ACVN], agrees there is an oversupply issue affecting the sector but argues this is not solely down to the number of providers.

While declining to reveal how many students ACVN has, Phillips says a downturn of the industry as a whole means there are fewer vet nurse positions available to graduates. “I don’t think there are too many providers—competition and choice in any sector is a good thing. The problem is that the training package doesn’t stipulate what the minimum entry requirements for the Certificate IV qualification are and some RTOs will take advantage of that.”

Figures from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research [NCVER] each year suggest that around 640 government-funded students graduate from Certificate IV in Vet Nursing—the qualification standard for people operating as a vet nurse within a vet clinic—up from just 73 in 2011. Vet Practice was unable to confirm the corresponding number of non-government funded [private] students.

An increasing number of animal care training organisations has led to concerns about inconsistencies. Tracey Porter reports on the quality of vet nurse graduatesin Australia.

Fears for the future

SHE WAS JUST A VET WHOSE practice was a team member down. She advertised the role and waited for the CVs of suitably qualified operators to roll in. Her initial anxiety soon turned to delight as one by one they came. In all, 25 applicants begged to be considered for the job. However, without any experience working in a real veterinarian clinic behind them, every single one was deemed unsuitable and quietly sent on their way to continue their march towards gainful employment.

Dr Julia Crawford, chair of the National Industry Advisory Group for Veterinary Nursing [NIAG], says the above scenario is one of dozens of stories repeated across the country as vet practices deal with the realities of too many providers accepting too many students in what she suggests is a bid to boast their bottom lines.

Dr Crawford, who also sits on the Australian Veterinary Association [AVA] board, says currently there are around 38 providers of the Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, including vocational education trainers such as TAFEs—that are counted as one registered training organisation [RTO] but may have seven or eight campuses now competing with each other—private colleges and online institutions. She says four to five years ago, there were only two private providers and now there are about seven.

“The problem is not the number of new providers; instead, the new providers are enrolling very large

15

“We are concerned that … volunteers could

be exploited as free labour, not trained and signed off by

skilled assessors.”Dr Julia Crawford, National Industry

Advisory Group for Veterinary Nursing

Data supplied by the Federal Government’s MySkills website, together with the Government’s Jobs Outlook market research site, confirms 8600 people were employed as veterinary nurses in 2014 yet job openings over the next five years are expected to be equal to or less than 5000. The same site suggests the average cost of completing vet nursing training is $12,700 per year, however anecdotal evidence suggests this can range anywhere from $3000 to $13,000 depending on whether the course the student selects is Government-funded and whether they are studying a certificate or diploma.

Dr Crawford says as a profession, the vet industry is overwhelmed with volunteers. “If we take the responsibility of training a volunteer properly, it is a commitment of time and money. We are concerned that some of these volunteers could be exploited as free labour, not trained and signed off by skilled assessors.”

Compounding the issue is the fact that some student vet nurses and other animal care workers elect to pay for their courses via Vocational Education Training [VET] Fee-Help, the Government-subsidised vocational program that works like HECS and allows students to repay their loans once they earn a certain amount.

A Federal Senate inquiry into vocational training heard that Government payments to non-TAFE providers for VET delivery had increased from $523.4 million to $1.36 billion in just five years.

The inquiry also heard that 40 per cent of all VET Fee-Help loans will not be repaid due to lack of job opportunities for VET graduates and low wages.

As a result of concerns raised about the scheme, the Government strengthened the financial viability requirement for providers and added consistency in reporting, accountability and transparency requirements.

However, the tightening of rules governing the scheme have come too late for some students. In a submission to the inquiry, student Lauren Coward, who was midway through study for a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, noted she had “very serious concerns” that there was an overwhelming number of enrolments in her online course.

“The industry is becoming flooded with trainees. As I have been applying for volunteer positions in my local region, I have been dismayed to hear the numbers of trainees looking for positions. One surgery has three trainees already, a number of the clinics I have approached have at least one trainee volunteer already undertaking a position. One clinic that I was talking to estimated their practice has had at least 10 applications for work placements for online VET courses in the month of March alone.”

Coward asked that the enrolment intake numbers be correlated to industry demand for trained professionals “rather than the open slather approach” currently in place.

Open Colleges did not respond to enquiries made by Vet Practice at the time of press. However, Dr Crawford says the issue goes beyond rising fees and poorly trained nurses struggling to find work, instead striking at the heart of the profession. “The problem is that there are a large number graduates who are often not of a quality to be employed. There are vacancies but they are for the well qualified nurses and most vets know which RTOs and which veterinary workplaces produce good quality vet nurses. Many want to employ overseas-trained vet nurses.”

Of greatest concern is the fact that inconsistent outcomes from different RTOs will devalue the Certificate IV in Vet Nursing and similar qualifications.

Similar issues in the UK have resulted in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons [RVCS] to call on the

Government to change the law to protect the title ‘veterinary nurse’. The RVCS says, “It is inappropriate for people without formal training to describe themselves as a ‘veterinary nurse’, and that to do so puts animal welfare at risk.”

Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia executive committee member Tenille Petrilli agrees there “seems to be a lot of training providers out there”, but says many providers—both private and public—work hard to ensure consistency by attending advisory group meetings regularly with industry representatives to ensure their courses are aligned with what is happening with the broader sector.

“It’s getting better. Rogue operators or people who aren’t offering the course in the right way are not being selected as a place to study.”

Both Petrilli and Dr Crawford say

the NIAG, the AVA and the VNCA will continue to advocate for nationally validated assessments to provide a level playing field when it comes to educational outcomes at the country’s RTOs at both a State and Federal level.

“We must have national assessment tools to ensure that there are consistent outcomes across the country,” says Dr Crawford. “We believe that every veterinary nursing student across Australia should have a high-quality international standard qualification irrespective of where they live, work or study.”


Many volunteers are being used as free labour and not provided the ov-ersight necessary to ensure an animal’s wellbeing.

[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.

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C O V E R S T O RY

Dr Lisa Chimes is Australian television’s new favourite vet, and shines a light on animals in welfare.

AUSTRALIA HAS A LONG AND illustrious history of animal-based television programs that, at their core, aim to educate the nation about our four-legged and feathered friends. The charming Dr Harry Cooper was first introduced to home viewers in 1993 with Talk to the Animals, followed by his namesake Harry’s Practice, which for seven years spoke to the Australian public about health issues facing domestic animals and how best to treat them. While the show was unfortunately cancelled in 2003, Dr Cooper maintains a veterinary segment on popular lifestyle program Better Homes and Gardens following much the same format as his own.

Queenslander Steve Irwin burst onto television in 1996 with his broad accent—“Crikey!”—and wrangling of much-feared Australian crocodiles. His heady mix of adrenaline-heavy adventure and factual underpinnings inspired Sir David Attenborough to praise Irwin for introducing many to wildlife with his natural storytelling ability. “He taught them how wonderful and exciting it was. He was a born communicator,” he said. And then in 2009 came Bondi Vet, the factual reality show following veterinary

Dr Lisa Chimes plans to stamp out pet welfare through her popular educational initiatives. Mitchell Oakley Smith meets Australian television’s favourite new vet.

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surgeon Chris Brown, who inspired anew pet lovers with his striking looks and the fast-paced nature of emergency care.

“I think the main aim—and particularly why I do it—is to teach people about responsible pet ownership,” says Dr Lisa Chimes. “People hopefully learn things about animal diseases and behavioural patterns and the general care of owning an animal. It teaches children, too, because of the number of young people that watch these shows. It teaches them empathy and compassion which are both so important. If we can make one person a better pet owner, then that’s a start.”

Dr Chimes is the most recent addition to the canon of television programs dedicated to animal welfare. A breakout star of Bondi Vet, Dr Chimes was most recently on screen in the debut season of her namesake program, Dr Lisa to the Rescue. In much the same way as The Bachelor, Dr Chimes plays matchmaker, but in this case bones replace roses as she finds permanent homes for rescue dogs from the Animal Welfare League.

It’s a heartwarming plot, but it strikes at the core of an important and widespread issue in Australia, with more than 100,000 dogs finding refuge at

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C O V E R S T O R Y

shelters across the country each year. “I think in a lot of situations people have made impulse decisions about getting a pet,” says Dr Chimes. “They’ve bought a dog or a cat when they’re not ready financially, or they don’t have the time or space, or they have a baby, and the pets end up in shelters or neglected. What I’m trying to do is teach people about getting pets—about when is the right time and if they’re suitable.”

Part of the program, too, is retraining the public to view animals from shelters as not being second-best. “There’s quite a good awareness about abandoned animals but I don’t think people realise how good the shelters are or how much care the animals get before they come

to a new home. They get welfare training, behavioural training, medical care … They’ve been through an extensive rehabilitation process.

They’re not, as most people imagine, these mangy, scabby

creatures—not hand-me-downs, but actually in great condition and

were just unfortunate that they were in a family that wasn’t ready for them.” On the show, Dr Chimes matched pets

with loving families, and Dr Lisa to the Rescue has had real-world impact, with the Animal Welfare League experiencing a greater interest rate since the program first aired. “If we can get their adoption rates up, get pets out of shelters sooner, then that’s a success. Even if we can get one more pet out a week, I’ll be happy.”

But while the program offers audiences an education about the tools necessary to purchase and care for a pet—the financial means, the time, the lifestyle and the environment—it also speaks to a greater, and rather more sinister, issue that is at the heart of the sheer number of animals in welfare. This is the selling of animals through pet shops, where customers are afforded the opportunity

to indulge, to use fashion parlance, on an impulse purchase, and the puppy farms and backyard breeders that supply and support such a sales practice. “We have to ban the sale of pets in pet shops to help put the flames out,” says Dr Chimes. “People are not getting the proper education [here] that they need and in many cases we don’t know where these animals are coming from, which makes it hard to care for and treat them.”

At the time of writing, a Parliamentary inquiry was being conducted by the Companion Animal Breeding Practices in New South Wales Committee, with Pet Industry Association of Australia chief executive officer Mark Fraser telling the Joint Select Committee hearings that the industry needs government regulation to help stamp out puppy farms. “We are calling for increased government regulation of our industry through the establishment of a mandatory licensing system for all retailers, brokers and breeders of dogs,” he said. “The licensing system would be implemented and enforced by government and funded by industry. This model has already been successfully implemented with the sales and licensing of reptiles in New South Wales, wherein the industry and other

“People are not getting the proper

education that they need and in many

cases we don’t know where these animals

are coming from.”Dr Lisa Chimes

Dr Chimes filming her television program, Dr Lisa to the Rescue.

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stakeholders worked together to produce a successful welfare-based outcome.”

Dr Chimes has always had a love for animals—“It’s something that you’re born with,” she says—and a parallel interest in science and medicine growing up, making veterinary the perfect profession to combine her two passions. “My grandfather was a doctor, and my dad is a dentist, so I’m definitely from medical genes, and I had dogs growing up from as young as I remember,” she says. “There were always four-legged creatures running around.”

And while she concedes that the stresses placed on vets are immense, particularly when it comes to dealing with clients about monetary issues and euthanasia, the upside of the profession is contributing to the wellbeing of animals. “The best part of the job is when we have an animal that came in really unwell, sometimes almost dying, and after treating it we’re able to send it home. Seeing the family joy and that wagging tail is an absolute highlight and the stresses seem insignificant in comparison.”

In terms of her transition to silver-screen star, Dr Chimes found the process of filming initially challenging. “It was quite unusual to have to explain what I was doing [to the camera], particularly working in emergency care which is fast-paced, but I really enjoy communicating and I knew what the end result is—that people will be learning about their pets—so I was able to get used to it.”

Following ongoing conversations with the production company behind Bondi Vet, the idea for Dr Lisa to the Rescue was hatched, with all in agreement that raising awareness about shelter pets was an important issue. “It was a natural progression from Bondi Vet, which I’m still doing, but [this show] teaches people about pets in a different way.”

It’s not the only media through which Dr Chimes is helping to educate the Australian public about animal health and welfare. Earlier this year she authored two children’s books, My First Puppy and My First Kitten (both $14.99, Penguin Australia) with illustrations by Tina Burke,

that aim to teach children about the responsibilities that come with owning a pet. “I’ve got a two-year-old son and I see how interested he is in our dogs, so writing a picture book that teaches kids in an educational way how to care for their pets has been really rewarding,” says Dr Chimes. “They’re narratives for three- to six-year-olds, and through the story they learn how to take care of their first puppy or kitten, with messages that parents can take away as well. It’s a great way to get the whole family involved in learning about animals.”

Is there more yet on the horizon for Dr Chimes? “It’s too early to tell but we’ve had good feedback so far so hopefully there are more opportunities,” she says. “The reason I do all of this—the television show, the books, my regular job as an emergency care vet—is to help animals, to teach people about animals.”

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Dr Chimes’ books aim to teach children about caring for companion animals.



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When two Melbourne vet practices were ready to redevelop their properties, both turned to visionary architects to deliver a real ‘wow’ factor, reports Kerryn Ramsey.

Handled with careDURING THE DESIGN PHASE OF a vet practice, it’s tempting to trim the financial fat. Some practitioners try to minimise costs by eschewing an architect, but this can be a false economy. An architect-designed practice usually saves money in the long term due to the building’s functionality, efficiency, and environmental and sustainable elements. However, most importantly, an architect provides originality—even a ‘wow’ factor—that can improve your business by impressing regular patrons,

attracting prospective clients, and making staff feel proud of the practice.

Two Melbourne practices went down this path—hiring architects who pushed the design boundaries—with exceptional results. Monash Veterinary Clinic in

The exterior of Monash Veterinary Clinic is

designed to resemble a cardboard box.

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Oakleigh South and Brimbank Vet Clinic in Melbourne’s western suburbs had established their practices but were ready to expand. Both were well-positioned on busy traffic; the Monash practice was a converted fast-food restaurant, while Brimbank operated in a 20-year-old cottage. Different approaches have now given both practices real impact.

When Sally Timmins of Timmins+Whyte Architecture took on the Monash Veterinary Clinic project in 2009, her concept was certainly unconventional. “When I started thinking about vet clinics, I pictured pets arriving in cardboard boxes,” recalls Timmins, who decided to turn the building itself into a larger-than-life ‘cardboard box’.

When she pitched this idea to the practice’s business partners, Drs Stuart Mason and Mark Foley, she was a little nervous. “Sometimes you really have to sell an idea when it’s a little crazy.”

Fortunately, the two vets had no qualms. “We were really excited by the idea,” says Dr Mason.

Handled with care

Timmins designed a corrugated wall construction to get the cardboard look, topped off by an awning that’s reminiscent of the flap of a cardboard box in an open position. “You can even see the sticky-tape coming down on one side,” she says. The large ‘handle with care’ sign became ‘handled with care’, which is pertinent given the care for the animals. The usual graphics on a cardboard box—‘this way up’ and ‘fragile’—have been replaced with

a dog, cat and rabbit and are illuminated at night for visual impact.

“The design has really worked well and isn’t distracting from the professional work we do,” says Dr Mason, whose practice now has two surgeries, four consulting rooms, and a dog wash for public use.

An eye-catching exterior was also a priority for Brimbank Vet Clinic, which boasts a large entry canopy with a Hollywood-esque sign on top. This

“The design has really worked well

and isn’t distracting from the professional

work we do.”Dr Stuart Mason,

Monash Veterinary Clinic

Bold signage is key to Brimbank Vet Clinic’s marketing.

Dog, cat and rabbit graphics illuminate the vet practice during the

evening hours.


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was designed by Riccardo Zen of Zen Architects who had also designed a major renovation for Dr Jeremy Watson, one of the practice’s business partners. “We needed a building that was more sustainable in the long run, particularly from an environmental point of view,” says the vet who first opened the practice in 1998 with Dr Darrell Gust.

Set on a quarter-acre block, the existing house was originally positioned at the front of the property. Zen decided to locate the new clinic at the rear with car-parking at the front. “All the poor design issues they’d confronted in operating in a converted house were used as a springboard,” he explains.

To work closely with Zen, Dr Watson stepped up as project manager. “Fortunately, a good builder was one of our clients so he came on board,” he recalls. The vet’s management skills obviously came to the fore as the practice kept running during the nine-month build.

When it comes to passive principles, the clinic has operable clerestory windows in the consultancy rooms and operable windows between rooms to allow for natural light and passive heat gain. “I did rely a lot on Jeremy and his staff telling us how they operate so we could get a really good flow between the reception and the surgery spaces,” says Zen.

To minimise odours in the practice, an innovative ventilation system comes into play. “Animals are very sensitive when it comes to smell but so are the pet owners,” says Dr Watson. To remove these odours, the purpose-built clinic opens up automatically and flushes out all the stale air overnight.

Zen explains: “Before staff arrive in the morning, the windows shut down, the heaters come on and the place is ready to operate again. Then during the day, it continuously brings in fresh air while the stale air is being drawn out. At that stage, the heat energy that’s left in that stale air is given back into the building by a heat recovery system.

“It’s a much more pleasurable place to work now because there’s so much fresh air coming in,” says Zen. “The comfort levels are kept high and staff don’t feel too cold or hot.”

Sustainability is also a priority for Timmins+Whyte and was a driver for the Monash Veterinary Clinic design. In the reception area, the aperture of the western windows is minimised to stop heat loading while double glazing keeps the internal temperature stable, requiring less energy for heating and cooling.

Bringing natural light into internal rooms required some ingenuity. “We created openings that look through to other zones. It’s a great way for the staff to check on patients in different rooms,” she says. “The corridors also act as an acoustic buffer.”

This visionary clinic has been running for the past six years with eight veterinarians on board, and it’s become a flagship for practice design. “We have had lots of other clinics and people in the profession check out our practice,”

says Dr Mason. “Everyone has been really impressed with the design and

the spaciousness of the place.“Moving into a new building also

gave us an opportunity to re-brand our business. Our old logo and colour schemes had been in operation for many years and it was time for a facelift. It’s certainly modernised our premises.”

While the animals may not be aware of the exceptional design of these two practices, they do appreciate the comfort factor. Dr Watson explains: “From the moment the animal enters the building, we wanted to minimise any opportunity for them to get wound up.” Reducing the noise and smell was the first stage, along with natural light and a soft colour palette. In the consult rooms, a vinyl surface was chosen rather than cold, slippery stainless steel on tables. “Pets feel more comfortable, owners like it and we can keep it clean,” says Dr Watson.

For both Monash and Brimbank clinics, the combination of architectural design and pure comfort are a perfect match, helping both of these veterinary businesses to flourish.

“Moving into a new building also gave us an opportunity to re-brand our business.”

Dr Stuart Mason, Monash Veterinary Clinic

Operable clerestory windows allow for natural light and

passive heat gain through the Brimbank Vet Clinic.


The explosion of online shopping means digital screens have become just another shop window for people to buy and sell domestic animals, writes Tracey Porter.

EARLIER THIS YEAR, TOUGH NEW legislation came into effect in Victoria requiring pet-store owners to keep detailed records on every individual dog and cat offered for sale, including where they were sourced from. Premier Daniel Andrews says under the Labor Government, restrictions will be increased even further, with pet shops limited to only selling dogs or cats supplied by registered animal shelters or pounds.

Plans are also afoot to introduce mandatory pre-mating vet checks in the State and to limit breeding dogs to five litters, as well as to amend legislation to

Pet projects

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“The problem is that online sales are totally

unregulated ... Not a single person in Australia can

tell you how many puppy factories are in existence.”

Jodie Jankevics, Animals Australia

restrict the number of breeding dogs in business to 10 by 2020. The move has been hailed by animal rights groups as a significant step towards cutting down over-breeding, the indiscriminate trade of domestic animals and discouraging impulse buying.

Laws governing the sale of domestic pets vary from State to State. In Victoria, for instance, all pets are required to be micro-chipped prior to being put up for sale. In Tasmania, it is illegal to sell freshwater ornamental fish as pets without a licence, while advertising reptiles such as turtles, snakes, crocodiles and lizards,

and amphibians, such as toads and frogs, is prohibited by law in New South Wales.

But without geographical borders, where does this leave the thriving industry of online

trade where both buyer and animal are potentially exposed? Take, for example, popular

online trading site Gumtree. A 30-second search on the Australian

site returns more than 1000 search results for dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits, fish and livestock for sale. Of these, private sellers dominate with around two-thirds of all animal sales, with registered breeders and shelters rounding out the remainder.

At the time of press, the Australian arm of Petlink.com, which also sells animals across its Facebook site, has 600 birds, 100 cats, 350 dogs and 35 ponies listed for sale or swap. The volume is larger on the Trading Post website, however, where on the day Vet Practice searches, more than 2400 dogs, 500 cats, 270 birds and 60 horses are offered for sale.

Dr Susan Hazel, a senior lecturer in animal behaviour, welfare and ethics at the University of Adelaide, says the number of animals sold online in Australia “seems to have increased very rapidly” over the past decade. “A recent survey we did suggests up to 30 per cent of people buy their new puppy online and up to 60 per cent will find their new puppy online.”

Dr Hazel says while her department

has been doing some work counting the numbers of puppies being sold online, the fact there is no formal oversight of trade in animals online means it is difficult to collate accurate information.

Animals Australia relationship manager Jodie Jankevics says commercially motivated backyard breeders use websites such as Gumtree, Trading Post and others to sell pets to people who are often unaware of the conditions the animals were bred in and the parents of the animals usually remain in.

Jankevics says the lack of appropriate regulation of this industry has created an environment where unscrupulous breeders can “thrive and hide”.

“The problem is that online sales are totally unregulated,” says Jankevics. “Add to this the fact that not a single person in Australia can tell you how many puppy factories are in existence, let alone the number of dogs being confined for breeding purposes, and you’ll get a clearer picture of the lack of monitoring.”

To help counter concerns, Gumtree has introduced its own code of practice and responsible pet ownership policies requiring all pet owners to have their animals checked by a vet and vaccinated prior to being listed for sale on its site.

In addition, the policy has strict rules governing the age of animals and unregistered breeders or private sellers face a pricing limit of $500 per pet advertised for adoption or sale. Gumtree

Many people are turning to online traders to purchase their pets.

says flouting of this policy will result in the post being removed from the site and possible access restrictions.

Concerns are also being raised internationally, too, with animal rights campaigners in the UK criticising Instagram for allowing users to sell unwanted pets online. Campaigners have called on the social media site, owned by Facebook, to ban the trading of animals, claiming that “the easier you make it to buy and sell animals online, the more casual and callous an approach people will take”.

The site’s terms of use do not currently contain any guidelines on the advertisement of items for sale and do not mention the sale of animals whereas online sales sites, Ebay, Amazon, Etsy and Craigslist, strictly prohibit the listing and sale of live animals. Dr Hazel says there are reputable sellers and reputable buyers of animals and online is a new—albeit growing—avenue for sales. “People buy everything else online so a lot will buy animals online without too much thought. Online is simply a new way of advertising.”

Humanitarian issues aside, others argue purchasing pets online has just as much, or just as little, risk for the purchaser as purchasing an animal via more traditional methods, such as pet shops.

Farmer Donna Barrett says she has


30

had nothing but positive experiences when buying animals from online trading sites. Barrett, who has bought both goats and chickens via Gumtree, says she enjoys the flexibility that comes with purchasing online and the convenience of picking a location near where she lives to allow her to inspect the animal’s environment prior to its re-homing.

No stranger to the practice of purchasing animals, Barrett has under her care two Berkshire pigs hand-picked from a breeder from Forbes in NSW, two great Dane dogs—one ordered overseas by a frozen semen selection from a champion bloodline in Texas, and the second being a rescue great Dane which she later adopted in her role as foster carer with Great Dane Rescue NSW.

In addition, she has two guinea pigs purchased from a local pet shop, two budgies purchased form a backyard breeder and a rescue turtle found in her own backyard.

Barrett says she conducted significant research prior to making her purchases, part of which included meeting and greeting the animal and investigating its current living conditions. “Without a doubt, I would purchase online again.

It seems that online shopping is

the way to shop.” Despite concerns

from animal advocate groups that some pets purchased online have had to be surrendered because of medical issues not declared at the time of purchase, Barrett believes most online buyers would make no distinction between these pets and those purchased through other means. “My duty of care to the goats [and chickens] is exactly the same as to all my other animals.”

Jankevics says despite what happens at a federal or state level in terms of law making, those at the front line of animal care—such as vets—are in a unique position to increase awareness about the risks of purchasing pets online and encouraging their clients to adopt.

“Dogs and cats who are adopted via reputable shelters and rescue groups have been temperament- and vet-checked prior to sale, giving families an added layer of protection,” says Jankevics. “If their clients choose to purchase from a breeder, then vets can help ensure they’re asking all the right questions, and importantly encourage them to visit the breeding establishment so they can see for themselves the conditions the [animals] are living in.”

“Up to 30 per cent of people buy their new puppy online and up to 60 per cent [of people]

will find their new puppy online.”

Dr Susan Hazel,University of Adelaide

T h e D y n a m i c S t a n d i n g S u p p o r t C h a i r

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A D V E R T O R I A L

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Leader in veterinary education The CVE continues to innovate and collaborate with leading veterinary educators to deliver premium, quality veterinary education in Australia, both online and through seminars, conferences and workshops. Responsive to the ever-evolving veterinary profession, CVE Part-Time Membership (with extraordinary discounts) is now available, Practice Membership upgraded, the TimeOnline program extended and the Annual Recent Graduate Survival Seminar firmly established.

Growing membershipCVE Membership has been reinvigorated and we currently have 5,303+ enthusiastic members committed to lifelong learning —and counting…

Member benefitsCVE Members are entitled to significant and relevant benefits such as access to free education e.g. PodcastPLUS Series and generous discounts ranging from: 5% on all Distance Education [DE] courses, 10% on workshops (commencing 2016), and 20% for TimeOnline courses, conferences and seminars. A generous 50% discount applies for recent graduate members and part-time members working 20 hours per week or fewer.

Build a strong practice cultureOur revamped Practice Membership launched in 2014 makes economic sense and remains our fastest growing membership category. Sharing membership discounts and benefits with all your practice staff builds a strong, productive and loyal culture.

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PREMIUM DISTANCE EDUCATION17 Courses led by world-renowned tutorsEstablished in 1991, our Distance Education [DE] program has built an enviable reputation for premium continuing veterinary education, and major strengths continue to be: the calibre of our tutors; the flexibility of online course delivery for our modular year-long programs; and the opportunity for participants to attend small group workshops with their tutors. This year, 369 veterinarians committed to improving their knowledge, competence and confidence in a particular field of study by enrolling in our DE program. 2016 is proving to be as popular with two of our DE courses selling out within days and many more nearing their full capacity.

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Current events in the veterinary community around work health and safety are very concerning. In its best light it is bringing the hazards associated with veterinary practice to the awareness of government and the general community. If handled correctly by our industry’s representatives at the AVA and state practitioners boards we will have an opportunity to promote our skill in these hazardous situations, noting that vets encounter dangerous activities regularly and have the best training and skills to manage each diligently and with reasonable safety. In a poor light it has the potential to maim us in the media as negligent, thoughtless professionals, and this is something we are probably all concerned for along with the welfare of those individuals put under the spotlight. The veterinary world is made up of thoughtful, caring, hypervigilant, super intelligent professionals who want every opportunity to improve the health and welfare of animals. Sadly this opportunity

is often blocked by the financial constraints of owners or producers or by these same individuals unwilling to accept and follow our recommendations for care, husbandry and health.

The result is animals that often present in advanced states of declining health, and often in a state of welfare that compromises our safety. Then the veterinarian can feel stuck, wanting to help the patient sometimes overrides our sense of self-preservation, often resulting in injury and sometimes to the point of death. If the veterinarian has the appropriate communication and handling skills an animals and the client can benefit, by being educated and cared for better.

At VetPrac we focus on both the needs of the patients and realities of practice. This includes WHS issues and client constraints. Our latest in-clinic workshop to assist hospitals develop protocols

around dog bite prevention is being

used by the RSPCA, AWL and Council Services.

It is a personalised program for individual or groups of clinics and is made specific for the environment of veterinary practice. Educator and Vet Nurse Tracy Bache says “Gone are the days of getting injured or using force or fear for animal control in treatment situations. We can show people usable techniques that work in the vet clinic”. An Adelaide Council Worker who prefers not to be named commented with “Before I worked with Tracy I had to avoid animals that looked dangerous. Now, I can identify the range of risk and the nature of animals better. I can enter a property safely, and do my job.”

If you would like your hospital to upskill in dog bite prevention, please contact us at [email protected] or call 0414581600.

VetPrac—Bridging the gap


Education guide

PO Box 2029 | Woonona East, NSW 2517 | [email protected] | tel. +61 2 8417 2008 | fax. +61 2 9475 0089 For detailed information please visit www.improveinternational.com facebook.com/ImproveInternationalAustralia

In October,book a course, bring a friend and you both get 20% off!

Our mission is to offer top quality training to veterinarians in Australia and New Zealand. Our structured, logical and progressive training allows the attendants to develop their own skills and knowledge under the supervision of the most highly qualified specialists in each discipline.

In addition, our courses offer prospective candidates an ideal preparation for their membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists examination.

What makes the Improve International programs different?n Modules are held conveniently on

weekends, and in superb venues. n Online access to the Improve

International e-learning platform. n Small group sizes to maximise your

learning experience. n A unique blend of theoretical and

practical instruction. n A proven track record of success in

22 different countries on 4 continents.

Improve International prides itself in being a company that is run by vets for vets. The company was first established in 1998 by a group of veterinary surgeons from across the UK, including a number of recognised experts. Today, most of our directors are still vets.

The Company currently organises CE courses in venues across the UK and Eire, Italy, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Austria, Belgium, France, Australia and New Zealand.

Phone: +61 2 8417 2008Fax: +61 2 9475 0089 [email protected]/au

Improve InternationalImprove International is the largest CE provider for veterinarians worldwide and a pioneer in the concept of advanced training for vets.


Education guide

38

Missionn Enhance communication between health providers

and pet owners through convenience of digital handouts and forms.

n Drive business back to the veterinary practice and reduce the confusion brought on by Dr. Google.

n Streamline processes through the reduction of printing of outdated handouts or brochures, double handling of paper forms, and waiting room clutter.

Featuresn 200+ professional, easy to read client handouts written by veterinarians and specialists.n Digital request forms for pet owners to complete online at their convenience.n Branded with vet practice details where you can add personalised case notes.n Works on any smartphone, tablet or desktop device.

References: linkedin.com/pulse/bringing-veterinary-industry-21st-century-amanda-chin?trk=hp-feed-article-title-likelinkedin.com/pulse/only-56-pet-owners-visit-vet-health-information-amanda-chin?trk=hp-feed-article-title-publish

VetCheck is made up of an extremely talented panel representing the differing views within the profession and helping to keep the information up to date. They are all passionate about education and improving pet healthcare in Australia.

Dr. Linda Abraham, internal medicine specialist of animal accident and emergency, hopes to bring awareness to I131 radioiodine therapy as a successful treatment option for hyperthyroidism in cats.

Dr. Laura Brockley, veterinary oncologist, Victorian Animal Cancer Care, hopes to bring awareness to cancer treatment options. “Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs over 10 years,” says Dr Brockley. “Thankfully, many options exist for treating cancer in pets including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and others. These treatments are generally very well tolerated in pets. Treatment aims can range from curative to palliative intent. Consultation with a veterinary oncologist is warranted when a pet is diagnosed with cancer.”

Dr. James Simcock, veterinary surgeon,

Southpaws Specialty Surgery for Animals, hopes to bring awareness to improve outcomes for dogs affected by elbow dysplasia. “Elbow dysplasia is arguably one of the most challenging orthopaedic conditions that we manage,” says Dr Simcock. It is very common and traditional treatment strategies, both surgical and non-surgical, often result in progression of osteoarthritis. Recent developments in both medical and surgical interventions are helping to improve outcomes when managing this condition. One of the biggest medical advances is in the field of biologic therapies. These include intraarticular administration of stem cells and/or platelet rich plasma. Both of these therapies are available at Southpaws and we have been using stem cells for about five years. In general the results seen are very promising. Approximately 85% of animals will have improvement in their clinical signs with about half of these patients having a dramatic improvement. These animals typically have increased activity levels and improved function along with a reduction in their requirements for NSAID’s and adjunctive analgesic medications. From a surgical standpoint unloading procedures

like PAUL [Proximal Abducting Ulnar Osteotomy] and resurfacing procedures like CUE [Canine Unicompartmental Elbow Replacement] are offering new hope to animals with this disease. The PAUL procedure aims to unload the medial compartment of the elbow joint (the site where most pathology occurs). This results in improved comfort and slowed progression of osteoarthritis. The CUE procedure is really exciting. It is also aimed at dogs with severe medial compartment disease ie bone on bone contact between the medial humeral condyle and the medial coronoid process. This procedure resurfaces these areas of wear with synthetic implants. This allows improved function and can promote the formation of fibrocartilage around the implants. This procedure is very new but early clinical data is very encouraging. It offers significant advantages over the traditional elbow replacement systems. Dr. Simcock is one of only a handful of veterinary surgeons across Australia that has undertaken training with the CUE procedure. If you would like more information, Dr. Simcock is happy to discuss this often challenging problem and these recent advances in treatment with you.”

VetCheck expert advisory panel (full details at vetcheck.it/vetcheck_advisory.php)

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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

VP011_Cover_FINAL2.indd 1

5/02/2015 12:10 pm

For all the latest veterinary news, views and reviews to help you succeed

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hyperthyroidism. Yu S, Wedekind KJ, BurrisPA, et al. J Vet Intern Med 2011; 25:683-684 (abstract). 2. Titration of dietary iodine for reducing serum thyroxine concentrations in newly diagnosed hyperthyroid

cats. Melendez LD, Yamaka RM, Forrester SD, et al. J Vet Intern Med 2011; 25:683 (abstract). 3. Titration of dietary iodine for maintaining normal serum thyroxine concentrations in hyperthyroid

cats. Melendez LD, Yamaka RM, Burris PA. J Vet Intern Med 2011; 25:683 (abstract).4. Effects of an iodine-restricted food on client-owned cats with hyperthyroidism. van der Kooij

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Loupesby Dr Sue Coote, Buderim Veterinary Surgery, QLD

We have had the same pair of binocular loupes in the consult room at our practice for over 20 years. There are dozens of situations where they are really useful and it’s good to have them nearby.

What’s good about itThe extra magnification of loupes often comes in handy and this simple but essential tool assists me in doing my trade. There are a number of specific tasks that are made much easier while wearing loupes. These include examining for distichia on eyelids of dogs, searching for tiny foreign bodies on the skin or the cornea of eyes, embedded sutures, catheterisation of male cats, and intravenous catheters. It can be handy to have binocular loupes to get a close look at a leg when there are collapsed veins present. There are even some instances during surgery when loupes can be of great assistance.

The pair we own are comfortable to wear and not too heavy. I believe that newer models are even more lightweight so there are no neck problems associated with wearing them.

The magnification of our loupes is 3x which is great for general work. Some newer models have adjustable lens so you can select a magnification to suit a particular job.

Our loupes are easily adjusted for all head circumferences and can be used by all staff when needed. I believe this tool is essential for all veterinary practices.

What’s not so goodThis is such a simple tool it doesn’t really have any negatives. Our particular set does not have a light source which is available with current models.

Where did you get itWe have owned our old loupes for many years but Inline Systems (inline.com.au) has a range of new models.

41

Y O U R T O O L S

A pair of clinical binoculars, a digital X-ray system, and much more are under review this month …

TOOLS TRADE

of the

Parks Doppler 811Bby Dr David Hughes, Concord Veterinary Hospital, NSW

This ultrasonic blood flow monitor is used with a sphygmomanometer and a pneumatic cuff to measure blood pressure. It’s a very sensitive instrument and is the most accurate way of measuring blood pressure in conscious cats.

What’s good about itWe use the Parks Doppler 811B during consults and for blood pressure monitoring of conscious animals. There are a newer, more hi-tech models where you simply place a cuff, push a button and the machine does it all for you. While these are great with anaesthetised animals during surgery, the newer models are nowhere near as reliable with conscious animals. When the animal is awake and moving around—and you need to move with the animal—the Parks Doppler 811B is easier to use and more accurate.

We see a lot of older cats in our clinic. As they are prone to kidney disease and overactive thyroids that can lead to hypertension, we use this machine frequently during their consults. There is no doubt that it has assisted us in picking up these conditions earlier.

The noise of the audible signal can cause a bit of stress in older cats. Fortunately, there is a headphone jack that solves that problem. I took a reading recently where I was wearing headphones and everything was normal. I then unplugged the headphones so the owner could listen to what I was hearing and the cat’s reading went up significantly.

What’s not so goodIt’s a little finicky to set up. You need to position the Doppler machine, shave off a bit of fur where the probe is positioned, and add some lubricant. You also need the blood pressure cuff and the sphygmomanometer close at hand. It takes a bit of juggling to get the reading but once you’re used to it, it’s very accurate.

Where did you get itAdvanced Anaesthesia Specialists (aasmedical.com.au).

Agfa CR10-X digitiserby Dr Ele Hunt, Manningham Vet Clinic, Bulleen, VIC

We went from using an old-fashioned film processor with wet developing to this digital X-ray system. It took a little while to convince me but now I’m a convert. I can’t recommend this system highly enough.

What’s good about itThis digital system is faster, less messy, more accurate and pretty easy to use. It has cut down our X-ray times significantly. For example, if I’m X-raying a dog’s hips in three different positions, that used to take about 20 minutes. It also took the machine about 10 minutes to heat up. I can now have the whole procedure completed in under 10 minutes.

Reducing the X-ray time means that you’re also reducing the time that the animal is under anaesthetic or sedation. The amount of X-ray exposure to the animals and staff is also reduced.

The image can be manipulated easily and enlarged to focus on one particular area. This makes diagnostics much easier. The results appear very quickly and it’s a simple matter to email them to clients or specialists. We are about to set up our system so the images are automatically stored in the patient files.

The fact that we no longer deal with toxic chemicals makes this system much more environmentally friendly. Any practice that is still using the old style X-rays should seriously consider upgrading to digital. It’s a fantastic system.

What’s not so goodIf you take an underexposed or overexposed X-ray, it can be tempting to manipulate the quality digitally when you should really take a better X-ray. It’s important not to over-diagnose things on a bad quality X-ray that has been digitally enhanced. Just take the X-ray again.

Where did you get itAllrad Imaging Solutions (allradimaging.com).

Y O U R T O O L S

continued from page 41

42

IVVet Multi-Function infusion pumpby Dr Scott Shrive, Hamilton Vetcare, Hamilton, VIC

We purchased one of these infusion pumps about 18 months ago and we were so happy with it, we purchased a second unit soon after. Both pumps are used multiple times a day for a variety of clinical applications.

What’s good about itIt delivers a set amount of fluid over a set amount of time and is fully programmable. The touch-screen control is very easy and intuitive to use. Our nurses love it for its ease of use.

The unit is very small and portable so it can be easily moved from room to room if needed. It can be used with whole blood or blood products and we often use it for blood transfusions. The product info claims that there is less than one per cent deviation in the linear flow over 24 hours. It also has an air bubble detector.

The bolus function is great. We can quickly administer a bolus volume of fluid then the pump resumes to the preset infusion rate.

What’s not so goodAlthough the touch-screen is easy to use, it does ask you to confirm your entries repeatedly which can get a little annoying if you’re in a hurry. We have had some trouble with the battery life, and you have to make sure it’s well charged before leaving it to run overnight. Alternatively, it can be plugged into the charger.

Where did you get itProvet (provet. com.au).

Portable Dental X-RayThe PORT-X ll provides total portability combined with the latest digital technology.

• Light and small, enabling total portability and use in any location.

• Small dose of radiation, ensuring patient and operator safety.

• High performance Tube and HFG, providing sharp and clear images.

• Designed for use with both digital sensors and CR image plates.

• Supplied with stand and remote operating switch.

• Fixed kV (60) and mA (2) means the only variable is the exposure time.

• X-ray tube manufactured by Toshiba.

• Complies with National Safety Standards and guidelines.

Revolution 4DC X-Ray• Smallest focal spot available 0.4mm - better image quality

• DC technology reduces radiation dosage compared to AC

• Wireless remote control - activate x-ray outside of room

• Approved for use in all states of Australia & NZ

• Max arm extension 230cm from wall

• Highest Resolution veterinary dental scanner available

• Flexible image plates in 7 sizes

• Largest HD plate 5.7 x 9.4cm available, suitable for extremities

• Images can be viewd throughout the clinic

• No service contracts, iM3 technical support for life of scanner

• Comes with 10 network licenses, 2 year warranty and iM3 support

CR7 VET - Small, compact Dental Scanner

The ultimate dental radiology package:Port X, Hand Held Dental X-Ray and the CR7 with size 2 & 4 plates and software including onsite training.

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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

iM3 Pty Ltd - The Veterinary Dental Company21 Chaplin Drive, Lane Cove, Sydney NSW 2066 Australiap +61 2 9420 5766 f +61 2 9420 5677 e [email protected]

OR

“After trying several dental X-ray systems I have found the simplicity and ease of use of the Genoray Port X-II combined with the CR-7 to be far superior than the others. With this system and the great support from iM3 there is no reason for any Veterinary Hospital not to be doing dental radiography.”

Dr Brad GarlickAsquith Veterinary ClinicSydney, NSW Australia

Dental X-Ray

Optional floor stand

Wireless remote with vet icons and setting

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The big chill

46

Y O U R L I F E

“I was four days into my solo crossing of Antarctica when the first storm hit. It was absolutely ferocious and I was pinned down for days. I wasn’t convinced the tent would survive and I felt there was a distinct possibility that I may die within four days of the start of the journey.

“Antarctica had been on my radar for years even though I’ve concentrated on crossing deserts with a team. So far, I’ve traversed the Sahara, Simpson and Namib deserts. All these adventures have two common elements—we use wind power rather than hydrocarbons and raise money for charity.

“When one of my clients was

diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 31, we discussed ways to raise awareness and money for the cause. She had incredible support from the McGrath Foundation nurses, so we put together the Pink Polar Expedition. I would drag a giant set of breasts from one side of Antarctica to the other.

“One of my mentors, a tough Norwegian guy called Børge Ousland, had set a record in 1997 for the fastest coast-to-coast crossing through the South Pole. I planned to beat his 64-day record.

“On day 35, a sack of food burst on my kite-powered sled and I lost two weeks’ worth of food. Initially, I dropped my daily calories but I started to get very disorientated so I upped my calorie intake and pushed harder than ever. I covered an enormous distance in 10 days by travelling for 16 hours, sleeping for four hours, travelling for another 16 hours, then sleeping for eight hours. Then I would repeat the cycle again.

“I was pushing so hard that I beat Børge’s record and crossed Antarctica in 53 days. I ran out of food the day

I finished the journey. I also lost 22 kilos in weight.

“For the first part of the crossing, I would only let myself think about home, family, friends and food for an hour a day. Then, for the last third of the journey, I softened the approach and thought about family for hours on end. I wasn’t walking away from them, I was walking towards them.

“Thanks to my sponsors, I was able to give the McGrath Foundation a cheque for a quarter of a million dollars.

“I’m returning to Antarctica in October next year to complete the longest solo journey in history. It will take at least 90 days and any money raised will also go to the McGrath Foundation. It’s crazy but I’m really looking forward to it.”

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Dr Geoff Wilson, director of MyVet Clinics in NSW and QLD, is the world record holder for the fastest, unsupported solo crossing of Antarctica.

i PA D

Our iPad edition of this article features more wonderful images. Search for Vet Practice Magazine in the App store.

Dr Wilson’s ‘boob sled’ was distinguished by a giant set of pink breasts.

Dr Wilson is planning a second expedition for October 2016.

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This is where BOQ Specialist comes in. We’re experts in providing financial solutions for veterinary professionals, so our team thoroughly understands the pros and cons of different methods of funding your equipment.

Whether it’s buying outright or leasing, you can rest assured we’re on the ball when it comes to your needs.

Visit us at boqspecialist.com.au/medical or speak to our financial specialists on 1300 131 141.

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Vet Practice October 2015