Concerns regarding the potential development of resistance following the widespread use of antimicrobials have led to research into more effective ways of utilising these products. In 2011 Vetoquinol launched Forcyl, an innovative evolution of the marbofloxacin range of specialities for cattle, with a patented high concentration solution and dosing regimen. Forcyl is a short acting treatment which minimises the risk of resistance amongst commensal flora. Vetoquinol have just launched a national competition which runs until the 30th June calling for case studies highlighting monitoring systems & farm benchmarking concepts that reflect high levels of biosecurity, animal husbandry & attention to detail. A regional winner will be selected for: Scotland, North England, East England & Midlands, South England, Northern Ireland and Wales. The prize will be a bespoke On-Switch trainer day worth £2500, covering the business skills and customer care skills needed in any practice today; to be held on the famous Bertha training bus. An overall winner will be picked to be awarded: Best Practice Promoting Responsible use of Antimicrobials in Food Producing Animals. The prize, worth £6500, will include a bespoke On-Switch trainer day, covering the business skills and customer care skills needed in any practice today; to be held on the famous Bertha training bus. In addition, the National Winner also receives the On-Switch MOT which includes practice audit, net promoter score feedback, staff audit, in practice consultant for the day, marketing overview and finance overview. To enter your practice click the bus above.

Vétoquinol UK, manufacturers of Epiphen tablets and solution, have teamed up with the Animal Health Trust to offer a series of practical webinars on idiopathic epilepsy. The webinars are being presented by Fabio Stabile DVM MRCVS, the Vtoquinol Clinician in Neurology/Neurosurgery at the Animal Health Trust. Fabio obtained his veterinary degree in July 2003 from Padua University, Italy. He worked for 2 years in general practice, before starting a three-year clinical PhD in Neurology/Neurosurgery. On 1st January 2009 Fabio started a three-year ECVN approved residency in Neurology/Neurosurgery at the Animal Health Trust. The lectures aim to offer useful advice on both diagnosing and treating epilepsy cases, along with clinical case studies to offer practical experience. Seizure Diagnosis 23rd May 8pm, Treatment of Idiopathic Epilepsy 1 13th June 8pm Treatment of Idiopathic Epilepsy 2 4th July 8pm, Clinical Cases 25th July 8pm. Epiphen product manager Helen Walker says: There are a number of benefits to a webinar over our traditional CDP meetings. There are no geographical limitations so anyone can take part no matter where they live. It saves both time and fuel costs as you can watch and learn from the comfort of your own home. This is truly free CPD

Sick and homeless pets in the care of Blue Cross received a welcome boost at Crufts last week thanks to a donation of £9,332.51 from Vétoquinol. Raised through sales of Propalin – the UK’s number one treatment for urinary incontinence in dogs – the money will help fund our vital work for needy pets and horses at animal hospitals and rehoming centres nationwide. Over 65,000 bottles of Propalin were sold in aid of Blue Cross between July and December 2011, with 18p donated for every 100ml bottle and 7p donated for every 30ml bottle. Blue Cross chief executive Kim Hamilton said: “We are extremely grateful to Vétoquinol for this generous donation and to all the vets who supported the initiative to raise over £9,000 for the sick and homeless animals in our care. We rely on fundraising efforts like these to work towards our vision of giving every pet a healthy life in a happy home.” The cheque was presented at our stand at Crufts on Friday 9 March by Chris Dawe from Vétoquinol and Caitríona Mullin, Propalin’s Product Manager. Caitriona said: “We are delighted to be able to help such a fantastic organisation as Blue Cross. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the vets who purchased Propalin and in turn contributed to the support we can give to Blue Cross in their everyday efforts to improve the lives of sick and unwanted animals.

During March we are running a urinary incontinence awareness competition in conjunction with Propalin syrup. We are giving away free Urinary incontinence awareness packs which give you all the tools you need to create your notice board display, and a chance to win: 1st Place - 1000 worth of Love2Shop gift vouchers, 2nd Place - 500 worth of Love2Shop gift vouchers and 3rd Place 200 worth of Love2Shop gift vouchers. All you need to do to enter is order your pack by calling 01280 814500, create your own unique notice board display, take a photo of it, then upload it onto the gallery at www.propalin.co.uk before 31st March 2012 for your chance to win. The competition is open to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in registered UK veterinary practices. To enter ask your local Vetoquinol Territory Manager for a notice board competition pack or request one by ringing 01280 814500.

November 2011 sees the launch of Forcyl, an innovative injectable anti-infective for the targeted therapeutic treatment of respiratory infections in cattle, from Vétoquinol UK Ltd. Forcyl is a patented 16% marbofloxacin solution, registered as a single intramuscular injection, ensuring a high level of compliance. Forcyl follows the SISAAB concept (single injection short acting antibiotic), with an optimised dosage to minimise the risk of development of antibiotic resistance. Shorter exposure time limits the opportunity for resistance to develop. The innovative formulation means a lower volume of administration (10 ml for 160 kg body weight) is required. Other benefits of Forcyl include excellent injection site tolerance and short withdrawal periods (meat: 5 days, milk: 48 hours). Think Short-Acting for Long-Term Benefits.

Vetoquinol have launched Cimalgex, a new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which contains Cimicoxib. Cimalgex is licensed for the treatment of pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, and the management of peri-operative pain due to orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery, in dogs. For further information on canine pain and Cimalgex please visit www.cimydog.co.uk

Vetoquinol are delighted to announce a first in Europe in terms of a new and innovative approach to joint health management through nutrition. Equistro’s Flexadin UCII is the latest addition to the Flexadin Range. It contains the revolutionary new ingredient UC-II® one of the most effective and influential ingredients available that aids and supports healthy joint function. UC-II® is a native biologically active type II collagen that has been extracted in a patented process that preserves its bioactivity making it highly available and beneficial to equine joints. To celebrate the launch of Flexadin UCII we are offering a £10 money off voucher available through purchases of Horse & Hound magazine starting from November 10th. Caitríona Mullin, Equine Product Manager at Vetoquinol UK Ltd comments, “We are very excited about the launch of Flexadin UCII in the UK and Ireland, we have already received excellent feedback from our German and French colleagues. Flexadin UCII is a product that will further enhance our premium range of equine supplements formulated specifically for the performance horse.

Vetoquinol UK Ltd is launching a dedicated Large Animal/Equine sales force on the 1st July. The move reflects the change in cattle and equine veterinary practice to become specialists, a change that Vetoquinol has fully embraced with the introduction of a dedicated sales force. Vetoquinol is already recognised as a leader within the animal health sector with a history of reputable brands in the large animal sector such as Marbocyl , Sedalin, Equistro, Tolfine, Pro Rumen and Locatim.

Vetoquinol are proud to announce plans to raise 10,000 for The Blue Cross charity through sales of Propalin The UKs number one treatment for urinary incontinence in dogs. We are delighted to be able to offer our support to such a deserving and worthwhile cause by helping animals that are not so fortunate in life. At Vetoquinol we are determined and committed to making the lives of animals happier, explains Caitrona Mullin, Propalins Product Manager. By raising awareness with a product such as Propalin we are highlighting to owners that all is not lost when your dog is incontinent and there is help and treatment available. For every 100ml bottle of Propalin ordered, Vetoquinol will give 18p to The Blue Cross and 7p for every 30ml bottle. To boost the amount raised for The Blue Cross, Vetoquinol is offering vets a free bottle of Propalin for every six bottles ordered of both the 100ml and 30ml sizes. For example, if you order 18 100ml bottles of Propalin, you will receive 6 free bottles and The Blue Cross will receive 4.32. The promotion started on 11th July and ends on 31st December 2011. Wendy Adams, head of clinical services at The Blue Cross, said: "As a charity, we rely on fundraising efforts like these to help many thousands of sick and homeless animals every year. We're very grateful to Vetoquinol for their continued support and would encourage vets to take this opportunity to help raise money for The Blue Cross. A small effort can make a huge difference for animals in need." Propalin is the Uks best selling licensed veterinary treatment for urinary incontinence in the bitch1. It contains phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, which acts to increase the tone in muscles that make up the urethal sphincter. It takes effect within 30 minutes of administration and, as a liquid, is highly palatable. "We are very proud to have joined forces with The Blue Cross for this initiative, comments Caitriona, and will keep everyone up-to-date with its progress."

Congratulations to Paul Timms of Oxfordshire, R H Dymond & Son in North Devon, Sam Bullingham in Devon, Norman McNiece of Co. Armagh and G Storer of Cheshire. They were the 5 winners of the recent Melovem on-line competition, promoted in British Farmer & Grower magazine and entered via the Vetoquinol website. Each of them are now the proud owners of a farmer goodie bag worth 100. Susan Mitchell, Large Animal Product Manager at Vetoquinol UK Ltd comments, We are very pleased with the level of interest in this competition. Melovem is ideally suited for calves, where there is need for a NSAID. We would like to thank everyone who has entered.

Vetoquinol UK Ltd are currently running a competition to win a Ritchie 300G Cattle Crate with Head Scoop. Every correct entry from the farming shows that Vetoquinol attends in 2011 will be entered into the prize draw to be drawn at the end of December 2011. The 300G Improved Access Continental Cattle Crate has a hot dipped galvanised finish internal specifications of: length 2070mm, width 760mm, height 1720mm, weight 540kg and is priced on the Ritchie website for 2,839. It will come complete with a Head Scoop for left hand operation (323GL), valued at 524. We know a cattle crate is a valued farm essential, so if you are a British farmer and fancy winning, please visit the Vetoquinol stand at one of the following three shows to enter. It takes just a few moments to enter and could be well worth your while, with chances of winning estimated at less than 450 to 1! The Dairy Event - 6 & 7th September - Hall 18, stand no. AH195 AgriScot 16th November The Royal Ulster Winter Fair 8th December Best of Luck, the winner will be announced in the New Year.

Congratulations to Ms H Jackson, Mrs C Wilson, Mr I Robertson, Mr J Brown and Mr B Dixon,who were the 5 winners of the recent Melovem competition in Pig World and who are now the proud owners of a farmer goodie bag worth 100. Susan Mitchell, Large Animal Product Manager at Vetoquinol UK Ltd comments, We are very pleased with the level of interest in this competition. Melovem is ideally suited to any pig unit where there is need for a NSAID. We would like to thank everyone who entered.

Vetoquinol UK Limited has launched Sodium Salicyl 80%, a water soluble, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Sodium Salicyl 80% contains 800mg of sodium salicylate and is indicated for supportive treatment of pyrexia in acute respiratory disease in calves (of at least two weeks of age). In pigs, Sodium Salicyl 80% is indicated for the treatment of inflammation, in combination with concurrent antibiotic therapy. Unlike acetylsalicylic acid (conventional asprin) which is poorly soluble in water, sodium salicylate is highly water soluble (1 g/ml water), even in the hard water commonly encountered in the UK which makes it ideal for group therapy in any herd. Sodium Salicyl 80% can be administered orally through the milk replacer or drinking water. Orally administered salicylates are absorbed rapidly and make it easier to treat groups of pigs and calves suffering from stress. It is well known that any focus of pain or discomfort is likely to reduce an animals feed and water intake, enough to reduce performance and potentially increase the need for the use of antibiotics. NSAIDs are ideal for use in times of stress, for example after weaning where they have the ability to reduce inflammation, provide analgesia and reduce pyrexia. Unlike corticosteroids, NSAIDs relieve pain and inflammation without the immunosuppressive and metabolic side effects. Stress is a known cause for an acute phase response (inflammation) and viral and bacterial infections are common in this vulnerable period. Susan Mitchell, Large Animal Product Manager at Vetoquinol UK Ltd comments, We are delighted to be expanding our large animal range with Sodium Salicyl 80%. We are now able to offer vets and producers a solution for both individual and group situations where an NSAID is required

Featuring Alfaxan® and the innovative Vet Touch machine, staff on the Vetoquinol stand were kept extremely busy at the recent BSAVA Congress this year.  The Vet Touch Digital Atlas is a modern communication tool for your practice which illustrates complex conditions quickly, replaces anatomical posters and models and saves you time. It can help reassure your clients by explaining problems simply and clearly and increase your credibility and professionalism with today’s modern, well-informed pet owner. Winner of the Vet Touch competition was Catriona Plenderlieth of Bute & Cowal Vets in Argyll so it was certainly well worth her making the long trip to Birmingham.

Back in August last year, the complimentary voucher scheme for testing serum phenobarbital was improved and an Epiphen Voucher Amnesty for the return of the old style vouchers was set up. We have since been running monthly prize draws for High Street vouchers and quarterly prize draws for a Vet Touch client educational tool. These prize draws are now coming to an end. A big thank you for all the old style vouchers that we have received. The final draw for £100 of Highstreet vouchers will be done at the end of March, and the final quarterly prize draw for a Vet Touch client educational tool will be made at the end of April 2011. To take part in these final draws, please send any old style vouchers you may have, with your practice details on each voucher, before the deadlines above, to: Vetoquinol House, Great Slade, Buckingham Industrial Park, Buckingham MK18 1PA

Vetoquinol Academia is hosting a series of interactive complimentary CPD evening meetings entitled What Every Vet Should Know about Canine Epilepsy The meetings will review the most up-to-date information on the management of epilepsy and include a short introduction to the new complimentary Epiphen® support package.

Following the successful launch of Alfaxan®, Vetoquinol’s alfaxalone-based injectable anaesthetic agent, Vetoquinol UK and Ireland have been committed to excellence in veterinary anaesthesia and sharing the latest developments in veterinary anaesthesia with UK and Irish veterinary professionals. During the last two years, the company organised fifteen anaesthesia evening lectures across the UK and performed numerous Alfaxan® wet labs in UK and Irish veterinary practices, as part of the Vetoquinol Academia and Vetoquinol Excellence in veterinary anaesthesia initiative. Vetoquinol’s interest spans across all four stages of premedication and anaesthesia, with a particular emphasis on premedication, induction and recovery phases. Good premedication, good patient monitoring and optimal conditions during the recovery phase of anaesthesia are particularly important because of the way they affect the overall quality of anaesthesia. With this in view and as part of the latest Vetoquinol Excellence in veterinary anaesthesia” initiative, a panel of nine UK veterinary anaesthesia experts met in February to discuss all aspects of anaesthesia for dogs and cats, focussing particularly on pre-medication. The aim of the Round Table discussion was to produce a summary of recommendations document on anaesthesia in dogs and cats which UK veterinary practices could use as a guide. The panel included Dr Jo Murrell of Bristol University; John Hird of the Hird Consultancy; Dr Mark Senior of University of Liverpool; Dr Polly Taylor, Independent anaesthesia consultant; Elizabeth Leece of the Animal Health Trust; Dr Jackie Brearley of Cambridge Vet School; Daniel Holden , Independent anaesthesia consultant, Prof. Eddie Clutton of Edinburgh University and Elizabeth Chan of the Royal Veterinary College. A summary of recommendations document entitled Premedication and anaesthesia in dogs and cats (Summary of Recommendations from 2009 Expert Round Table discussion) has been produced following the day’s discussions. It covers the pre-medication and pre-anaesthetic period, the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia and the recovery period as well as useful A-Z list of specific case pre-medication and anaesthesia management recommendations (brachycephalic animals, caesarean operation, paediatric cases, renal disease, to name just a few). We were delighted to have gathered such an authoritative panel of veterinary anaesthesia experts, said Zorica Agbaba of Vetoquinol, who hosted the Round Table discussion. I am sure that the recommendation document will prove invaluable to vets in general practice. The document is available from Vetoquinol UK and Ireland, please contact your local Vetoquinol representative or alternatively call Vetoquinol’s main office on 01280 814 500 (UK) or 1800 406 117 (ROI free phone number). Vetoquinol launched Alfaxan®, its injectable anaesthetic for dogs and cats, in February 2007. Alfaxalone is now the fastest growing induction agent in the UK*. *April 2009 BVI dat

Vetoquinol announces the launch of Enisyl-F, the first L-Lysine supplement developed for veterinary use in the UK and Ireland. Palatable L-Lysine paste Formulated exclusively for kittens and adult cats With a unique distributing pump 1 ml of paste contains 250mg of L-Lysine A unique distributing pump and paste formulation aid compliance in cats that require L-Lysine supplementation and make administration of L-Lysine much easier. Each pump action delivers 1ml of Enisyl-F paste at each press, which can be applied directly into the cat’s mouth or on the paw to be licked off. It can also be added to food. We are delighted to have launched Enisyl-F, the first L-Lysine supplement for veterinary use in the UK and Ireland, said Zorica Agbaba of Vetoquinol, Enisyl-F’s Product manager. I am sure that Enisyl-F will prove very useful to veterinary surgeons, especially when it comes to aiding compliance in cats that require L-Lysine supplementation. To try Enisyl-F or for more information about the product, contact your local Vetoquinol representative or call Vetoquinol main office on 01280 814 500 (UK) or 1800 406 117 (ROI free phone number). Vetoquinol is a leading supplier of L-Lysine for cats in North America.

The University of Liverpool presented its 2008 Marbocyl Achievement Awards to Dr Richard Birtles and Dr Gina Pinchbeck at the annual Research Seminar in March. The university divided its award into Pre-Clinical and Clinical sectors. The Pre-Clinical Award went to Dr Richard Birtles who gave a presentation at the seminar on 7 year itch what I know and what I want to know about fleas, ticks, bugs and voles a result of seven years work at Liverpool which ties together his interests in a disparate range of subjects The Clinical award was presented to Dr Gina Pinchbeck who gave a presentation at the seminar on Horses for Courses: Applications of quantitative epidemiology to improve equine health and welfare, in which she describes her work in equine epidemiology in a variety of settings, outlining some of the different methodological and analytical approaches taken to address diverse issues in equine welfare. Dr Birtles and Dr Pinchbeck were presented with their awards of £1000 on behalf of the Dean, Professor Malcolm Bennett, BVSc, PhD, FRCPath, DiplECVPH, ILTM, MRCVS. I am delighted to highlight Richard’s and Gina’s achievements with this award, commented Professor Bennett. We are very grateful to Vetoquinol for funding the Marbocyl Awards Scheme over the past three years. It has given us an excellent opportunity to recognise and reward the hard work of both students and staff. 2008 was the third and final year of the Marbocyl Achievement Awards programme which was launched to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Marbocyl in the UK. Marbocyl is the best-selling fluoroquinolone antibiotic in the UK.* * GfK MAT March 2009 (Production and companion animal sales)

Lure, France, March 23rd, 2009 On the 20th of March 2009, ten experts in fluoroquinolones for companion animals worked on recommendations for their use by veterinary practitioners. Half a year after the first group of European experts in fluoroquinolones for companion animals was created in Lyon (the 17th of October 2008) the scientists met again, on the 20th of March 2009 in the Veterinary University of Vienna. REQUEST´s chairman is Pr Jean-Pierre Cotard, Professor of Internal Medicine. The members of the group are veterinarians, specialists in pharmacology, surgery, dermatology, bacteriology, feline medicine, internal medicine and one member is a physician specialised in fluoroquinolones. The goal of REQUEST is to define guidelines for the correct and appropriate prescription of fluoroquinolones among companion animals, and to publish recommendations which will help the veterinary practitioner in everyday situations. The morning session was dedicated to the output of the previous meeting: results of the peer-review of the scientific literature. Several topics have been reviewed: pharmacodynamics (spectrum and susceptibility results) and pharmacokinetics, current indications of fluoroquinolones, specificities of their use in cats and in dogs. All data referring to publications, experimental and clinical data were discussed. Experts agreed on the grading of publications. The afternoon session consisted in the elaboration of a table crossing the indications where fluoroquinolones are a good opportunity with the assessment of available publications on diffusion, spectrum, clinical proof and protocol. Thanks to this table, it appears that for most indications (such as skin, urinary, respiratory infections) data are available and guidelines will be elaborated. For other tissue infections, data are missing and will need further investigations before proposing any guideline. The experts finished this meeting by writing their very first draft of guideline on the urinary tract infections of dogs. This draft once validated and finalised will be published as will be the next ones that will be elaborated in the next meeting. This meeting will take place at the end of the year in a European Veterinary University. REQUEST is sponsored by Vétoquinol. Vétoquinol trades throughout 5 continents, having direct representation in 22 countries strongly involved in anti-infectives. StratAdviser Ltd. Is organising the European Expert Group, supporting in methodological and scientific matters and guaranteeing the independence of the experts.

A group of nine European scientists involved in the use of fluoroquinolones has met to review and grade scientific literature on the subject. The group, entitled REQUEST (Reassessing Quinolones European Standards) was launched at the end of last year. The aim of REQUEST is to define guidelines for the appropriate use and prescription of fluoroquinolones among companion animals, and to publish recommendations which will help the veterinary practitioner in every day situations. The group, chaired by Professor Jean-Pierre Cotard, met in March and discussed several topics including pharmacodynamics (spectrum and susceptibility results) and pharmacokinetics, current indications of fluoroquinolones and specificities of their use in cats and in dogs. They also created a table to cross the indications where fluoroquinolones are a good opportunity with the assessment of available publications on diffusion, spectrum, clinical proof and protocol. On reviewing this table, it appears that for most indications (such as skin, urinary, respiratory infections) data is available and guidelines will be generated. For other tissue infections, there is a lack of data and further studies will be required before proposing any guidelines. The meeting concluded with the creation of draft guidelines on fluoroquinolones and urinary tract infections of dogs. This draft, once validated and finalised, will be published as will subsequent documents developed at future meetings. The next meeting is due to take place at the end of the year in a European Veterinary University. To ensure the independence of the experts, StratAdviser Ltd. Has been charged with organising the European Expert Group and providing any scientific and methodological support. REQUEST is sponsored by Vétoquinol. Vétoquinol trades throughout five continents, having direct representation in 22 countries strongly involved in anti-infectives.

Vetoquinol is delighted to announce that its recent Propalin® campaign to raise funds for The Blue Cross pet charity beat its target of £10,000. Vetoquinol donated money from the sale of both pack sizes of Propalin® from July to December 2008 and raised £10,227.98. The money will help care for sick and homeless animals at Blue Cross adoption centres and hospitals around the country. Vanessa Rossiter, Corporate Development Manager for The Blue Cross said At a time when our services are in high demand, with more animals being given up for rehoming, this support from Vetoquinol is hugely appreciated. It demonstrates how companies and charities can work together to help animals in need. I am thrilled that we superseded our target of £10,000,” commented Simon Boulton, Product Manager, Vetoquinol UK and Ireland. I would like to thank all vets for their support and efforts with this promotion. I hope that this money will help make a real difference to those animals that are looked after by The Blue Cross.

Following the renewal of the Marketing Authorisation for Propalin® 100ml the packaging has now changed. The guidelines state that the concentration of a medicine should be expressed in terms of the ‘active’ ingredient. The level of phenylpropanolamine in Propalin® has not changed, explains Simon Boulton, Propalin®’s product manager, but we now express the composition in terms of phenylpropanolamine rather than phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride. So far the 100ml packaging has now changed and the 30 ml is expected to follow soon. The new packaging states a 40mg/ml solution of phenylpropanolamine (as hydrochloride). This is equivalent to 50mg/ml of phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride as previously used (i.e. we no longer take account of the hydrochloride content in stating the concentration). In summary there is no change to the Propalin® solution, only the expression of the active ingredient on the packaging and the dose remains at 0.1ml/5kg 3 times daily in the feed. Propalin® is indicated in the treatment of urinary incontinence associated with urethral sphincter incompetence in the bitch.

Vetoquinol has produced a new guide to the management of chronic renal failure in dogs and cats, entitled Chronic Kidney Disease: Addressing quality of life and life expectancy. Renal disease no longer has to be the confusing and frustrating disease it once was and following stabilisation, management should be aimed at addressing both quality of life and life expectancy. Vetoquinol is dedicated to supporting renal health and the guide is designed to illustrate factors which can affect both quality and quantity of life, explains Simon Boulton, product manager. These include hyperphosphataemia, hypertension, proteinuria, azotaemia and fibrosis in renal disease. The booklet contains guidelines on the appropriate management of these factors including a wall chart reference guide.

Vetoquinol announces the launch of Rubenal®, a new product for use in renal health management for dogs and cats. Normal kidney function is dependant upon normal nephron and interstitial tissue structure. When the balance of renal health is tipped, this structure can change and fibrous tissue can accumulate. Rubenal® is the first palatable veterinary formulation of Rheum officinale available for use in both dogs and cats, explains Simon Boulton, Rubenal®’s product manager. It can be used as an aid to the maintenance of the normal renal fibrotic architecture.

Vetoquinol has supported the launch of Alfaxan®, its injectable anaesthetic for dogs and cats, with a wetlab service. A team of three veterinary surgeons has been travelling around the country to show vets and nurses how to use this anaesthetic appropriately and to help them get the most optimal anaesthetic routine that they can with Alfaxan®. Vetoquinol has hosted 76 Alfaxan® wetlabs since the product’s launch in April last year. A wetlab day starts with a presentation outlining the purpose of the wetlab service, explaining how the drug works, what to expect and how to use it properly. The day’s patients are then anaesthetised using Alfaxan® under the supervision of the Vetoquinol vet, who talks through the procedure. Following the practical session there is chance to discuss the mornings events. The aim is to leave the practice feeling comfortable and positive about using Alfaxan® routinely in their operating theatres. Anaesthesia is a discipline which carries with it much trepidation, especially when it comes to trying new products. Education has been paramount to ensure that practices use Alfaxan® appropriately and are therefore able to appreciate the benefits that Alfaxan® can give them. Vetoquinol believes it is important that ALL members of staff involved in patient anaesthesia are educated about Alfaxan® before they start using it on a day-to-day basis, and practice meetings and wetlabs have been an invaluable tool to help practices develop a smooth transition between products. The wetlabs have been very well received and continue to be a very enjoyable experience for those involved. For more information on Alfaxan® and holding a wetlab at your practice, please contact your Vetoquinol representative or telephone our dedicated free Alfaxan® technical support number 0800 345 7560.

Vetoquinol has raised nearly £3,500 for The Blue Cross through sales of Propalin, its best-selling treatment for urinary incontinence.* Vetoquinol launched the Propalin Blue Cross Campaign in July with the aim of raising £10,000 for The Blue Cross by 31st December. Vetoquinol is giving £0.18 to The Blue Cross for every bottle of Propalin 100ml purchased and £0.07 for every 30ml bottle. Funds donated to The Blue Cross will go towards the care of needy animals at the charity’s animal hospitals and adoption centres across the UK. For more information please visit www.bluecross.org.uk. *based on sales of licensed veterinary products of urinary incontinence in the bitch.

The Marketing Department at Vetoquinol UK is delighted to be runners-up in the company’s annual Marketing Awards. The Awards are held in high esteem throughout Vetoquinol and it is a great honour to be one of the top two entries, both of which involved education and service, two important elements of Vetoquinol’s group philosophy. Each year every Marketing Department at Vetoquinol worldwide is invited to submit a product or service related project. The success of the project needs to be proven in a number of ways; it needs to reach a customer target, stay within budget and importantly, show an increase in sales or market share. Vetoquinol’s UK 2008 entry concerned the way they embedded key anaesthesia experts into the launch of Alfaxan, a new anaesthetic for dogs and cats. Its target audience was progressive UK small animal or mixed veterinary practices who were most like early adopters of an innovative anaesthetic. It was vital to enrol key experts in the field of anaesthesia as this level of support and knowledge was above that which they could provide using experts from within Vetoquinol. The UK’s entry showed that the use of key experts was instrumental in the successful launch of Alfaxan and that they will continue to play a vital role in the product’s continued success. Mark Leddy, Vetoquinol UK’s Marketing Department Manager, explains: With the use of key experts, our aim was to provide solutions, not just products. As anaesthesia was a new area for us, we needed to show that we could provide expertise in this field, and I think that we achieved highly satisfactory results. Vetoquinol’s Group Director for Corporate Strategy and Customer Relations, Hans Hollegiens, commented: Both of the top two entries for 2008 showed how Vetoquinol strives to improve the education of our customers and that we offer more than simply selling products. The UK’s use of key experts was an excellent example of this philosophy. For more information on Alfaxan, please visit www.alfaxan.co.uk

2008 is the third and final year of the Marbocyl Achievement Awards funded by Vetoquinol. Six veterinary schools have taken part in this award scheme which enabled them to recognise the achievements of either staff or students, with a prize fund of £2000 for each university. The Marbocyl Achievment Awards were launched in 2006 to celebrate ten years of Marbocyl in the UK. Five of the vet schools have announced their 2008 winners, the University of Liverpool will announce its winners in January 2009. Those who have already received their awards this year are: University of Bristol Dr Catherine Fuller, MRCVS Ms Kathryn Murphy, MRCVS Michael Steele, MRCVS Christopher Hudson, MRCVS Samantha Taylor, MRCVS All of the winners are members of staff nominated by their students for excellence in teaching. University College Dublin Dr Carmel Mooney, MVB Mphil PhD DECVIM-CA MRCVS, for an outstanding performance as Clinical Director of the Veterinary Hospital at UCD. University of Cambridge Adrian Wallace, BVSc (Hons), MACVSc (SAS), MRCVS for his clinical research paper , ‘A biomechanical comparison of six double-loop configurations for use in the lateral fabella suture technique for the cranial cruciate ligament deficient canine stifle’, Journal of Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology, 2008. Catherine Stalin, MA, VetMB, MRCVS for her paper ‘Radiographic morphology of the cranial portion of the cervical vertebral column in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and its relationship to syringomyelia’, American Journal of Veterinary Research, 2008 Penny Watson, MA, VetMB, CertVR, DSAM, Dip ECVIM, MRCVS, European Specialist in Small Animal Medicine for her clinical research paper ‘Prevalence and breed distribution of chronic pancreatitis at post-mortem examination in first opinion dogs’ Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2007. University of Glasgow Mark Lowrie, MA VetMB MRCVS, for his Clinical Research Abstract Acute phase proteins and immunoglobulin A in steroid responsive meningitis-arteritis Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Edinburgh Lesa Longley, MA BVM&S Cert ZooMed MRCVS for an exceptionally high level of achievement during her residency programme. We are delighted to have been able to help these universities recognise and reward the achievements of staff and students over the past three years, says Mark Leddy, Vetoquinol’s Marketing Department Manager. We have had very positive feedback from everybody involved. It has been an extremely well-received scheme.

Vetoquinol UK has appointed two new members of staff. Chris Dawe joins as Regional Sales Manager and Richard Irvine BVSc MRCVS joins as Field Veterinary Advisor. Chris has 25 years experience in the UK and Irish Veterinary and agricultural markets. Originally with Hoechst Roussel Vet where he was National Sales Manager and then following its purchase by Intervet, Chris held the position of UK Sales Manager responsible for PML sales. Chris has been commuting to Scotland for the past five years, where he was Head of Sales for a manufacturer of Dairy Hygiene, Bio Security and Animal Health products. Richard joins Vetoquinol from a small animal practice in the South East, having graduated from Sydney University in 2004. He will cover the South of the UK, as well as having some responsibilities in Ireland. Richard’s appointment boosts Vetoquinol’s Veterinary Services Department to three vets. He joins Veterinary Services Manger, Russell Roan, BVSc MRCVS and Veterinary Advisor, Simon Boulton BVetMed (hons) MRCVS.

Vétoquinol has announced plans to raise £10,000 for The Blue Cross pet charity through sales of Propalin, its fast acting treatment for incontinence in dogs. "At Vétoquinol, we are committed to helping animals, explains Slavica Sobot, Propalin’s Product Manager. Animals with urinary incontinence need help, not punishment, so we felt that Propalin would be a natural partner for The Blue Cross which helps homeless or unwanted animals to find loving new homes." For every 100ml bottle of Propalin ordered, Vétoquinol will give 18p to The Blue Cross and 7p for every 30ml bottle. To boost the amount raised for The Blue Cross, Vétoquinol is offering vets a free bottle of Propalin for every six bottles ordered of both the 100ml and 30ml sizes. For example, if you order 18 100ml bottles of Propalin, you will receive 6 free bottles and The Blue Cross will receive £4.32. The promotion starts on 1st July and ends on 31st December 2008. Vanessa Rossiter, corporate fundraising officer for The Blue Cross said: As a charity, The Blue Cross relies on donations to support our adoption centres and animal hospitals around the country. We are very grateful to Vétoquinol for their pledge to raise funds for the hundreds of needy animals in our care. Propalin is the UK’s best selling licensed veterinary treatment for urinary incontinence in the bitch*. It contains phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride, which acts to increase the tone in muscles that make up the urethal sphincter. It takes effect within 30 minutes of administration and, as a liquid, is highly palatable. "We are very proud to have joined forces with The Blue Cross for this initiative, concludes Slavica Sobot, and will keep everyone up-to-date with its progress."

Veterinary nurses are invited to bring their dogs along to Vetoquinol Academia’s CPD seminars on Veterinary Physiotherapy and Massage. The course gives VNs the chance to learn some massage and basic veterinary physiotherapy techniques, which can then be used alone or in conjunction with other therapy options in the management of chronic and acute joint conditions. The series of seminars is split into two stages, which started in March and will finish in December this year. Stage I focuses on managing chronic degenerative joint conditions and involves massage and stretches to improve mobility in osteoarthritic joints. Stage II focuses on the acute patient and post-operative physiotherapy techniques. The first stage of the seminar has been very well received. I thought the session was great, said Charlotte Richards of Green Pastures Vet Centre, Weston-Super-Mare. Both the theory and practical teaching were very useful. The course is being held at eight venues, three of which are still available: Stage I Holiday Inn, Washington 25th June Exeter Racecourse, Exeter 17th September Nottingham University 15th October Stage II Holiday Inn, Washington 10th September Exeter Racecourse, Exeter 19th November Nottingham University 2nd December

It has been one year since Vetoquinol launched its injectable general anaesthetic, Alfaxan®, in the UK, and it has been very well received. Alfaxan® has been used by 860 UK practices in the past year and in over 80,000 procedures. We have had a very positive response to Alfaxan®, explains Zorica Agbaba, 60 UK practices took part in our Alfaxan® anaesthesia wet labs and 679 delegates attending our CPD lectures Anaesthesia in the 21st Century. Simon Boulton, one of Vetoquinol’s Veterinary Advisors has been conducting the wet labs across the country. It has been an exciting opportunity to work with Alfaxan in its first year in the UK, says Simon. Vets have used the wet lab service to get me along to anaesthetize patients for the day using Alfaxan. I have had a great deal of positive feedback and the product is becoming more and more widely used. Extremely smooth and reliable inductions, followed by good cardiovascular and respiratory stability were the most noticeable features of Alfaxan anaesthesia, liked by both the vets anaesthetizing the patients and the nurses who monitor them. To celebrate its success, Vetoquinol is offering an Alfaxan Party Bag to everyone who calls the dedicated Alfaxan technical support line on 0800 345 7560 or emails myAlfaxanPartyBag@vetoquinol.co.uk. The Party Bag includes an Alfaxan anaesthesia monitoring chart and an Alfaxan vet brochure with doasage chart and timer. Not only that, everyone who calls or emails will be entered into a lucky dip. Ten winners will be chosen at random to receive an oesophageal stethoscope kit, containing one normal stethoscope, with a removable head, and three Portex oesophageal stethoscope probes (small, medium and large) for monitoring patient’s heart and respiratory rate. It’s been a great year for Alfaxan, concludes Zorica Agbaba, and this anniversary gives us an opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has taken an interest in Alfaxan and used it during the year.

Dolpac® is a broad spectrum anthelmintic for dogs containing pyrantel, oxantel and praziquantel. Individually these ingredients are effective against individual worm species and the combination of all three provides specific activities against the most common roundworm and tapeworm species. Clinical studies carried out in accordance with internationally recognised guidelines have shown that Dolpac® provides an excellent ability to reduce parasitic infection. And it’s not just dogs that Dolpac® protects, a regular worming programme also reduces the risk of zoonotic transmission of worms to humans. Dolpac® offers vets and their clients an easy to use worming alternative at an affordable price, explains Mark Leddy, Vetoquinol’s Marketing Department Manager. Our aim is to help to increase the number of dog owners worming their pets at the correct frequency, which will not only protect their dogs, but their children as well. We have introduced a number of features to help achieve this objective, there are three tablet sizes to cover all weight ranges and the tablets are flavoured and easy to give, and there are dispensing envelopes in every pack. We also provide a dosing wall chart and a client worming guide. For more information, contact your Vetoquinol representative or visit the Dolpac website, www.dolpac.co.uk, which offers information for both vets and their clients.

The lucky winner of Vetoquinol’s free prize draw at the BSAVA Congress was Alan Beatty of Beechhouse Vet Clinic in Sheffield. He is pictured here receiving his Apple IPod Touch from Vetoquinol Territory Manager, Michael Ward. Vetoquinol’s stand focussed on Vetoquinol Academia and vets were able to register on the stand in order to receive information on forthcoming CPD seminars.

The lucky winner of Vetoquinol’s free prize draw at the BSAVA Congress was Alan Beatty of Beechhouse Vet Clinic in Sheffield. He is pictured here receiving his Apple Ipod Touch from Vetoquinol Territory Manager, Michael Ward. Vetoquinol’s stand focussed on Vetoquinol Academia and vets were able to register on the stand in order to receive information on forthcoming CPD seminars.

There is now no excuse for not being able to pronounce Vetoquinol. Following some research confirming Vetoquinol was being mispronounced in the UK by many of its customers and suppliers, Vetoquinol has taken the matter in hand and produced a light-hearted video to help customers, suppliers and even some of its staff, get it right! Photographed by Bob Williams, who shot the famous Terry Wogan breakdancing sequence for Children in Need and directed by Tom Shrapnel and Rory Lowe of Once Were Farmers, a digital film and animation company, the film features animals dancing to music which spells out Vetoquinol. Set in a disused Manchester warehouse, the video stars dancers Marcquelle Ward and Ali Temple and dancers from the Manchester-based dance company, Company Fierce. This really is a bit of fun in answer to our research which shows that people have difficulty pronouncing Vetoquinol, explains Mark Leddy, Vetoquinol’s Marketing Department Manager. We think it is very entertaining and are sure that everyone else will see it in the same light.

Vetoquinol is introducing Rimifin® to its range of pain management products. Rimifin® is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which contains carprofen. Carprofen can reduce inflammation and pain caused by musculo-skeletal disorders and degenerative joint disease. It can also be used as a follow-up to parenteral analgesia in the management of post-operative pain following soft tissue surgery. Rimifin® is available in a range of tablet sizes, 20mg, 50mg and 100mg, making it easy to treat even the largest of breeds. A single 100mg tablet can treat a 50kg dog. Rimifin® is an excellent addition to Vetoquinol’s anaesthesia, surgery and pain management portfolio of products, explains Vetoquinol’s Patricia Clayton. It builds on the high level of expertise that Vetoquinol has in this area. Rimifin® is available from 21 January 2008, with a launch offer of three packs for the price of two. For further information speak to your Vetoquinol representative, visit www.vetoquinol.co.uk or call 0800 169 8197.

Vetoquinol UK has donated 12 boxes of Trimediazine to the Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust. The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust was established five years ago, its aim is to help reduce rural poverty by increasing productivity of working horses and donkeys through animal welfare and management education. During this time, the Trust has made a noticeable difference to the lives of the animals in the area as well as their owners. “We are very grateful for Vetoquinol’s generous donation,” says Heather Armstrong, the Trust’s co-founder. “We are a very small charity administered entirely by volunteers and there are not always the funds available for all the veterinary drugs we would like to buy, so the donation of Trimediazine was very welcome indeed.” For more information on The Gambia Horse and Donkey Trust visit www.gambiahorseanddonkeytrust.org.uk.

Vetoquinol Academia announces the latest in its series of courses aimed at equine practitioners. This Equine Colic Surgery and Stapling Workshop will take place at Grosbois (close to Paris), France on 8th and 9th February 2008. The course was established by Dr F Rossignol, Vetoquinol and Covidien (formerly Tyco Healthcare) and covers the main principles of small and large intestinal surgical procedures. It includes stapling techniques, case presentations and a practical wet-lab session on the second day. The lectures will be delivered by Dr F Rossignol DVM, Dr J Boening DVM ECVS, Dr C Mesphoules DVM and Dr T Launois DVM. The course costs £900 + VAT and is limited to 10 places. For further information, or to register, please contact Val Day on 01280 814500.

Dave McLoughlin from Bandon, Co.Cork won the Marbocyl Golf Cup for the second year running at Mount Juliette, Kilkenny on 3 October 2007. He held off the other 11 players in a close fought contest. After a wet start, the sun shone and all players enjoyed the course which was in excellent condition. The awards dinner was attended by the players and their partners and the victors received their prizes from Hugh Gibson, Vetoquinol’s Regional Sales Manager. The winners are as follows: Ladies Prize went to Mrs Finnuala Burns from Naas, County Kildare 3rd Place went to Mr Frank Doran from Cappamore, Co Limerick 2nd Place and longest drive went to Mr Richard Healy from Model Farm Road in Cork 1st Place and nearest the pin went to Mr Dave McLoughlin from Bandon, Co. Cork. The players complimented Vetoquinol on a well-run event.

University College Dublin has awarded the 2007 Marbocyl Achievement Award to Andrea Dwane, its Director of Veterinary Nursing, for Excellence in Veterinary Nursing Education. Andrea was presented with her award and a cheque for €3000 by Professor Grace Mulcahy, Dean of Veterinary Medicine at UCD and Hugh Gibson, Vetoquinol’s Regional Manager for the Republic of Ireland, at a reception at the end of August during UCD’s Veterinary Hospital Conference. I am delighted to present Andrea with this year’s Marbocyl Achievement Award, said Professor Mulcahy. She has put a huge amount of effort into getting our VN course accredited by the Veterinary Council of Ireland and by ACOVENE and this award is testament to all her hard work. We are very grateful to Vetoquinol for giving us the opportunity to recognise her achievements. I plan to use the award money to visit the colleges offering degrees in vet nursing in the UK to research this area, explains Andrea, and I’d also like to put some of the money towards attending a the NAVC CPD course for Vet Techs and vets in Florida next January. This is the second year of the three year Marbocyl Achievement Awards programme which was launched to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Marbocyl in the UK and ROI. Marbocyl is the best-selling fluoroquinolone antibiotic in the UK and ROI*

Birmingham vet, Sarah Heath-Woodward from the Hollywood Veterinary Centre, spent a great two weeks in Australia as a result of winning Vetoquinol’s Alfaxan® launch competition. Sarah and her boyfriend Dave spent the first week in Sydney, visiting the WSAVA Congress where she attended seminars by Sarah Heath on behaviour and Sue Shaw on infectious diseases. They also enjoyed exploring the city. They flew up to Cairns for the second week, visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation. I’d like to say thank you to Vetoquinol for this fantastic opportunity to visit the WSAVA Congress in Sydney and to be able to spend some time exploring Australia, said Sarah. It was brilliant trip. Alfaxan®, the new injectable agent for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia was launched by Vetoquinol in the UK at the beginning of the year. For more information on Alfaxan®, please call 0800 345 7560 or visit www.alfaxan.co.uk.

Vetoquinol UK has launched Marbocyl Solo a one shot treatment for Bovine Respiratory Disease. Marbocyl Solo is a 100mg/ml solution of marbofloxacin given as one injection IM at 8mg/kg. It treats sick animals fast, killing bacteria in one go, therefore minimising lung damage and consequential morbidity. This fast action reduces the risk of the spread of infection. On top of that, Marbocyl Solo has a meat withdrawal of only 3 days (milk 3 days). Marbocyl is a well proven antibacterial that is extensively used in cattle practice, explains Alvin Cerely, Marbocyl’s product manager. Marbocyl Solo is exceptionally well placed for applying ‘concentration killing’ or a‘strike action’ strategy as opposed to a ‘long action’ strategy used by other antibiotics. Marbocyl Solo is available as a separate presentation to Marbocyl 10% to avoid confusion, particularly with farmers, on different dosage regimes and withdrawal periods. Marbocyl Solo is available now and details have been mailed to all cattle vets in the UK and Ireland. Please contact your Vetoquinol representative or telephone 0800 169 8197 for more details.

Vetoquinol has added two more dates to its successful series of Anaesthesia Seminars. Aimed at the small animal practitioner, the course is entitled Anaesthesia in the 21st Century, where are we now? It will also include a short presentation about the new general anaesthetic Alfaxan®. The new dates are: 8 November Maidstone 12 November Nottingham The seminars have been very well received. Well presented and informative and A realistic approach to the subject are just a couple of the comments made by delegates who have already attended the seminars.

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh has awarded its 2007 Marbocyl Achievement Award to two members of staff. Geoff Culshaw, BVMS, CertVC, MRCVS, Head of the School’s small animal cardiology unit, and Diane MacDonald, VN, Head Nurse in the Hospital for Small Animals, received their awards and a cheque for £1000 each from Ronnie Soutar, Director of Veterinary Services. I am delighted to present Diane and Geoff with their Marbocyl Achievement Awards, said Ronnie Soutar. Diane has taken on responsibilities above and beyond her remit over the past year, helped to keep the Hospital functioning through a period of change and still found time to organise social events for our clinical staff. Geoff was nominated for his enthusiastic advancement of clinical cardiology, in particular the development of the first veterinary Radio Frequency Ablation Catheterisation Laboratory in the UK, which is only the second one outside the USA and only one of a few worldwide, explained Ronnie. They are both very worthy recipients of these Awards and we are grateful to Vetoquinol for enabling us to reward their hard work. This is the second year of the three year Marbocyl Achievement Awards programme which was launched to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Marbocyl in the UK. Marbocyl is the best-selling fluoroquinolone antibiotic in the UK.*

Vetoquinol UK’s three websites have shown significantly increased visitor numbers between March and June this year. The company’s own website (www.vetoquinol.co.uk) had a record 30,000 visitors at the end of June, and its’ product websites are also proving popular. Visitors to the Alfaxan website (www.alfaxan.co.uk) continue to increase monthly since the launch of this new anaesthetic in April, and following the recent series of anaesthesia CPD seminars run by Vetoquinol Academia. The Equistro site (www.equistro.co.uk) has been recently updated and is now much more user-friendly and very informative. Vetoquinol also supports the Canine Epilepsy site (www.canineepilepsy.co.uk), providing funding for independent expert contribution. This site is run in conjunction with Vetstream and has gone from strength to strength since its re-launch last year. We are delighted with the success of these websites, says Mark Leddy, Vetoquinol UK’s Marketing Department Manager. The web is now of paramount importance as an information tool and vital for the success of a product. It is encouraging to see these sites being well-used.

Vetoquinol has produced a pocket-sized Water Medication chart for pigs to give farmers ‘at a glance’ usage rates for Amoxinsol 50 or Chlorsol 50. The chart shows the amount of product to be used for a dosage of 20mg of active ingredient per kg of bodyweight for up to 1000 pigs according to bodyweight. It offers information and advice on the back of the chart and is laminated for long life and easy cleaning. Contact your Vetoquinol representative or call 0800 169 8197 to order the charts.

Vet Sarah Heath-Woodward from the Hollywood Veterinary Centre in Birmingham will be jetting of to the WSAVA Congress in Sydney in August. Sarah is the lucky winner of Vetoquinol’s Alfaxan® competition, which accompanied the launch of the new injectable anaesthetic agent for induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia to the UK veterinary market. Sarah is pictured here receiving her award from Mebs Hussain, Vetoquinol UK’s Territory Manager for the West Midlands. The second prize, a hand-held Pulse Oximeter was won by James Storrar from the Storrar Practice in Chester. It is very exciting to have won this competition, Sarah commented. I am really looking forward to the Congress, it is going to be a great experience. Alfaxan is the first new anaesthetic to be launched in the UK for 20 years and benefits from an outstanding practice support package from Vétoquinol. To find out more about Alfaxan® , please call 0800 345 7560 or visit www.alfaxan.co.uk.

Well presented and informative and A realistic approach to the subject were just a couple of the comments made by delegates attending Vétoquinol Academia’s ongoing series of seminars on Anaesthesia in the 21st Century. Over 150 delegates have already attended the seminars and they have been very positive about what they have gained from the sessions. There is still an opportunity to attend the final seminar in Solihull which takes place on 25th June. Aimed at the small animal practitioner, the course is entitled Anaesthesia in the 21st Century, where are we now? It will also include a short presentation about the new general anaesthetic Alfaxan®. Registration takes place at 7pm, a buffet will be served at approximately 8.30pm and the meeting should finish at around 10pm. The seminar will be given by Mr John Hird MA BVSc DVA DiplECVA MRCA.

Vetoquinol’s Anita West completed the London Marathon in 5 hours 22 minutes, raising over £2000 for Breast Cancer Care. Anita, who works as an administrator at Vetoquinol UK’s Buckingham headquarters, has been training hard since the beginning of the year. My aim was to complete the marathon in a reasonable time, said Anita, so I am delighted to have achieved that goal despite the high temperatures on the day. The crowds and other runners kept me going and the atmosphere was fantastic. Anita is pictured here with Cherie Booth, patron of Breast Cancer Care. Cherie Booth invited Anita, together with some of the other marathon runners supporting the charity, to Downing Street a couple of weeks prior to the race to offer her support. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who sponsored me, especially Vetoquinol, who matched the amount donated by all the Vetoquinol staff in Buckingham. said Anita. The money is going to a really worthwhile charity, which offered me invaluable support when I was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of years ago.

New Concepts in Managing Chronic Kidney Disease: The Importance of Plasma Phosphate” is the title of Vétoquinol Academia’s next series of complimentary CPD meetings, aimed at the small animal practitioner. Professor Jonathan Elliot, Professor of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology at the Royal Veterinary College will also be discussing new guidelines on Phosphataemia Management. These guidelines were considered at a Roundtable meeting last year, attended by nine leading experts on kidney disease in small animals. The seven meetings will take place at venues across the country, starting in Manchester on 25th April and ending in Exeter in December. They are as follows: 25 April Manchester, 22 May Bristol, 11 June Maidstone, 25 September Leeds, 4 October Solihull, 7 November Norwich, 4 December Exeter

Over 13,000 people have visited www.canineepilepsy.co.uk, the Canine Epilepsy website, since its re-launch in July 2006, with a record 1044 visitors in February this year. The Canine Epilepsy website, operated by Vétoquinol UK and Vetstream, provides useful information on all aspects of canine epilepsy to both vets and pet owners. It offers invaluable advice to owners whose pets have recently been diagnosed with epilepsy and provides links to other helpful organisations. For the veterinary surgeon it provides information on the diagnosis, management and treatment of epilepsy including details of current research, as well as a list of specialists in the UK accepting neurology referrals. Vets can also submit interesting case studies and print off fact sheets for owners. We are delighted that this website is proving so successful, comments Mark Leddy, Vétoquinol’s Marketing Department Manager. It is run in conjunction with leading UK experts and Vetstream and the quality of the information provided is first class.

Vetoquinol UK has introduced a new injectable general anaesthetic Alfaxan® to the UK veterinary market. Alfaxan® has been used successfully in Australia and New Zealand for a number of years and it is now being launched in the UK with the added advantage of an outstanding practice support package from Vétoquinol. Alfaxan® is a clear, colourless solution of alfaxalone solubilised in cyclodextrin. Cyclodextrin, unlike Cremophor® EL, does not cause histamine release in dogs and cats. Licensed for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in both dogs and cats, Alfaxan® brings the following benefits: 1. Smooth induction and reliable anaesthesia. 2.Good quality of recovery. 3. Good cardiovascular and respiratory stability. 4. Wide safety margin (10 times the labelled dose in dogs and 5 times in cats) To support the launch of Alfaxan®, Vétoquinol has put together an excellent practice support service that includes a practice support pack, a free dedicated technical support line 0800 345 7560, practice training meetings and an Alfaxan® website, www.alfaxan.co.uk . To accompany the launch of Alfaxan® , Vetoquinol is offering UK vets the chance to win a trip to the 2007 WSAVA Congress in Australia. All vets have to do is answer five questions about Alfaxan® and they could be jetting off to Sydney in August. To find out more about Alfaxan® , please call 0800 345 7560. Alfaxan® is a trademark of Jurox Pty Ltd, Rutherford NSW 2320, Australia

Vétoquinol proudly announces the launch of Flexadin, its new generation joint health product for dogs and cats. Vétoquinol is the pioneer in the joint health market, having been the first animal health company to launch a joint health product in 1999, and offers unique expertise in this field. Flexadin offers a step further in joint management with a unique combination of ingredients. The most innovative is Harpagophytum procumbens, a natural ingredient, unique in its class, that offers your patients an improvement in the quality of life in the earlier stages of Flexadin administration. High purity glucosamine HCI and chondroitin sulfate ensure reliable product performance. Flexadin is highly palatable and easy to administer,explains Zorica Agbaba, Flexadin’s product manager. In fact, we are so confident that customers will find Flexadin extremely effective, both in terms of results and compliance, that included in the launch is a ‘Flexadin Satisfied User Scheme,’ offering a full refund to those pet owners who are not satisfied within the first six weeks of trial. Vétoquinol is also providing an extremely high level of support for vets and their customers to encourage that crucial first step in giving Flexadin a try.

The final winners of the 2006 Marbocyl Achievement Awards were announced by Liverpool University at its Faculty Research Seminar on 21 February. Liverpool chose to split the awards into a Preclinical Award and a Clinical Award. The Preclinical Award was awarded to Professor Rob Beynon for his work on proteomics and functional genomics and the Clinical Award went to Dr Rob Christley for his work on applications of network analysis and the epidemiology of equine respiratory diseases. Both winners presented a paper on their work at the Faculty Research Seminar which takes place every term. Alvin Cerely, Vetoquinol’s Product Manager for Marbocyl, presented Professor Beynon and Dr Christley with their awards and a cheque for £1000 following the seminar. Professor A J Trees, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, said: We are grateful to Vetoquinol for this opportunity to recognise and reward the hard work of our team.

Equistro has produced a leaflet for vets to offer clients, explaining the importance of the balance of water and electrolytes in horses. Horses depend on a sufficient daily supply of electrically charged minerals to maintain the balance and flow of essential body fluids, the transmission of nerve impulses and the healthy function of the muscles and circulatory system. Equistro’s leaflet explains that horses engaged in regular exercise are able to increase their salt intake to compensate for increased losses. But if they are competing in an endurance ride or are worked hard for several days in a row, horses can benefit from additional electrolyte supplement. The leaflet offers tips for horse owners on how to avoid electrolyte loss and dehydration and outlines Equistro products, Elytaan Powder and Liquid and Energy Builder syringes, which can be used to alleviate electrolyte losses.

Vétoquinol is offering 20 vets the opportunity to win a free copy the new BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Nephrology and Urology, worth nearly £50, (membership rate) with its leaflet on Marbocyl and Canine Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). The leaflet details the high performance of Marbocyl in UTI and that it has been shown to be the product of choice in prostatitis. It has been mailed to all UK small and mixed animal practices and all vets have to do to take part in the free prize draw is answer three simple questions. Vets can also receive a free copy of the manual, in addition to a choice of attractive bonus pack offers on Marbocyl P, when ordering three packs of each size of Marbocyl P (5mg, 20mg and 80mg). There is also a range of free of charge deals on Marbocyl. The offer ends at the end of April 2007.

Vétoquinol has appointed Damien Schreuer as Managing Director of the UK, Ireland, Belgium and Holland. He replaces Tom Robitaille who has been appointed Group Director, North America. Damien Schreuer has been with Vétoquinol for 14 years and has spent the last six years as Managing Director in Belgium. Previously, Damien spent eight years at Vétoquinol’s head office in France where he was responsible for the vaccine business. Damien started his career as a vet, studying veterinary medicine in Belgium. He continued his studies in the United States where he gained a Phd in Immunology. I am delighted to be joining the team in the UK, says Damien Schreuer. It is an exciting development for me with more responsibility and working with a larger team. I am looking forward to the challenge. Damien will be based at Vétoquinol UK’s head office in Buckingham.

Months before a hoof ever touches grass, the 2007 eventing season will kick off with British Eventing’s indoor winter sport, JAS Eventing. Developed in 2001 during the Foot & Mouth crisis, JAS (Jumping And Style) has evolved into the perfect pre-season warm-up competition and British Eventing are delighted to announce Vetoquinol as the new sponsors of the series. JAS will run under the banner of Vetoquinol’s range of specific nutritional supplements and care products, Equistro. Equistro JAS eventing combines show jumping and simulated cross-country over fences supplied by leading maintenance free jump manufacturers Jump 4 Joy at some of the country’s premier indoor centres. Riders and horses are not only judged on time and jumping penalties accrued during their rounds but also by a British Eventing Accredited Trainer on their style. Run by the Equistro JAS team of Holly Farr, Kenneth Clawson and Andrew Hunter, eleven dates around the country make up the 2007 series culminating in a Championship Final at Addington Manor in Buckinhamshire on Sunday February 25th. Each venue will host four classes at Intro, Pre-novice, Novice and Open level with the winner of each class receiving a training voucher and cash prizes down the line while to top ten combinations will qualify for the Championship. MORE INFORMATION

Having developed the UK joint management market by the introduction 7 years ago of the Cosequin range, Vétoquinol will shortly be launching a new and more enhanced joint support product range on the UK market. One of the indirect consequences of this exciting news is that Vétoquinol will of course no longer be supplying Cosequin in the UK and Ireland. We would like to reassure customers that sufficient supplies of product from the Cosequin small animal range are available from usual sources prior to this transition and Vétoquinol do not anticipate any availability problems prior to the launch of the new range. We anticipate being able to honour all current offers and rebates schemes in the next few months. Should any situation occur where we would normally be supplying free of charge stock and are unable to do so, we will ensure that all customers receive an alternative product of their choice from the Vétoquinol range to the value of at least the unavailable product. Any customers who have any concerns about ongoing current promotions and end user schemes are invited to contact their local Vétoquinol Territory Manager or alternatively phone our practice support line in the UK on 0800 169 8197 or 1800 406 117 in Ireland. Vétoquinol continues to be committed to providing UK and Irish veterinary surgeons with high quality products, in the best interest of animal welfare.

Vetoquinol is sponsoring a survey into Rabbit Myiasis that is currently being conducted across the UK. To take part, practices need to complete a questionnaire gathering epidemiological data about the condition and collect maggots for DNA analysis, allowing the fly species involved to be more clearly defined. In addition, practices are invited to submit swabs from affected rabbits to the Royal Veterinary College in order to investigate the role of pathogenic bacteria, either as initiating causes of ulcerative dermatitis or as secondary invaders. Sample pots, containing 80% ethanol, for the collection of maggots should be ordered in advance from Michelle Price-Hayward at mhayward@rvc.ac.uk. Click here for details of the bacteriology sampling protocol and the method to be used. All completed questionnaires, swabs and sample pots should be sent to Michelle Price-Hayward, Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases, Royal College Street, London NW1 0TU.We are proud to be sponsoring this survey, says Mark Leddy, Vetoquinol’s Marketing Department Manager. Blow fly strike is a common problem in domestic rabbits, but so far there has been little research on this condition. We are confident that this survey will help to provide some solutions to this distressing condition. This project is a joint collaboration between the Royal Veterinary College, the Natural History Museum and Bristol University.

The 5th Annual British Veterinary Association Golf Society fixture against the Association of French Veterinary Golfers, sponsored by Vetoquinol, took place at the beginning of July. It was held over three excellent golf courses in the Chantilly area, just north of Paris. A mixture of Foursomes, Twoball and Fourball matches were played over three days. Thunder and lightning curtailed a number of matches on the second day, but the match was halved and, as current holders, the BVAGS team lead by their captain Stuart Renton, therefore retained the trophy. The BVAGS team consisted of Stuart Renton, Des Leonard, Kath Leonard, Neil Stoddard, Fiona Stoddard, David Eccles, David Anderson, Gordon Duncan, Peter Campbell, Dai Lloyd Jones, Peter Ferens, Barry Burston, Derek Forbes and Mike Gourley. Our thanks go to Vetoquinol, who so generously sponsored the event for the second year, concluded the BVAGS Captain. Their recognition and support of this event is much appreciated by the members of both teams.”

Vetoquinol has created two Regional Manager positions in order to make its sales team more effective. Hugh Gibson has been appointed Regional Manager for the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, the North West, South Wales and the South West. Paul Richardson has been appointed Regional Manager for the East, South East, South Central, Midlands, Home Counties, Central East and the East of England. Hugh, who has been with Vetoquinol since 1993, was previously Territory Manager for Northern Ireland. He will now look after eight territory managers. Paul was previously Territory Manager for the North West and North East and will oversee seven territory managers. He has been with Vetoquinol since 2000. “We have been looking carefully at our sales organisation to see where we can improve the service we offer,” explains Stuart Wade, Vetoquinol’s National Sales Manager. “Making our territories smaller means that we can see our customers more quickly and more regularly” “Hugh and Paul will oversee a larger number of smaller regions. Our aim, with this new regional structure, is to offer customers a much more efficient and personal service,” concludes Stuart.

Ear disease is a very common problem in canine clinical practice. It is a painful condition and the quicker the pain is relieved, the better, for pets, owners and vets. Vetoquinol is launching a campaign to remind vets about the options available for pain management in otitis externa. Vetoquinol’s reps are discussing the condition with vets and distributing a new leaflet on the subject. It highlights optimal pain management and the benefits of good pain control.Vetoquinol’s Aurizon is a topical ear treatment which is proven in practice to be an excellent choice for pain control. Containing Clotrimazole and Marbofloxacin, Aurizon is fast-acting and only needs to be applied once a day.A study comparing two licensed ear products was published in Veterinary Dermatology in October 2005. The statistics showed that Aurizon was faster at relieving pain. “Our campaign aims to encourage vets to consider all options for pain relief in otitis externa,” explains Mark Leddy, Vetoquinol’s Marketing Department Manager. “Dog owners will be happy if their pet’s pain is treated quickly and simply. Optimal pain control is a win-win situation for all concerned.”

Vétoquinol has produced a new full colour poster highlighting the benefits of the Equistro range for vets and their clients to display in practices and yards. The Equistro Nutritional System enables vets and horse-owners to tailor and supplement nutrition throughout every phase of a horse’s life. Owners can choose from the basic supply which balances and supplements basic feedstuffs, performance supply to ensure the best possible supply of nutrients during high-performance phases such as competitions, growth and fertility and individual supply which allows for individual characteristics or disorders. Vétoquinol can also offer a supply of its Equistro Respiratory Leaflet and Basic Supply and Development for distribution through vets and yards. The leaflets outline the uses of respiratory products and basic supplementation, giving horse-owners the chance to make an informed choice about which supplements will best suit their horse. To order copies of the Equistro poster and leaflets, please call Vétoquinol on 0800 169 8197.

Customer satisfaction is all-important to Vétoquinol. Recognising that this satisfaction hinges on a customer’s relationship with the company’s representative, Vétoquinol commissioned a survey to find out what UK veterinary surgeons expect from sales representatives and, crucially, how veterinary pharmaceutical sales representatives are perceived by their customers. The UK survey was an extension of a customer satisfaction survey carried out in France, Belgium and the Czech Republic in 2005. The findings were presented at the “Maximising Companion Animal Products” conference in Paris in January by Mark Leddy, Vétoquinol’s UK Marketing Department Manager.

Vétoquinol UK is assisting a new study into Canine Epilepsy by making it easier for vets to encourage dog owners to submit their pets’ blood samples for collection by the UK DNA Archive for Companion Animals. Epiphen, Vétoquinol’s leading anti-epileptic drug, will now contain a modified Serum Monitoring Admission Form. The form includes a question on consent which vets can bring to the attention of dog owners. Every 30mg pot of Epiphen contains one form and every 60mg pot has two forms. It also entitles the user to a free Serum Phenobarbitone test. Once the owner has given consent, the sample is handled and processed by Compton Paddock Laboratories, who then send it to the DNA Archive.By consenting to these samples being collected by the DNA Archive, owners of epileptic dogs will be assisting in a new study into genetic links in canine epilepsy. This research is being undertaken by The University of Liverpool in collaboration with the Centre for Integrated Medical Research, Manchester. “Signing the consent form will mean that the remainder of the blood sample taken for serum monitoring will be donated to the DNA Archive,” explains Barry Dallas, Vétoquinol’s Veterinary Services Manager. “The samples will then be analysed as part of a study into understanding and treating canine epilepsy. Vétoquinol is delighted to be able to help with this vital research.”

Pat Kinch of Churnet Valley Veterinary Clinic in Leek, Staffordshire, was the delighted winner of Vetoquinol’s Aurizon competition. The prize was a two week holiday in Florida and attendance at the North American Veterinary Association’s Conference. Pat was one of a thousand entrants to the competition. To win, he correctly answered a number of questions about Aurizon, Vetoquinol’s top-selling treatment for otitis externa. Pat visited Florida in January with his wife Jacqui. They spent two weeks there visiting the Everglades, Miami, the Keys and St Petersburg as well as spending time studying at the conference. “The conference was very informative and I thoroughly enjoyed the huge commercial exhibition,” says Pat. “It was extremely diverse. I even found a BSAVA stall selling their manuals!”

The Aylesbury Vale District Council runs an annual design award scheme and the award panel seek out new buildings with a distinct element of design, suited to context and character, and showing innovation, imagination and good design skills. This year’s panel chose from 16 “short listed” candidates and the new headquarters building for Vétoquinol UK Ltd were chosen to receive the top honour. For nearly 80 years the Vétoquinol group has been dedicated to animal health and the veterinary surgeons that work in it. Now the fourteenth largest veterinary company in the world, we continue to seek solutions to the problems in veterinary practice with the welfare of animals large and small at its heart. The company, with 45 employees, moved from Bicester to Buckingham in 2004. Said Tom Robitaille, Managing Director “We feel the harmonious and subtle design of the new offices and warehouse of Vétoquinol UK Limited provide our staff with a modern comfortable place to work and shows an investment geared towards further growth and expansion.” Last week Tom Robitaille attended the award ceremony in Aylesbury and collected the top merit award on behalf of Vétoquinol. The award was given to Vétoquinol in recognition of high quality design; Vétoquinol were also congratulated upon achieving a significant contribution to the local environment.

Vetoquinol are pleased to announce the launch of a third pack size of their unique liquid ACE inhibitor Prilium. “Whilst the existing range could treat dogs from 4 to 60Kg feedback from UK veterinary surgeons indicated a significant demand for another pack, says Mark Leddy, Marketing Manager from Vetoquinol UK Ltd. The new 75mg pack size is ideal to treat dogs weighing from 2Kg upwards and is particularly suited to treating smaller dogs or for using as a trial treatment pack in bigger dogs. In an increasingly competitive market veterinary surgeons are looking more and more at providing excellent customer service and increasing client satisfaction. We believe one of the key elements to this is to offer clients choice where appropriate. With Prilium, owners can be offered the chance to simply put the liquid medication on food rather than have to get their dog to take tablets. Prilium now comes in three strengths 75mg, 150 mg and 300mg. All packs come with a simple to use plug on syringe system with the dosage indicated in both ml and bodyweight.

Lure, France, July, 1st, 2005 - On June 16 and 17 of this year, in Madrid, Vétoquinol held an international symposium entitled “from APP to PPP*”. This symposium brought together European porcine practitioners (from the Netherlands, Austria, Germany, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Switzerland and Great Britain) and five veterinary experts, from Canada, Denmark, Poland and France (see below). The experts gave clear answers to ten questions submitted in advance by the audience, then took part in a question-and-answer session. The quality and precision of these answers were such that Profs. Arlette Laval (Nantes National Veterinary School) and Guy-Pierre Martineau (Toulouse National Veterinary School) were able to use them to draw up a "concluding consensus" on the main sanitary management pitfalls in relation to APP.

Following the popular ‘One Day in the Life of a Veterinary Community’ photographic competition focusing on October 4th last year, two charities receiving the most nominations have been presented with donations of £1000 each from Vétoquinol UK. Pictured here Mr Richard Musgrave Centre Manager of the local Buckinghamshire RSPCA branch at Blackberry Farm Quainton near Aylesbury, receive their cheque from Mr Tom Robitaille, Managing Director of Vetoquinol UK and for the Blue Cross, Mr Tony Samuel, Marketing and Fundraising Director accompanied by Miles the greyhound at their Head Office in Burford, Oxon receives a similar amount from Val Day, Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator at Vétoquinol. The overall winner of the competition, Mr Tony Warr from Putlands Veterinary Clinic in Maidstone receives an enlarged framed photo of his winning entry ‘Please Get Better’ a picture described by one of the judges as ‘a stunning photograph and a real runaway winner’ together with a cheque for £250 and time zone winners have all received a cheque for £100. All the winning entries can be viewed by visiting the Photo Gallery on the Vétoquinol Web site. Vétoquinol would like to thank the many people from all areas of the veterinary industry who took the time and trouble to take their photographs on the day and send their entries in.

Vétoquinol UK announces that as part of the policy to reduce the number of additives in tablets, their 60mg Epiphen tablets will be losing their bright orange colouring. The new tablets, which will be white, can be distinguished from the smaller 30mg tablets as they are stamped with a ‘60’. Epiphen continues to be the drug of choice in canine epilepsy as the only phenobarbitone preparation licensed for veterinary use.

You can’t get any more serious about competing than three day eventing and Equistro are pleased to announce that two of our top event riders, Leslie Law and William Fox-Pitt now choose to use Equistro supplements for their horses. When asked why he uses Equistro, Leslie says - “ To get the best 'out' of my horses I have to put the best ‘in’, that’s why I use Equistro's excellent range of supplements, the products enable my horses to maintain peak condition and perform at the highest level." Praise indeed from a rider who is as serious about competing as Equistro (part of the Vétoquinol Animal Health Group) is passionate about Equine health. The Equistro range is currently available through veterinary practices and selected independent agents. For further information please contact 01280 814500, e-mail: equistro@vetoquinol.co.uk or visit www.equistro.co.uk

Vétoquinol, the supplier of the widest range of small animal antibiotic tablets in the UK are pleased to announce the launch of Clavaseptin Palatable Tablets. Clavaseptin Palatable Tablets contain amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, a tried and trusted combination in small animal practice. Licensed for cats as well as dogs the palatable tablets are blister packed in 50mg, 250mg and 500mg strengths. The easy open packs come complete with dispensing envelopes and can be ordered in a range of popular pack sizes. Mark Leddy, Companion animal marketing manager from Vétoquinol says: “Often with antibiotic tablets you have to choose between a higher priced, comprehensive package or a cheaper no frills alternative. With Clavaseptin Palatable Tablets we aim to show you can have all the features of a top the range antibiotic but at a very competitive price. That’s what we mean when we say you can have your cake an eat it! To celebrate the launch of this major new product Vétoquinol are offering a very special launch offer of buy 2 packs and get an additional pack of the same size free of charge. How would you like to sit back, relax and let someone else do your job for a couple of weeks? Seems an impossible dream doesn’t it? Well not any more... Each month for the three months after launch Vétoquinol are giving one lucky vet or nurse the chance to take two weeks off work while a locum does their job. To provide this unique prize Vetoquinol have teamed up with Veterinary Employment Services, the longest established veterinary recruitment agency in the UK. Each time practices place an order for Clavaseptin Palatable Tablets using the special offer order form they get a chance to win one of these this amazing prizes. There are also 50 runners up prizes to be won each month whereby practices can enjoy a “mini-break” by receiving a Clavaseptin teabreak set. Including a kettle, a teapot, mugs, tea bags, teaspoons and cakes this comprehensive tea break set contains everything you need for a relaxing teabreak - just add milk and water.

Vetoquinol’s new liver supplement, Zentonil, was launched in the UK at the beginning of August. Zentonil is available in two strengths, for greater accuracy and ease of administration: - Pack of 30 x 100mg tablets - Pack of 30 x 200mg tablets A key feature of the tablets are that they are enteric-coated which ensures that the active substance reaches the small intestine unchanged. This is essential for optimal absorption. Target species are dogs and cats. Zentonil contains SAM-e (S-Adenosylmethionine), an endogenous molecule which is a very important pre-cursor in the production of Glutathione, one of the liver’s major anti-oxidants. Whenever a liver is compromised, the production of naturally occurring antioxidants is decreased and production of free oxygen radicals increases. Free oxygen radicals damage cell membranes and are thought to be the main mechanism of liver cell destruction. Antioxidants are the liver’s main defence during this process and they counteract the action of free oxygen radicals. “SAM-e is unique because it is a molecule that can support the liver naturally, without any concerns over issues regarding its safety”.

To help in the early diagnosis and management of canine epilepsy, veterinarians have access to a complete new information resource at www.canineepilepsy.co.uk Written by leading neurology specialists from the Animal Health Trust (AHT), this peer-reviewed website has been commissioned by Vétoquinol and produced by Vetstream.

Friday 4th June. We welcome you to our opening ceremony and hope you enjoy the hospitality we have to offer. Vétoquinol commenced its operations from Vétoquinol House on 4th May and one month later, we are here to see the official opening by M. Etienne Frechin, President of the Vétoquinol Group worldwide. Despite difficult market conditions, Vétoquinol continues to grow and expand its operations and the extra space in this purpose built, imposing and prestigious building will further enhance the service we provide to you, our customers. We now have more space, including state-of-the-art meeting rooms for in-house sales meetings and training and video-conference facilities, which we can offer to you as a possible meeting venue for regional meetings with your staff or clients where you may prefer to be away from ‘the office’. Our main meeting room has already been booked for a number of CPD meetings for our clients, during 2004-2005.

Tom has just been awarded a much sought after £1000 scholarship by the Horse Trials Support Group, which they award each year to the rider who, in their opinion, is the most up and coming. For his first event of the season at Stilemans in Surrey, Tom rode Plibello, owned by Nina Barbour, to lead from the start and win one of the Intermediate Novice sections. He also came fifth in two of the other sections. Entry has now been confirmed for Tom and his horse, Conspicuous, owned by Tamsin Nowell-Smith, for their first Badminton and they are looking forward to the challenge!

Work is well underway to move the Vétoquinol UK Ltd and Vétoquinol Ireland Ltd head office from its current site at Wedgwood Road, Bicester to: VETOQUINOL HOUSE, GREAT SLADE, BUCKINGHAM INDUSTRIAL PARK BUCKINGHAM, MK18 1PA. Tel: 01280 814500 Fax: 01280 825460 The move will take place during the last week of April with normal operations running from Vétoquinol House, Great Slade, Buckingham Industrial Park as of Tuesday 4th May 2004. Despite difficult market conditions, Vétoquinol continues to grow and expand its operations and the extra space in this purpose built, imposing and prestigious building will further enhance the service provided to its customers. There will be much more space, including state-of-the-art meeting rooms for in-house sales meetings and training and video-conference facilities, which can be used by outside sources if required. Our main meeting room will also be used to host a number of CPD meetings for our clients, planned for 2004-2005.

Marbocyl® is now available as palatable tablets under the new name of ‘Marbocyl P.’ The tablets contain a flavouring to enhance their palatability to dogs and cats. Tests have shown that 90% of cats and 75% of dogs spontaneously took the Marbocyl P tablets. Now, as once-a-day palatable tablets, Marbocyl P will help to improve client compliance – a vital factor in achieving consistently good clinical results. Packed in perforated aluminium strips, for convenient dispensing in the wallets provided, Marbocyl P is now available in newly designed cartons. Compared to Marbocyl Tablets, there is nothing else different about Marbocyl P. The same size tablets continue to be available in three strengths. The price is unchanged and remains competitive with other main brands of oral antibacterials.

Vétoquinol Ireland were one of the major sponsors of the recent Cattle Association of Veterinary Ireland (CAVI) Conference at Portlaoise in October where they exhibited their new Marbocyl stand which featured treating bovine respiratory disease.

Vétoquinol UK Limited, a Bicester based, veterinary pharmaceutical company, in their partnership with Tom Robinson under the ‘EQUISTRO’ brand are pleased to announce the latest accomplishment of this talented local three day event rider. At the age of 25, Tom Robinson and the 7 year old horse, ‘Something Funny’, owned by Mrs Hilary Kennedy, completed the best British performance at the recent World Breeding Championship for 7 Year Olds at the Mondial de Lion in France. They took fourth place after the dressage, just 1.8 marks behind the leader Pascall Boutet. Then, after a fast clear cross country round they moved up to third and maintained Bronze medal position with only the last showjump down. Pippa Funnell came 4th on ‘Matter of Fact’ and William Fox Pitt came 5th on ‘Idalgo’.

The CPD course on Standing Chemical Restraint & Field Anaesthesia in Horses was so popular it’s already going to be repeated. On 27th September 2003 Liverpool University and Vétoquinol organised a one-day CPD course with the title: Standing Chemical Restraint & Field Anaesthesia in Horses. The course took place at Leahurst. Delegates from twenty equine veterinary practices throughout the UK attended and according to feedback received after the course were very pleased with the course content and delivery. The guest speakers were Mr R E Clutton BVSc DVA DipECVA MRCVS, Head of Veterinary Anaesthesia, University of Edinburgh and Mr J F R Hird BVSc MA DVA DipECVA MRCA MRCVS from the Veterinary Defence Society.

The Final of the Marbocyl Cup was held on Friday 3rd Oct 2003 at the Galway Bay Golf and Country Club. The day was enhanced by very unseasonably warm weather and made the course play somewhat easier than usual, although the wind still proved to be a real challenge. Twenty vets who had qualified from the previous outings this year, battled it out for the prize of the Marbocyl Cup. It proved to be a very close affair, but the eventual winner was Mr Frank Doran MRCVS from Mulcair Vets in Cappamore Co. Limerick. The runner up was Mr Richard Healy MRCVS from Model Farm Road, Cork. There was also a competition for vets’ wives and the winner of the ladies prize was Mrs Ursula Dolan from Mitchelstown Co Cork.

At the recent BEVA conference, Vétoquinol displayed its surgical drapes (literally! - covering the right hand table), the latest item to join the Vétoquinol surgical range. Also promoted at the conference was the Equistro range of equine products.