Veterinary Practice invited exhibitors to tell us about themselves and their stands at the congress. Among the responses…
BCF Technology
BCF is exhibiting under the message of “The right imaging solution for your practice”. The firm reports that it is the leading provider of diagnostic imaging solutions to vets in the UK and Ireland, supplying a wide range of digital ultrasound, radiography and image management systems as well as support and training.
There will be two BCF stands (617 and 724) at the congress, displaying the range of ultrasound and x-ray systems, including the Sonosite MicroMaxx system which is described as a “fantastic all-round ultrasound scanner in a laptop-sized package”. It is said to be particularly good for musculoskeletal imaging and cardiology, and has a five year warranty.
BCF will also demonstrate the Carestream Diamond Classic, “a top of the range radiography solution at an affordable price”. This CR system is said to offer excellent image quality with an intuitive and simple to use touch screen interface.
BCF reports that it offers unlimited free applications support and a dedicated applications specialist who will deliver a tailored package to suit an individual practice.
Chanelle
Since its launch in April 2008, Chanelle Vet UK Ltd (part of the Chanelle Group) reports that it has gone from strength to strength.
Based in Co. Galway in Ireland, the Chanelle Group was founded in 1979 and now has a presence in 80 countries operating in the fields of product development, manufacturing and distribution of veterinary pharmaceuticals. The group now has over 700 products registered worldwide and employs over 220 staff. Products were sold into the UK through third party distributors, but because of continued growth and expansion within Europe, the group took the decision to set up in the UK under its own banner.
Chanelle Vet UK was launched with a small portfolio of products and since then has increased both the product range and its sales team.
Working primarily with licensed generics, its has recently introduced a specialist wound management range which, it says, introduces a new way of looking at the treatment of wounds both in small animals and equines, and will be featured on the stand (1010).
Chanelle reports that it has been working closely with practices in order to be able to offer bespoke financial packages across the product range. This, it says, has helped practices remain competitive in this current economic climate, when clients may be looking at other outlets for the provision of medicines.
This will be the firm’s first time at BSAVA and it will give the company the opportunity to showcase its product ranges and to meet both new and existing customers.
Fish 4 Dogs
Located on stand 812, Fish4Dogs has recently launched two new products: Salmon Mousse for dogs and Salmon Mousse for Cats.
These are described as delicately whipped fish (99%) – which is said to be ideal for cats or dogs with sensitivities, or recovering from operations and unable to eat solid foods. Packed with Omega 3, with no additives, preservatives or colourings, they are intended for delicate animals. The products are available individually in sachets of 99g or in multi-packs of six, from veterinary wholesalers.
Hill’s
Hill’s is issuing an open invitation to vets and nurses to come along to its stand to see some special personal and practice development tools, now available on-line.
Says Adrian Pratt, veterinary affairs manager, “These are tough times for anyone in business but for many years now we have been listening to vets about the key problems they face. We found that vets and nurses felt that long-term compliance was one of their biggest issues and quantitative measurements have certainly backed that up. In response, we have, over the last few years, been developing and refining a very exciting new initiative, the CRAFTworks programme, the new on-line version of which we will be launching at BSAVA.
“Working with veterinary practice input, we have tailored this programme to really deliver in terms of patient care and profitability. We are very much looking forward to introducing this scheme and I believe that many practices will see real benefits in terms of their bottom line.”
Training has been widely tipped as critical if the UK is to work its way out of recession but cost can be an issue. Hill’s has responded by launching a new addition to the Vet Nutrition Academy (VNA) website. This latest on-line course is case-based, provides training in clinical nutrition and is available free to those who register with the VNA. The course can be viewed at terminals on the Hill’s stand and delegates will also be able to sign up there and then to the academy and receive a gift on completion of registration. The clinical nutrition offering is just one of a stable of courses available through the VNA website, which also includes registration forms for key CPD events and a facility to earn rewards for studying.
Last year on the Hill’s stand, rehabilitation specialist Lowri Davies introduced many vets to goniometry, a technique to measure mobility that was then still quite novel in the veterinary sector. The on-stand seminars were so popular that the format will be repeated this year with 15-minute CPD sessions focusing on the development of appropriate exercise programmes in a range of scenarios including the growing, geriatric and overweight dog. Four topics will be covered each day for an hour of certified CPD during breaks and lunchtimes.
The Hill’s speciality coffee bar will be available for those who want to chat through their nutrition dilemmas with technical staff or talk about the opportunities on offer. There is also a free gift for everyone who visits the stand and the chance to try out a Wii Fit. There are three Wii Fit Bundles to be won by entering the daily competition.
Hill’s says that whether you need to be re-energised or to simply relax for a few minutes, call at the Hill’s stand where there is sure to be something to fit your requirements.
Vétoquinol
Vétoquinol will be featuring products from its cardionephrology, antiinfectives and pain management ranges. In the cardionephrology area, Ipaktine and Rubenal, the firm’s recently launched renal product, should be of particular interest and visitors can receive a copy of its recently published Renal Health Guide which provides a useful practical framework to the management of renal health.
The pain management range includes Alfaxan, an injectable induction and maintenance agent – currently Vétoquinol’s fastest growing medicinal product. Delegates will have the chance to discuss their experiences with Alfaxan and collect hints and tips on how to get the best out of this anaesthetic.
Delegates can bring their BSAVA competition entry forms to the stand (512), where each day either an Apple iPod or a Digital Camera will be won.
Vets Now and PBBuk
Vets Now will be attending BSAVA for the fifth year running (stand 910) and is inviting all members of the veterinary profession to swing by the stand and say hello. Also exhibiting will be Pet Blood Bank UK (PBBuk) (stand 118) where visitors can receive a discount on blood typing kits.
Vets Now will be launching registration forms for the Emergency and Critical Care 6th Vets Now Annual Congress and running a competition in which delegates can win an all-expenses-paid trip. This two-day CPD event will, says the firm, offer a balanced programme for both vets and veterinary nurses and is attended by veterinary professionals working in both emergency and daytime practice.
The lecture and workshop programme will feature a variety of world-renowned experts in emergency and critical care medicine and speakers will include Tim Hackett, Harold Davis Jr, Amanda Boag, Elizabeth Welsh, Ava Firth and Derek Flaherty.
Vets Now feels that BSAVA congress is a wonderful opportunity for those working in all areas of the profession to meet and mingle, catch up with old friends and make new ones and will again be hosting a drinks evening at The Malthouse by the canal. “If you’re free, please do drop in and say hello and meet us for what has now become one of the highlights of the four-day event!” the firm says.
VRCC
VRCC reports that it attracts clients from every corner of the UK and claims to be “the most advanced private centre for the treatment of cancer in dogs and cats”, also servicing veterinary surgeons and their clients throughout south-east England with its 24/7 medicine and surgery service. It has nearly 20 MsRCVS and recognised specialists in oncology, surgery, medicine, cardiology, diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia.
The practice is exhibiting for the third year at BSAVA (stand 602) and says it is the only referral centre offering the complete range of cancer treatment options on-site: specialist oncologic surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy every day, via its 6Mv linear accelerator. In Dr Susan North VRCC has one of the most experienced and highly qualified veterinary oncologists available in Europe.
Advanced proof copies of Dr North’s new book, An Introduction to Small Animal Oncology (publishing 24th July), with its accompanying website of clinical cases to try your knowledge, can be viewed on the Elsevier stand (522) and will be an essential addition for every surgery’s bookshelf.
Agora Management
Agora Management, a specialist in the design and project management of kennels, catteries, veterinary and animal welfare facilities, including the supply and installation of its bespoke Agotech kennelling, reports that it has extensive experience in a variety of animal welfare and veterinary facilities for large and small companion animals, both new build and refurbishments, with particular knowledge of clinical areas and animal enclosures.
Its clients include private practices as well as many well-known charitable animal welfare organisations. The Agotech Animal Enclosures are designed and manufactured in a modern facility, using high quality stainless steel, ensuring precise detailing, easy maintenance and longevity. The modular system offers an economic solution for cats or dogs and incorporates an insulated sleep area with a controllable and securable sliding insulated hatchway to the integrated covered runs.
Delegates are invited to find out more about the company’s products on stand 911.
AT Veterinary Systems
Rota Manager, a system that is said to provide practices with a quicker and easier way to produce staff rotas, is one of the products being featured by AT Veterinary Systems. Rota Manager is designed to reduce the time it takes to produce each staff rota while increasing accuracy and preventing time clashes, making rotas fairer and more flexible as well as more easily accessed.
AT Veterinary Systems claims that practices can make substantial savings through improved staff efficiency, better use of key team members and in recruitment costs through better staff retention. More information can be found at www.rota-manager.com
Visitors to the stand (307) will be invited to test the system and see for themselves how rotas can be produced. The firm will also be inviting visitors to view Spectrum, a practice management system, and its other products.
Fort Dodge
AS data from the 2008 Fort Dodge Index confirm that practice turnover growth is being impacted by the difficult economic climate and increased competition, Fort Dodge is hosting two seminars during the congress to help the owners and managers of veterinary practices address the challenges they face. The seminars will be hosted by independent veterinary business consultant, Alan Robinson.
The theme of the first seminar is Managing a veterinary business for profit with key subject areas including: pricing and invoicing for practice profitability, managing veterinary surgeon performance and efficiency, and measuring and monitoring practice performance.
The theme of the second event is Competing for clients with topics to include: customer service, marketing a veterinary practice and pricing and selling strategies.
Alan Robinson will present this seminar at the Copthorne Hotel, near the ICC, between 2pm and 5pm on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd April. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Managing a veterinary business for profit will be presented at the same venue between 10am and 1pm on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th April. Lunch will be provided before this event.
Attendance at the seminars is free to delegates from practices using Duramune, Katavac and Pentofel dog and cat vaccines. For further information or to register, practices are asked to contact Fort Dodge on 01489 781711.
MDC Exports
MDC Exports will display the Eco Bag Dispenser which can be conveniently located to ensure its biodegradable bags are easily to hand. Featuring all the fittings to attach to a wall, it has two strong hooks for other dog essentials, such as leads.
The dispenser can be located in the waiting area along with a free laminated sign that encourages clients to clean up after their pets by taking a free bag.
MDC Exports (stand 621) will have a special buy-one-get-one-free offer for purchases of the dispenser or replacement bags at the congress.
