News

BSAVA invests in VETbytes

In partnership with BSAVA

BSAVA invests in next generation clinical resource

BSAVA has announced they are investing in the start-up company which owns VETbytes. VETbytes is a revolutionary point-of-care clinical resource that gives small animal veterinary professionals critical access to the latest evidence-based information.

It offers a library of concise clinical summaries that are drawn from global guidelines and peer-reviewed journals and has an exciting product pipeline building on the foundation of the current ECC app, with a nursing and a primary care app coming soon.

BSAVA Chief Executive Officer, Amanda Stranack said: “We are very excited about this product and its potential. The VETbytes concept perfectly aligns with our values and our mission to promote clinical excellence and evidence-based education to the veterinary community.

“Integrating EBVM into daily practice has been shown to have a positive effect on client relationships and practice teams and has the potential to improve patient outcomes. As an established partner to VETbytes and an advocate of EBVM, we are pleased to be able to take our relationship to the next level and to support the expansion of this high-quality resource.”

Alison Speakman, BSAVA President continued: “Finding time in busy practice life to stay up to date with the latest research and advances can be challenging, therefore enabling members to benefit from this fantastic tool quickly at the point of care is a huge step forward. The VETbytes app works really well for practitioners alongside the BSAVA manuals and formularies and is a very exciting development.”

Zoë Coker, co-founder of VETbytes and a BSAVA member, added “Our vision was to create something different, a new generation of clinical resource that was not only evidence-based and evidence transparent, but also interactive and updated in real time. We drew on our own experiences as vets, looked closely at what could go wrong in practice and then developed tools and techniques to reduce these errors, creating real QI.

“We hope to be able to enhance the quality of veterinary care, maximise efficiency and facilitate clinical decision making by providing clinicians with easy access to current, reliable and clinically relevant information and we are absolutely delighted to have the support of BSAVA whose values and vision are closely aligned to ours.”

BSAVA members are offered an exclusive 33% discount on VETbytes, to find out more about how to

access this discount, visit: https://www.bsava.com/membership/mybsava/member-benefits/myassociation/vetbytes/.

For more information about VETbytes: https://vetbytes.co.uk.

VETbytes checklists

VETbytes launches a series of interactive checklists 

Checklists are defined as lists of actions arranged systematically that allow the user to consistently perform each action, record the completion, and minimise errors.

They are used extensively in healthcare and in addition to the obvious clinical benefits they have also been credited with improving team communication and supporting a culture of patient safety.

Where you see this “check box” symbol alongside the title of a condition, there is now an associated checklist available.

 

 

The checklists have been created in 2 formats to cater to all levels of expertise.

Keep It Simple summary (KISS) 

For those experienced clinicians who just need a reminder of what is and isn’t recommended, the “KISS” checklist is ideal. Users have the option to expand individual recommendations to gain access to drug doses and to understand more about the specific indications and risks for each treatment.

Extended Checklist

For clinicians with less experience or those unfamiliar with a particular condition, a more detailed checklist is available by clicking on the “expand all” button at the top right-hand side of the page.

We will be sharing some resources about how to effectively implement checklists into practice with our subscribers to ensure you get the most out of this exciting feature.

We are really interested in hearing your feedback about our checklists so please let us know if you have any ideas for additions or suggestions for changes that you would like to share

Contact us

VETbytes Interactive checklists

January 2023

VETbytes launches a series of interactive checklists 

Checklists are defined as lists of actions arranged systematically that allow the user to consistently perform each action, record the completion, and minimise errors.

They are used extensively in healthcare and in addition to the obvious clinical benefits they have also been credited with improving team communication and supporting a culture of patient safety.

Where you see this “check box” symbol alongside the title of a condition, there is now an associated checklist available.

 

 

The checklists have been created in 2 formats to cater to all levels of expertise.

Keep It Simple summary (KISS) 

For those experienced clinicians who just need a reminder of what is and isn’t recommended, the “KISS” checklist is ideal. Users have the option to expand individual recommendations to gain access to drug doses and to understand more about the specific indications and risks for each treatment.

Extended Checklist

For clinicians with less experience or those unfamiliar with a particular condition, a more detailed checklist is available by clicking on the “expand all” button at the top right-hand side of the page.

We will be sharing some resources about how to effectively implement checklists into practice with our subscribers to ensure you get the most out of this exciting feature.

We are really interested in hearing your feedback about our checklists so please let us know if you have any ideas for additions or suggestions for changes that you would like to share

Contact us

Ask VETbytes: What are the treatment aims of head trauma/traumatic brain injury?

This week, we asked VETbytes: “what are the treatment aims when managing a case with head trauma or traumatic brain injury?”. After your initial assessment, our vets recommend the following treatment aims, but first, remember:

Cerebral perfusion pressure = MAP – ICP
If ICP > MAP there is no cerebral perfusion

Optimise MAP
  • i/v fluids
  • +/- blood products
  • +/- vasopressor support
Reduce ICP
  • Avoid hypoxaemia
  • Avoid hypercapnia or hypocapnia
  • Promote venous drainage by elevating the upper body by 15–30 degrees
  • Manage seizures
  • Control pain
  • Reduce cerebral oedema with hypertonic saline or mannitol

To access the full clinical guide for head trauma and traumatic brain injury subscribe to VETbytes for £9.99/month or £99/year or start your free 30-day trial today! BSAVA members receive 33% discount and BSAVA 1st year qualified members 6 months FREE access, click here to find out more.

If you have any questions about using VETbytes, get in touch with the team today.

Ask VETbytes: Acute Haemorrhagic Diarrhoea Syndrome

This week we were asked if antibiotics are indicated in cases of canine acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome (AHDS)? Our team of vets had the following advice:

  • Routine use of antibiotics is not recommended
  • Treatment of dogs with aseptic haemorrhagic gastroenteritis with co-amoxiclav does not reduce the time to resolution of clinical signs
  • Evidence suggests that the addition of metronidazole is not beneficial
  • Broad-spectrum i/v antibiotics are indicated in immunocompromised or neutropenic patients and in those with suspected sepsis
  • Stop antibiotics as soon as the patient is clinically well

[3][6][16][17][18][25][28]

Find more answers to common emergency and critical care questions, when you sign up to VETbytes.
Start your free trial today or subscribe for £9.99/month or £99/year.
BSAVA members receive 33% discount and BSAVA 1st year qualified members 6 months FREE access, click here to find out more.

[3] Unterer, S., Strohmeyer, K., Kruse, B.D. et al. (2011)
Treatment of Aseptic Dogs with Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis with Amoxicillin /Clavulanic Acid: A Prospective Blinded Study

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine;25(5) 973-979
Full text available

[6] Unterer, S., Lechner, E., Mueller, R.S. et al  (2015)
Prospective study of bacteraemia in acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome in dogs 

Veterinary Record;176(12) 309
Abstract

[16] Dunowska, M. (2017)
What is causing acute haemorrhagic diarrhoea syndrome in dogs?
Veterinary Record;180(22) 539 – 541
No Abstract available

[17] Ortiz, V., Klein, L., Channell, S. et al. (2018)
Evaluating the effect of metronidazole plus amoxicillin‐clavulanate versus amoxicillin‐clavulanate alone in canine haemorrhagic diarrhoea: a randomised controlled trial in primary care practice
Journal of Small Animal Practice59(7) 398-403
Abstract

[18] Ziese, A.L., Suchodolski, J.S., Hartmann, K. et al. (2018)
Effect of probiotic treatment on the clinical course, intestinal microbiome, and toxigenic Clostridium perfringens in dogs with acute hemorrhagic diarrhea
PLOS One13(9) e0204691
Full text available

[25] Dean, R. and Perry, R. (2017)
Use of antibiotics in dogs with aseptic haemorrhagic gastroenteritis
In [clinically well dogs with haemorrhagic gastroenteritis] does [systemic antibiotics compared to no antibiotics] [decrease the time to resolution of clinical signs]?
BESTbets for Vets, University of Nottingham
Full text available

[28] Unterer, S. (2017)
Acute hemorrhagic diarrhea syndrome – an update
An urban experience, 42nd World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress and FECAVA 23rd Eurocongress pp 242-243

Join us at BSAVA Congress – Book your live demo now

VETbytes is delighted to be exhibiting at the upcoming virtual BSAVA Congress 2021, taking place 25-27 March, where we will be showcasing our Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) module.

Join us for live demonstrations of the ECC module during the event and sign up for a free trial of VETbytes during Congress for a chance to win one of three annual subscriptions (each worth £99) or an iPad 10 (32GB)*


*Terms and conditions:

  • One entry per person. One per prize per person. Prizes are non-transferable, non-refundable. Open to UK residents aged 18+
  • To enter the competition you must sign up for a free trial between 08:00 Thursday 25 March and 18:00 Saturday 27 March 2021
  • Closing date for entries is 18:00 Saturday 27 March 2021
  • Winner will be chosen at random from free trial subscribers between the above dates
  • Winners will be notified by email no later than Monday 29 March 2021
  • Winning entries will be published on the VETbytes social media pages, by entering the competition you consent to your name being published on their social media pages and website

 

Latest update: how do you diagnose a colonic torsion?

One of the many VETbytes features is its ‘latest evidence’ feed, which provides a snapshot of the latest evidence in bitesize form, recently added to the emergency and critical care module.

Rapid identification of colonic torsion is imperative to prevent significant ischaemic injuries.

A new study by Czajkowski and Fryer,* describes a rapid, low morbidity test that can be used in cases of suspected colonic torsion in dogs which may help to differentiate this rare condition from generalised ileus or small intestinal volvulus.

To view the full evidence feed and find out how to recognise a colonic torsion in your patients, sign up for a free trial of the VETbytes emergency and critical care module or subscribe for an annual licence for only £99/year!

*Czajkowski, P.S., Fryer, K.J. (2020)
Colonic torsion in 4 Great Danes
Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care30 (5) 581-586
Abstract

Ask VETbytes: Post-operative pain relief options for dogs and cats undergoing caesarean section

Ask VETbytes

In our new feature ‘Ask VETbytes’, our team of vets will be answering your questions. This week we were asked “What are the options for post-operative pain relief in dogs and cats undergoing caesarean section?”

This is an area where veterinary evidence is lacking and where our patients don’t always receive adequate analgesia, so we have drawn on both human studies and specialist veterinary consensus to create a practical guide for you and your patients:

  • Despite the paucity of published evidence regarding the safety of analgesic drugs in the pregnant or lactating dog and cat it is important to recognise our responsibility to the welfare of our patients regarding the provision of adequate analgesia10
  • It is estimated that the neonate receives approximately 1–2% of the maternal dose of a drug14
  • A longer acting opioid injection may be administered after all the foetuses have been removed e.g. methadone 0.1–0.2 mg/kg10,41
  • In women, NSAIDs are considered safe and effective analgesia after caesarean section because of their low excretion in breast milk38,40
    The same is considered likely to apply to dogs and cats due to the known physiochemical properties of the drugs13,14
    A single dose administered in the immediate postoperative period is generally advocated10,14
    Consider ongoing administration, as required, for 1-2 days after discharge13
  • Paracetamol is generally considered safe in dogs14 
  • NSAIDs should only be administered if the bitch/queen is normovolaemic and normotensive13
  • Paracetamol should NOT be used in cats14
  • None of these drugs are licensed for lactating bitches or queens, ensure that prior owner consent is obtained for their use

Sign up for a free trial of the VETbytes emergency and critical care module to receive full clinical guides or subscribe for an annual licence for only £99/year!

References:

10. Self, I. (2019)
Anaesthesia for canine caesarean section
Companion Animal; 24 (2) 84-90
Abstract

13. Robertson, S. (2016)
Anaesthetic management for caesarean sections in dogs and cats
In Practice;38(7) 327-339
Abstract

14. Mathews, K., Kronen, P.W., Lascelles,D., et al. (2014)
WSAVA Guidelines for Recognition, Assessment and Treatment of Pain
Journal of Small Animal Practice55 (6) E10-68
Full text available

38. Bloor, M. and Paech, M. (2013)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during pregnancy and the initiation of lactation
Anesthesia and Analgesia;116 (5) 1063-1075
Abstract

40. Spigset, O., Hägg, S. (2000)
Analgesics and Breast-Feeding: Safety considerations
Paediatric Drugs 2(3), 223–238
Abstract

41. Romagnoli, N., Barbarossa, A., Cunto, M., et al (2019)
Evaluation of methadone concentrations in bitches and in umbilical cords after epidural or systemic administration for caesarean section: A randomized trial
Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 46(3), 375-383
Abstract

Don’t stress: VETbytes offers vital stress relief for emergency vets

Emergency and critical care work can be stressful and demanding, and rising caseloads are contributing to more cases of burnout in the veterinary profession. With the application of evidence-based veterinary medicine, VETbytes offers a stress-relief manifesto.

A new survey conducted by the British Veterinary Association has found that three-quarters of vets are concerned about stress and burnout, with the small animal vet category ‘most concerned’ – a situation compounded by the coronavirus pandemic.

Emergency medicine has the added stress of long work hours, an intense work environment with pressure to efficiently identify clinical needs and manage client expectations. Being able to access the best clinical guidance in emergency situations can be a key factor in managing stress levels and improving patient outcomes.

The emergency and critical care app from VETbytes was created as a clinical support tool for veterinary teams, providing evidence-based veterinary information in concise clinical guides. Vets can now also access the ‘latest updates’ feature to seamlessly stay up to date with the latest findings in ECC.

“VETbytes exists to bring evidence-based medicine to the fore of veterinary general practice,” said Zoë Coker and Bronwen Eastwood, co-founders of VETbytes. “Now is a crucial moment for vets to take action to help reduce stress levels, VETbytes offers a cost-effective and simple way to do this.”

VETbytes provides clear benefits to clinicians such as more efficient case management and reduction of errors and stress, which are especially important during the pandemic.

VETbytes is accessible on mobile, iPad and desktop. The latest evidence added to the ECC app is available to view here.

Podcast Interview: What Vetbytes? Bronwen, Brighton and Belize

Scott Kilpatrick, director (Internal Medicine) at veterinary thought exchange chatted to Bronwen Eastwood, Co-Founder of VETbytes earlier this week for the vtx podcast. Click here to listen to the full interview and hear Bronwen’s amazing career that has taken her from Brighton to Belize and back again!

In the interview, Bronwen explains how she went on to co-found VETbytes, after recognising a void for a resource that provides up-to-date, evidence-based, user-friendly clinical information. Alongside co-founder Zoe Coker, Bronwen co-wrote some of the treatment guides for the VETbytes emergency and critical care app, a subscription-based resource designed to support vets who need to keep up to date and provide an excellent service to their clients and patients.