Welcome to the Anderson Moores newsletter

This edition includes:

• COVID-19 update
• How to use less oxygen
• Reminder - RSA penalty fees refunded
• CRGV update
• Saving Rupert's broken heart
• EBVS approved surgery training programme
• Hear from Valentina
• Team update

COVID-19 update

Here at AMVS, we are doing everything we can to continue to support our referring vets and owners during this difficult time. We know that pets are an incredibly important part of people’s lives and we will endeavour to continue providing our specialist services whilst protecting our staff and clients from social contact.

In order to adhere to the most recent Government and RCVS advice, we are only able to see URGENT OR EMERGENCY REFERRALS on site. We will work closely with our referring vets to triage referrals and do everything we can to admit urgent cases as soon as possible. We are offering telephone consultations for more routine cases. 

How to use less oxygen 

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, our gas cylinder supply could become limited if the NHS has a greater need. Here is a document put together by our Head of Anaesthesia, Matt Gurney, to help you reduce fresh gas flow under anaesthesia.

Reminder - RSA penalty fees refunded

At the moment, if an owner with an insurance policy that is underwritten by RSA (i.e. MoreThan, Tesco and Argos) chooses to use a referral centre that is not part of RSA’s network, they may be charged a £200 fee in addition to any policy excess. This charge does not apply for emergencies or where there is a clear clinical need. 

At Anderson Moores, we have campaigned against the RSA network because we feel very strongly that the vet and owner should have the freedom of choice in the referral decision, supported by advice and guidance from their local vet. Insurance companies should not become involved in clinical decisions. Unfortunately this has led, in some instances, to owners being charged the £200 fee for visiting us.

Please note that we reimburse the £200 fee so you and they can have freedom of choice without fear of being financially penalised.
 

CRGV update

Unfortunately, we have to confirm a further five cases of cutaneous renal glomerular vasculopathy (often termed CRGV and sometimes known as Alabama Rot). The cases were from Kibworth (Leicestershire), Rickmansworth (Hertfordshire), Bishop’s Waltham (Hampshire), Barnstaple (Devon) and Leyland (Lancashire).

This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 237 since 2012, with 33 in 2020.

For help recognising some of the signs and to see a map of confirmed cases, please click the button below. 

Saving Rupert’s broken heart

A very cute puppy called Rupert came to see our cardiology service recently after the vet picked up a loud heart murmur on examination. The murmur was so loud that the owner could feel the chest vibrating when picking up Rupert!

The type of murmur (continuous murmur) is strongly suggestive of a congenital disease (from birth) called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). 

Fortunately, Rupert’s cardiac disease was detected early and so the changes to Rupert's heart were expected to be reversible. 

The treatment is to close this vessel which can either be done surgically (invasive) or via interventional cardiology (a less invasive procedure). Using interventional cardiology, a blood vessel in a back leg is accessed and followed to access the abnormal blood vessel near the heart (the ductus arteriosus). The vessel is plugged (blocked) with a device called an Amplatzer Canine Ductal Occluder (ACDO). Contrast (dye) and x-rays are used to which light up the blood vessels during the procedure and to ensure that the blood vessel has been occluded at the end of the procedure.

We have included a video which shows the device in place and the flow being interrupted. To watch, click the button below. 

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