The Radical-7 monitor launched at the 2013 NAVC conference is designed to improve patient outcomes and reduce the cost of care. According to creators it can obtain more reliable and significantly faster SpO2 measurements, optimise fluid management with PVI and enable reliable detection of respiratory depression with RRa. The gesture-control and touchscreen allow for easy operation and instantly adaptable functionality. The device can be wireless handheld for monitoring during transport and ambulation.

CutoGuard Long-Lasting Liquid Bandages were introduced at the NAVC conference this year by AllAccem. The product is aimed at keeping wounds clean and free of contamination during the healing process, by forming a protective layer over lick granulomas, lesions, sores and hot spots. According to AllAccem, the bandage dries rapidly and forms a flexible and durable barrier coating and uses a bitterant to discourage licking or chewing of the affected site.

New product Synergy was launched at the 2013 NAVC conference in Orlando. This is "the next generation biocompatible bone graft, [and] perfect for dental applications." Introduced by Veterinary Transplant Services and Dentalaire Products, Synergy is a superior alternative to bioglass synthetics. It is a combination of βeta Tri Calcium Phosphate (β-TCP) and Hydroxyapatite(HA), both found naturally in real bone. The β-TCP resortbs concurrently with new bone formation, whereas the HA resorbs slowly, providing osteoconduction.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has held a canine welfare meeting to cover the issues relating to the breeding and sale of dogs.

Discussion surrounded puppy farming, the increasing number of puppies coming from abroad, and whether banning the sale of puppies in pet shops and introducing controls on Internet sales would help prevent the problem.

It was acknowledged that charities and volunteer organisations face much of the burden of these issues and it was agreed that the use of puppy contracts should become mandatory, though this is unlikely, unless a single format is used.

Following changes to legislation, applications are now open for lay people to become a member of the RCVS Preliminary Investigation and Disciplinary Committees.

This is the first time that non-council members have been able to sit on either committee - in an effort to ensure that different people are responsible for setting rules, investigating complaints and adjudication.

The amended legislation comes into force on April 6, 2013, and will undergo a transition period until July 2015.

Click here for more information and to apply to become a member of the RCVS disciplinary committees. The closing date is March 4, 2013.

Increased cases of liver fluke confirmed by AHVLA The Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) has reissued its warning to farmers and stock-holders that the "exceptionally wet" summer of 2012 has caused an increased risk of liver fluke infection.

The AHVLA has also confirmed that, as it forecast, there has been an increase in the number of liver fluke cases over the autumn and winter months.

Gavin Watkins, of the AHVLA, said: "The increase in the number of diagnoses is largely a result of high rainfall in 2012, which favoured the life cycle of the liver fluke and presented a considerable risk of infection to cattle and sheep grazing wet and poorly drained pastures."

Mr Watkins added that farmers and stock-holders should consult their veterinary surgeon for diagnosis samples if they are concerned.