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Boehringer Ingelheim expands Metacam to guinea pigs
Guinea pigs tend to hide their pain, which often makes diagnosis difficult.
Product is first in the EU for the relief of post-surgical pain

Animal health business Boehringer Ingelheim has expanded its European Metacam indication to guinea pigs.

The decision follows an EU marketing Authorisation and means the product is now approved in guinea pigs for the alleviation of mild to moderate pain associated with soft tissue surgery.

Shawn Hooker from Boehringer Ingelheim explains: “As the market leader, it is our ambition to set new standards of care. We constantly invest in our brands – independent of their age – to prevent pain and suffering in animals.

“We believe that treating pain is a matter of animal welfare and that it should be standard of care in all species regardless of their size and number.”

Guinea pigs tend to hide their pain, which often makes diagnosis difficult. But according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, pain associated with surgery is 100 per cent predictable and treatable.

In a press release, Boehringer states: 'With Metacam®0.5mg/ml Oral Suspension for Cats and Guinea Pigs, Boehringer Ingelheim now offers the first NSAID in the EU for the relief of post-surgical pain in guinea pigs.'

For 25 years, Metacam has been used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in a wide array of small and large animal species. The product is also used to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with acute or chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis.

The new indication will be launched by Boehringer Ingelheim in all European countries throughout 2018.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.