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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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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.