Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 10th August 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Cat charity warns of skin cancer risk
white cat
Cats Protection is urging owners of white cats to keep them indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
Two recent cases illustrate the dangers of sun damage

Leading UK charity Cats Protection has shared the stories of two cats that suffered serious sun damage, in hopes of encouraging owners to protect their pets.

According to the charity's clinical veterinary officer Beth Skillings: "We regularly see cats in our care with badly sunburned ears which need to be amputated to prevent the development or spread of cancer."

Older cat Jenny, for example, had to have both ears amputated when she was handed in to the charity's branch in Caterham. Pre-cancerous cells had developed in her ears.

Since undergoing surgery in June, she has been adopted by Tracy Musgrove from South Nutfield, Redhill.

Similarly, a white-and-tabby stray called Martin was handed into the Derby centre. Martin had developed feline skin cancer in the tips of his ears as a product of years of sun exposure.

After an operation to remove his ear tips he is now ready to be rehomed with an owner who will vigilantly protect him from the sun.

As temperatures remain high, Cats Protection is urging those with white cats to keep their pets indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

"White cats, or those with unpigmented white noses or ears, are at the greatest risk," Beth added. "It may take a few years before the damage is visible but, once the early stages of cancer set in, it is important cats are given urgent veterinary treatment to prevent it spreading."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.