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: 22nd December 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

Diagnostic test for feline TB now available
Bloodwork
The new method cultures feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells in five separate reactions with control materials.
Categorises cats which present with suggestive lesions

A new diagnostic test for feline TB is now available, Biobest Laboratories has announced.

The Interferon Gamma Test is intended to assist in the diagnosis of suspected feline TB cases by categorising cats which present with suggestive lesions.

The results can then be used to help veterinary surgeons decide on appropriate treatment.

It is also hoped that the test can be used to monitor treatment, with responses falling in cats in remission.

The test has been developed in collaboration with professor Danielle Gun-Moore of the University of Edinburgh and with the technical support of colleagues from the AHVLA.

Commenting on the test, Biobest Chief Operations Officer Stuart Marshall said: "This test could prove to be a very useful tool to help vets decide whether feline mycobacterial disease is due to environmental Mycobacteria, Mycobaterium microti or highly pathogenic Mycobacteria such as M. bovis.

"I would urge any vets interested in submitting samples or looking for further details on the test to contact Biobest as soon as possible.”

The new method cultures feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells in five separate reactions with control materials and TB specific antigens. It calls for a minimum of 2ml of heparinnised blood to be submitted and at that no point is the sample cooled or refrigerated.

Following incubation over 72 hours, cultures are tested for the production of Interferon Gamma in response to the antigenic stimulation.

Biobest say that the test is only performed on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Samples must be taken within 48 hours of this and send to Biobest by guaranteed overnight post.

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

Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.