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Scientists identify key signs of cat pain
The list is the first of its kind to be agreed by a panel of veterinary experts in feline medicine.

New research could lead to faster diagnosis

International veterinary scientists have identified 25 behaviour signs that show cats are in pain.


Published in the journal PLOS One, the list is the first of its kind to be agreed by a panel of veterinary experts in feline medicine.

Scientists hope that the research will help vets and owners spot important signs that animals are in pain. Ultimately this will reduce suffering by leading to a faster diagnosis.

Lead researcher professor Daniel Mills, professor of veterinary behavioural medicine at the University of Lincoln’s School of Life Sciences, said: “Both owners and veterinarians are clearly able to recognise many behavioural changes in cats which relate to pain. However, owners may not always recognise the clinical relevance of what they see. For example, they may view the changes as an inevitable part of natural ageing and not report them to the vet as a concern, or at least not until the behaviours become quite severe.

“We hope that having an agreed list of more objective criteria, which relates to specific signs of pain, could improve the ability of both owners and vets to recognise it.

To read more about the study visit vetcommunity.com (VC login required).

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.