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RVC study offers hope for osteoporosis sufferers
An estimated 500,000 people are hospitalised every year for fractures owing to osteoporosis.
Researchers present NaQuinate treatment found to prevent bone loss.

Researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have highlighted a promising new treatment for people living with skeletal disorders.

Scientists say the treatment - NaQuinate - presented today (11 September) at the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), could be used to manage osteoporosis, a debilitating condition that affects more than three million people in the UK.

NaQuinate is a naturally occurring metabolite of vitamin K. Previous studies have shown that it can protect against the loss in bone quality that occurs in ovariectomy in mouse and rat models.

In this new study, NaQuinate was also shown to significantly synergise with mechanical loading in targeted regions of cortical bone. The treatment is currently in Phase I clinical trials to establish its safety and efficacy as a treatment for post-menopausal women with osteoporosis.

Professor Andrew Pitsillides, Professor of Skeletal Dynamics at the RVC, said: “There are three main ways to maintain bone quality and strength to resist fracture: stop bone loss, build mass and enhance the topographical changes to optimise and enhance weight-bearing roles. It may be that NaQuinate can achieve a balance of all three to treat osteoporosis and better maintain healthy ageing.”

An estimated 500,000 people are hospitalised every year for broken bones owing to osteoporosis. The condition causes a significant social and economic burden, with breaks often leading to a downward spiral of disability, loss of independence and increased mortality.

Prof Pitsillides added: “At the RVC we recognise the importance of a collaborative ‘One Health’ approach which operates at the cutting edge of veterinary and human medicine, and this research could pave the way for a novel treatment for this common and debilitating condition.”

The study was developed in collaboration between the Skeletal Biology group at the RVC and biotechnology company Haoma Medica.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.