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Vets sought for feline pancytopenia study
"Given the rarity of this condition, the clustering of these cases is concerning" - Dr Barbara Glanemann.
Survey follows a rise in cases across the UK.

Vets are being sought for a study into feline pancytopenia following a surge in cases across the UK.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) reports that it has seen at least 10 cats with the condition in the last month. The disorder, which often proves fatal, consists of severe leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and anaemia.

Dr Barbara Glanemann, a senior lecturer in transfusion medicine and Emergency Critical Care at the RVC, who is leading the study, said: “Given the rarity of this condition, the clustering of these cases is concerning. Investigations in our cases have not revealed any identifiable underlying cause so far.

“Speaking to several colleagues in general practice and other referral hospitals around the country we are currently aware of about another 40 – 50 affected cats. The cats are severely unwell, have spontaneous bleeding and require often multiple transfusion for stabilisation prior to any investigation being possible.”

Dr Glanemann added that most of the cats had presented with severe generalised bone marrow hypo- to aplasia and that some cats were from the same household.

The RVC is calling on any vets or veterinary nurses that might have recently seen feline pancytopenia cases to complete its online survey. Findings will be used to help identify a common factor among cases to identify any underlying cause.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."