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Regular proteinuria monitoring significant during masitinib treatment, study finds
The study suggets that a urine protein: creatinine greater than 0.5 should prompt reassessment within one week.
Study aims to allow better recommendations on monitoring and management of proteinuria.  

Weekly proteinuria monitoring is useful in the first month of masitinib treatment for dogs with neoplasia, a recent study has found.

Published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP), the study 'Development and progression of proteinuria in dogs treated with masitinib for neoplasia: 28 cases (2010 – 2019)' retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 28 dogs treated with masitnib for neoplasia.

Using data such as dosage, changes to medication administration or dosing, presence of gross disease and haematology and biochemistry profile results, urinalysis and urine cultures, the study investigated the development of proteinuria to allows for better informed recommendations on how to monitor and manage proteinuria.

Of the 28 dogs included in the study, five were undergoing treatment for epitheliotropic lymphoma, two for vuval lymphoma and malignant melanoma respectively, and 21 for mast cell tumours. Of these dogs, 22 were non-proteinuric, four developed proteinuria within one month of treatment beginning, and six were proteinuric at baseline. 

Masitinib treatment was discontinued for three of the dogs with proteinuria before treatment due to lack of effectiveness, and three were euthanised during treatment. 

Corresponding author for the paper, Dr Margaux Kuijlaars, commented: “Patients developing proteinuria should be investigated to exclude non-renal causes. 

“This should allow for more informed recommendations on the monitoring and management of proteinuria and further masitinib treatment in these patients to be made. Masitinib treatment can be considered in patients with pre-treatment proteinuria and does not inevitably cause worsening of proteinuria.

“The findings of this study add to the evidence base for the use of masitinib in treating neoplasia in small animal patients. The use of masitinib in dogs in this study was off-licence as C-KIT MCT expression was not determined, and many dogs were treated for other tumours.”

JSAP editor Nicola Di Girolamo commented on the study: “Little is known about which dogs are predisposed to becoming proteinuric following treatment with masitinib for neoplasia. Due to the small number of dogs in this study that developed proteinuria, conclusions about predisposing factors cannot be definitely drawn. 

“The findings of this study add to the evidence base and demonstrate the need for larger, prospective trials including a control population and longer period of follow-up.”

The paper is free to access and can be found here.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.