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Vets urged to offer feline blood pressure checks
More than 40 per cent of cats enrolled in Ceva Animal Health's Mercury Challenge were hypertensive.
One in five cats from nine years of age may suffer from high blood pressure.

Ceva Animal Health is calling on veterinary practices to offer feline blood pressure checks as part of a UK-wide testing and awareness event.

The ‘Know Your Numbers’ Campaign takes place 6-12 September, and veterinary professionals are being urged to focus on the importance of feline blood pressure checks amongst cat owners whose pets are seven years of age and older. 

It comes after Ceva Animal Health’s Mercury Challenge revealed that more than 40 per cent of cats enrolled in the initiative were hypertensive, with a blood pressure about 30 per cent higher than the blood pressure value found in healthy cats. The mean age of hypertensive cats was found to be 13 years old.

To help generate conversations between veterinary professionals and cat owners, CEVA has put together some ‘Know Your Numbers Week!’ facts, which include: 
  • It is estimated that one in five cats from nine years of age may suffer from high blood pressure, many of which are undiagnosed.
  • Four organs may be damaged due to high blood pressure in cats – eyes, brain, kidneys and heart.
  • A cat is generally thought to be hypertensive when its systolic blood pressure is above 160mm Hg1.
  • Best practice is to discard the first blood pressure reading and then take the average systolic blood pressure from five further readings.

Nicki Glen, marketing project manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: “Know Your Numbers Week! is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the risks of feline hypertension, which is known as the ‘silent killer’ as it often develops insidiously without any early signs, and the importance of regular blood pressure checks in cats seven years of age and older to help detect, treat and control the condition."

Ceva's initiative coincides with the human health campaign, which has been running for 21 years.

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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  

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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.