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Electrochemotherapy treatment saves cat with painful tumour
Pictured: Acai the cat.
The treatment was given by Gerry Poulton at NDSR.

Veterinary professionals at North Downs Specialist Referrals are 'delighted' after a cat with tongue cancer is doing well after receiving electrochemotherapy treatment.

Acai the cat is receiving treatment from oncology specialist Gerry Polton, oncology service director at North Downs Specialist Referrals. 

Gerry, who has described Acai's progress as 'extraordinary', commented on Acai's diagnosis:  “Acai is a lovely big cat who was diagnosed with a squamous cell carcinoma on the underside of his tongue. 

“This is a painful and destructive tumour and, normally, life expectancy for these cases is only about 50 days, with appropriate pain relief.”

With little to no treatment options for Acai's condition, the specialist decided that he was a strong candidate to receive electrochemotherapy treatment, and Acai began treatment in April 2020. 

Electrochemotherapy treatment combines a low dose of a chemotherapy drug and an electrical pulse, applied directly by an electrode. When this electrical pulse is applied, the cells form pores, allowing the drug to enter. 

The practice found that Acai was incredibly receptive to the treatment, with the tumour resolving visibly and the mass being no longer apparent after only three treatments.

After the first course of treatment, which involved six treatments, Acai remained in remission until February 2021, when he then received further electrochemotherapy.

Gerry commented on this process: “We performed two treatments two weeks apart but Acai lost his appetite after the second treatment, so no more were given.

“We expected that the tumour would begin to progress quite rapidly but remarkably he has responded so well and has got his appetite back. 

“It is now 18 months since the lump was first identified and the fact that he is happy and well at this point is extraordinary. 

“We’re delighted and want to share this success story to raise awareness of the treatment so that other cats can benefit from it”

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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.