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Kidney disease therapies investigated in cat study
"Chronic kidney disease is debilitating for many cats and significantly lessens their quality of life" - Silke Salavati, senior lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine.
Study will investigate three products designed to be added to food. 

Researchers at The University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies are researching the effect of therapies created to alleviate chronic kidney disease in cats.

Aiming to help limit the debilitating impact of chronic kidney disease in cats, the researchers will investigate ways to prevent toxins that develop in the gut of cats with kidney disease from entering the bloodstream.

Three products which are designed to be added to food will be investigated. One is a probiotic supplement aimed at limiting the formation of gut toxins, and the other two comprise small carbon particles designed to bind to toxins in the gut. 

“Simple interventions to bind toxins that originate in the guts of cats affected by chronic kidney disease, to limit the progress of the condition, may offer a viable route to alleviating the impact of the disease in millions of cats,” said Marina Domingues, resident in Small Animal Internal Medicine at Edinburgh's School of Veterinary Studies. 

A small group of healthy cats will be studied first, receiving each treatment in turn, and will then be monitored for effects on health and behaviour – while urine and faecal samples will be analysed to check for changes in gut microorganism composition changes. 

The second part of the study will see cats with chronic kidney disease studied, with owners given the option to administer one of the three products to their cat's food. All cats will be monitored for adverse effects, including urine and faecal testing. 

Supported by the Fiona and Ian Russell Seed Corn Fund, and the Clinical Study Fund of the European College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the study hopes to demonstrate whether the treatments are effective. 

 

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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.