Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2nd August 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Environmental contaminants negatively effect cat health
Researchers found a significant negative correlation between thyroid hormones and organohalogen compounds.
Study discovers negative effects of OHCs on pet cats.

A study led by researchers from Ehime University, Japan, has evaluated the effects of environmental contaminants on pet cat health, as reported by Science Daily.

Researchers investigated the potential health effects caused by persistent organic pollutants exposure in pet cats, finding that this can lower blood thyroid hormone levels and cause chronic oxidative stress.

These organic pollutants, known as organohalogen compounds (OHCs), are human-made chemicals containing chlorine, bromine and fluorine atoms. These are found in some pharmaceuticals, industrial fluids, electrical applications, paint additives, food packaging and many pesticides.

With the close contact pet cats share with human environments, the potential health effects of harmful substances on them is something scientists are concerned with. 

For this study, researchers collected blood from pet cats and analysed their contamination status – finding that a high level of exposure to OHCs correlated significantly with the thyroid hormone homeostasis, chronic oxidative stress and metabolic diseases.

Those researching the effects of these environmental contaminants on pet cat health have concluded that providing companion animals with an environment featuring low exposure to OHCs is an important factor in considering pet welfare. With reducing the OHC contained in the pet's indoor environment and pet food considered a 'necessity'. 

As stated in the Science Daily report, is: “it is essential to clarify the toxic effects of various pollutants on pet cats.” 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk