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WSAVA launches new pain guidelines
The WSAVA's Global Pain Council launched the new Guidelines at World Congress 2022.

Updated format and information now available.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has launched its updated Global Guidelines for the Recognition, Assessment and Treatment of Pain at its annual World Congress.

Well-received by WSAVA association member representatives at the World Congress in Lima, Peru last month, the Guidelines have been published by the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP), and are available to download for free from the WSAVA website.

Alongside the updated information, the Guidelines have an updated accessible format, with increased use of visuals and graphics, links provided to recommended tools and additional resources and videos linked for those wanting to expand further.

Incorporating advances in knowledge and new evidence on pain assessment, the new Guidelines particularly emphasise the use of pain scales for the assessment of acute and chronic pain in companion animals.

For managing pain, the Guidelines evaluate the performance of new drugs and non-drug therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and acupuncture.

Also stressed in the Guidelines is the consideration of euthanasia in cases where pain cannot be effectively managed and quality of life is poor.

WSAVA has also prioritised global relevance, with tiered protocols offered to guide veterinary surgeons with restricted access to analgesic drugs. The role of local anaesthetic techniques and non-drug therapies, as well as the importance of nursing and supportive care are highlighted to work around limitations.

Currently available in English, the Guidelines are currently being translated into Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese and other languages.

Image (C) WSAVA

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.