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Study explores ionized hypercalcaemia in cats
Study provides clear clinical information on causes associated with disrupted calcium concentrations.
RVC study examines associated diagnoses.

A Royal Veterinary College (RVC) study has highlighted the more common diagnoses associated with ionized hypercalcaemia in cats.

The researchers found that the three most likely causes of ionized hypercalcaemia were kidney-related causes, neoplasia (abnormal growths) and idiopathic hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium).

Using the RVC VetCompass programme to collect data, the research team gathered and analysed the largest data set of cats with ionized hypercalcaemia as yet reported in literature to explore the different pathological causes.

In just over half of the 238 cases, a defined pathological cause was identified, these were acute kidney injury (13 per cent), malignancy associated (10.1 per cent), idiopathic hypercalcaemia (10.1 per cent) and chronic kidney disease/renal diet associated (8.4 per cent).

Researchers found a marked variability in total hypercalcaemia by diagnosis, highlighting the importance of ionised calcium measurement if hypercalcaemia is differential for a patient's clinical signs.

The study also explores the prevalence of concurrent urolithiasis, with urolithiasis identified in 83.3 per cent of acute kidney injury associated hypercalcaemia, 72.7 per cent of iatrogenic hypercalcaemia, 61.1 per cent of CKD/renal diet-associated hypercalcaemia and 50 per cent of idiopathic hypercalcaemia cases imaged. 

Given this high proportion of hypercalcaemic cats with concurrent urolithiasis, the research team has suggested that further studies into calcium-based urolith formation are needed.

'Ionized hypercalcaemia in 238 cats from a referral hospital population (2009-2019)' is published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 

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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.