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Feline hypoalbuminaemia more common than thought, study finds
Feline hypoalbuminaemia could be used as a prognostic indicator.
Study suggests rates are higher than those in dogs.

A new study has challenged the belief that hypoalbuminaemia in cats is uncommon.

Researchers from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies discovered that rates of hypoalbuminaemia were higher in cats than they were in dogs.

The study sought to explore the incidence of feline hypoalbuminaemia and its presenting disease categories and pathoaetiologies. The data was compared to previously recorded rates in dogs.

It also hoped to explore the relationship between hypoalbuminaemia and the clinical outcome of diagnoses.

Hypoalbuminaemia can be caused by several different disease processes. Animals which have hypoalbuminaemia may experience impaired wound healing and increased morbidity, as well as higher rates of mortality.
 
There have been numerous studies into hypoalbuminaemia in dogs. It is associated with a variety of diseases and has proven to be a reliable prognostic indicator.

However, hypoalbuminaemia has been poorly researched in cats. The veterinary school says that there is little understanding into the condition’s role as an acute phase protein or its prognostic value.

From their study of 1,632 cats, researchers found that 32.7 per cent of the population had hypoalbuminaemia.

It was also discovered that gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastrointestinal neoplasia, could be closely linked to the condition.

Although researchers say a retrospective study has limitations, the data may indicate that protein-losing enteropathy is more common in cats than thought. It also suggests that albumin is a feline negative acute phase protein.

Furthermore, there is potential for the severity of hypoalbuminaemia to be used as a prognostic indicator, with albumin incorporated in the feline prognostic scoring systems.

Karen Fong, lead author of the study, said: “We hope this study urges dialogue surrounding the topic of feline hypoalbuminaemia and sparks future research.

“We also encourage our colleagues in practice to consider the clinical significance of low albumin in cats, especially when gastrointestinal signs are present.”

The full study can be found in the Journal of the Small Animal Practice.

Image © Shutterstock

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

Click here for more...
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FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."