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Guidelines on Use of NSAIDs in Cats
The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) has developed practical and rational guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats. 

Everyone recognises that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a very valuable class of drugs, crucial for providing pain relief in many situations.  Until recently, NSAIDs had only been licensed for short-term use in cats, but with changing licensing indications and recommendations, these are now also increasingly used for long-term treatment of cats, for example in the management of osteoarthritis.
 
Unfortunately, in most cases where long-term use of pain relief in cats is required, there are concomitant problems with other diseases or other drugs that are being given.Because of concerns over therapy and the potential for adverse effects, often cats receive no treatment at all and as a result their quality of life can be severely compromised.
 
Knowing that many cats suffer unremitting and untreated chronic pain is a major welfare issue that cannot be ignored. For this reason, the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) set up an international expert panel to develop practical and rational guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats. The aim was to provide guidelines that would empower clinicians, enabling them to make sensible and rational choices, and ensure much-needed therapy is not needlessly withheld from our patients.

The result of the deliberations of this panel is the publication of the ‘Consensus Guidelines on the Long-term use of NSAIDs in cats’, which was published in the July 2010 issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. These guidelines are the first joint ISFM and American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) consensus guidelines, and are an example of the joint work often undertaken by the two organisations - indeed JFMS is the official journal of both organisations.
 
Importantly, along with the veterinary information in the guidelines, the panel also developed a brief client-facing leaflet that can be given to owners when NSAIDs are prescribed for their cats – this leaflet provides simple, clear advice on why NSAIDs are used, why they are important, but also what simple precautions avoid adverse effects, with further advice on when to seek veterinary advice to reinforce the safety message.
 
Both of these publications are available to download by clicking here. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.