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: 21st July 2010
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
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. 

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

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.