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VMD’s annual review of adverse events published
The number of safety (adverse reaction) reports increased in only two major species, dogs and sheep.

Report highlights rise in suspected lack of efficacy reports for cats

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has published its annual review of adverse events in animals, humans and the environment after the use of veterinary medicines.

The Veterinary Pharmacovigilance in the United Kingdom review summarises 6,721 UK adverse events reported to the VMD in 2017, an increase of 2.5 per cent on the previous year, compared to 15 per cent from 2015 to 2016.

Of the reports received, dogs were the only major species that had increased (9%). The largest decrease was for rabbits, with a fall of more than 31 per cent.

The report also highlights a considerable rise in the number of suspected lack of expected efficacy reports for cats compared to 2016. These were for products that affect the nervous system, including general anaesthetics, sedatives and analgesics.

Products for reversal of sedation also increased, as did combined treatments for the prevention of infestation by international and external parasites.

The number of safety (adverse reaction) reports increased in only two major species, dogs and sheep. The increase in dogs was owing to reports involving medicines for treating the intestines, heart and circulation, the nervous system and the ears.

Half of the products involved in sheep safety cases were anti-parasitics, with 50 per cent of those being wormers. 

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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.