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Environmental contaminants negatively effect cat health
Researchers found a significant negative correlation between thyroid hormones and organohalogen compounds.
Study discovers negative effects of OHCs on pet cats.

A study led by researchers from Ehime University, Japan, has evaluated the effects of environmental contaminants on pet cat health, as reported by Science Daily.

Researchers investigated the potential health effects caused by persistent organic pollutants exposure in pet cats, finding that this can lower blood thyroid hormone levels and cause chronic oxidative stress.

These organic pollutants, known as organohalogen compounds (OHCs), are human-made chemicals containing chlorine, bromine and fluorine atoms. These are found in some pharmaceuticals, industrial fluids, electrical applications, paint additives, food packaging and many pesticides.

With the close contact pet cats share with human environments, the potential health effects of harmful substances on them is something scientists are concerned with. 

For this study, researchers collected blood from pet cats and analysed their contamination status – finding that a high level of exposure to OHCs correlated significantly with the thyroid hormone homeostasis, chronic oxidative stress and metabolic diseases.

Those researching the effects of these environmental contaminants on pet cat health have concluded that providing companion animals with an environment featuring low exposure to OHCs is an important factor in considering pet welfare. With reducing the OHC contained in the pet's indoor environment and pet food considered a 'necessity'. 

As stated in the Science Daily report, is: “it is essential to clarify the toxic effects of various pollutants on pet cats.” 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.