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New canine oral cancer drug to be trialled
Owners of dogs with oral melanoma are being encouraged to participate in the trial.
The drug is already licensed to another form of canine cancer.

A pilot trial is set to be carried out to test the ability of a drug derived from berries to treat canine oral melanoma.

Researchers at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland will assess the effectiveness of the drug tigilanol tiglate, which is derived from the berries of the blushwood tree, a species found in Queensland, Australia.

The drug, which disrupts blood vessels inside tumours without harming healthy tissue, is currently licensed to treat mast cell tumours. If it is shown to work to treat canine oral melanoma, it may save some dogs from having to undergo surgery.

The researchers hope that the trial could also provide insights that could benefit human medicine, as canine oral melanoma shares many features with human mucosal melanoma. In both diseases, symptoms typically remain hidden until the disease has already reached an advanced stage.

The research is being funded by QBiotics, the manufacturer of tigilanol tiglate, which it sells under the brand name Stelfonta.

The trial will involve eight dogs, although the number of participating animals may be increased if the initial results prove to be promising. Owners of eligible dogs are being asked to get in touch with the research team.

Kelly Blacklock, professor of small animal soft tissue surgery, said: “If successful, this treatment could transform the way we approach cancer therapy in veterinary medicine, sparing many dogs from the need for surgery.

“We encourage pet owners with dogs diagnosed with oral melanoma to consider participating in this trial. Your involvement could not only contribute to advancing treatment options for this challenging disease but also help improve the quality of life for dogs in the future.”

Eligible dog owners wishing to take part should email Professor Blacklock.

Image © Shutterstock

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Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course relaunched

News Story 1
 The VMD has announced dates for its next Veterinary Dispensary Manager Online Course.

The event will relaunch on Thursday, 23 October 2025 from 9am to 5pm and will be delivered through an interactive online session.

It is open for anyone involved in a veterinary dispensary role, whether they are new to the topic or looking for a refresh. Attendees will receive vital insights into the safe and compliant handling of veterinary medicines.

The course can be booked online for £495. 

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.