Presented by Dr Sam Taylor BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIMCA FRCVS, the series is aimed at the whole practice team, from new grads to experienced surgeons and nurses.
The sessions are:
Virbac says the series "provides a practical, flexible learning format that fits around busy clinical schedules, offering clear guidance on diagnosis, treatment and longterm management."
https://www.virbac-hub.co.uk
The series, titled "Under pressure: management of feline hypertension and concurrent disease", is available on the Ceva Academy website and consists of eight short videos offering 1.5 hours CPD.
It's presented by Rosanne Jepson BVSc MVetMed PhD DipACVIM DipECVIM PGCertVetEd FHEA MRCVS, professor of small animal internal medicine and nephrology at the Royal Veterinary College (pictured).
The series is designed to help delegates recognise feline hypertension, understand its relationship with conditions including chronic kidney disease and hyperthyroidism, and apply practical, evidence-led management strategies.
It also offers practical guidance on complex case management and an overview of diagnosis and treatment pathways for CKD and hyperthyroidism.
https://ceva.vbms-training.co.uk
The webinar, "The Thyronorm Precision Masterclass: navigating comorbidities, compliance and complex cases", will be presented by Sam Taylor, an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine based at Lumbry Park.
The session will look at balancing thyroid control alongside CKD, cardiac disease and other common concurrent conditions.
It will also cover approaches for improving long-term treatment success in the home environment.
Sam will also cover challenging presentations, atypical progressions and decision-making frameworks for case management.
Registration is free, and the webinar will also be available on demand after the live event.
https://membership.elearning.vet/sam-taylor-thyronorm-free-webinar-registration
For the study1, which was led by Professor David Gardner and Dr Rebecca Brociek and published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, researchers analysed opportunistically collected kidney samples from 58 domestic cats, seven domestic dogs, 24 Scottish wildcats and three zoo wildcats.
Using chemical analyses, the team discovered that cats accumulate a rare group of modified triglycerides, some with unusual chemical bonds or branched structures, that are very rarely observed in other mammals.
Dogs did not show this pattern at all, and the feral Scottish Wildcats showed it only occasionally.
Dr Brociek said: "Why these types of unusual fats accumulate in domestic cat kidneys, even from an early age, may offer an important clue as to why domestic cats are particularly prone to chronic kidney disease, one of the most common and serious illnesses affecting older cats."
The researchers say that this distinctive lipid buildup inside kidney cells could be an early sign of long‑term stress within the kidney, potentially contributing to tissue damage over time.
Professor Gardner added: "We are hopeful that soon we will understand why these unusual fats accumulate in domestic cats - we just have to collect the evidence to find the proof.
"If true, we believe we could develop a supplement or modified diet to help prevent these unusual lipid structures from accumulating, ultimately benefitting the long-term health of our companion animals."
The discovery opens a new area of investigation into feline biology, suggesting that cats’ unique metabolism may predispose them to kidney problems. It could eventually lead to better diagnostic tools, improved diets, and new treatments for protecting cats' kidney health.
Reference
The study first set out to address whether the higher proportional mortality previously reported for Pugs with PLE in referral care is also seen in dogs managed only in primary care by looking at 51 cases from VetCompass data.
In the study, 43% of Pugs died presumed due to PLE, with over half of these deaths occurring within three months of diagnosis.
Most deaths were recorded as euthanasia (64%), with the remainder recorded as unassisted deaths.
The underlying cause for the PLE diagnosis in most Pugs in the study was not identified.
Clinical signs at diagnosis commonly included diarrhoea, vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, weight loss and increased drinking.
At the time of death, additional signs reported included pale mucous membranes, seizures and anaemia, which the authors noted have not been reported in the literature previously.
Treatments prescribed were variable and included dietary therapy, prednisolone, clopidogrel, chlorambucil, cyclosporin and/or cobalamin supplementation.
Pugs treated with prednisolone or clopidogrel were significantly more likely to be alive after three months, but this effect did not persist at one or two years after diagnosis.
Dr Aarti Kathrani, lead author of the study, said: “The results of our study will help to increase awareness and highlight the outcome and various causes of death in Pugs with protein-losing enteropathy.
"We hope the results will also help drive much-needed further research into the mechanism, pathophysiology and consequence of this disease, which is needed to help discover effective therapeutic targets that could help improve the prognosis of this guarded condition.”
The cross-sectional study, published in PLOS One, evaluated 898 dogs across 14 breeds and assessed conformational risk factors associated with BOAS.
Only 11% of Pekingese were graded free of BOAS.
Japanese Chins also showed high levels of disease, with only 17.4% graded unaffected.
King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus and Boston Terriers demonstrated intermediate risk profiles.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Pomeranians, Boxers and Chihuahuas had substantially lower proportions of clinically affected dogs.
Across all breeds, increased facial shortening, dynamic nostril collapse and higher body condition score were significantly associated with BOAS severity.
Francesca Tomlinson, lead author and PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge, said: “Our research shows that BOAS varies widely between brachycephalic breeds.
"By understanding these differences and identifying key risk factors, we can move towards more targeted and effective strategies to improve welfare.”
The findings provide updated comparative data for clinicians advising owners on risk, weight management and early respiratory grading, and support structured respiratory grading schemes, including those led by The Royal Kennel Club.
References
The session, From Early Care to Lifelong Health: Diarrhoea Management in Puppies and Kittens, will explore evidence suggesting early-life acute intestinal disorders can have lasting effects on gut integrity, immune function and the risk of chronic disease.
Purina says the discussion will focus on practical approaches that teams can apply in practice, including when antibiotic therapy is appropriate in young patients and how to minimise antibiotic-associated dysbiosis.
Topics include mechanisms by which enteritis — including giardiasis and parvoviral enteritis — may compromise gut integrity and increase chronic disease risk, along with best-practice protocols for managing acute diarrhoea to mitigate dysbiosis, preserve gut barrier function and potentially reduce future gastrointestinal and dermatological disorders.
The round table will be chaired by Jan S. Suchodolski MedVet, DrVetMed, PhD, AGAF, DACVM, with contributions from Ana Rostaher Prof, Dr med vet, Dipl ECVD, RCVS; Camille Torres-Henderson DVM, DABVP (Canine/Feline), DACVIM (Nutrition); Stefan Unterer Prof, Dr med vet, Dr habil, Dipl ECVIM-CA; and Michelle van Lienden DVM.
Natalia Wagemans, Head of the Purina Institute, said the aim is to provide “practical, evidence-based insights” that veterinary professionals can apply “immediately to improve long-term outcomes for pets”.
The event is free to attend, will be recorded and made available on demand for registered participants, and will offer live audio and subtitles in more than 50 languages.
https://events.purinainstitute.com/login/purinainstitute/MicrobiomeForumRoundTable2026
The study analysed 321 canine cases reported to the VPS for electronic cigarette or e-liquid exposure, to assess the risk of nicotine toxicosis in dogs.
53% of dogs remained asymptomatic after oral exposure to e-liquid and 41% developed only mild signs.
Among the 47% that developed clinical signs, emesis, hypersalivation, and tachycardia were the most common.
Other potential signs of nicotine toxicity, such as tremor, ataxia, or tachypnoea, occurred in less than 7% of cases.
Clinical signs generally resolved within a few hours, with a median recovery time of 3 hours, varying from 10 minutes to 6 days.
28% of the dogs received no treatment or observation only, and 45% received gut decontamination, most commonly activated charcoal only or oral lavage only.
Two dogs required the removal of a foreign body (an electronic cigarette and an e-liquid refill bottle).
A moderate, severe or fatal outcome was reported in 6% of cases.
Two dogs died; one after chewing a bottle of e-liquid, and experiencing progressive tachypnoea, persistent tachycardia and hypotension, and one was euthanised due to financial constraints.
The severity of poisoning wasn’t related to the reported dose, and it’s not clear why large doses didn’t cause severe nicotine toxicosis.
The authors conclude that the majority of dogs exposed to e-liquids can be managed conservatively and treatment is symptomatic and supportive.
Nicola Bates, lead author of the study, said: “Although severe effects following exposure to e-cigarettes or e-liquid is uncommon in dogs, each case should be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine if any decontamination or treatment is required”.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.70014
Marketed since 2016, Thyronorm is an award-winning liquid formulation that simplifies administration compared to tablets and enables precise dosing for both veterinary surgeons and pet owners.
During the product handover veterinary practices can continue to buy Thyronorm from their usual wholesaler, and all practice support activities and retrospective commercial rebates remain unchanged.
Virbac says it is working closely with Norbrook to make sure all practice support activities are smoothly handed over from Norbrook Account Managers to Virbac Territory Managers.
https://uk.virbac.com
The new guidelines are freely available in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS), along with accompanying guides for vet nurses and cat carers.
Samantha Taylor, iCatCare Veterinary Specialist Consultant and co-author and panel chair for the guidelines said: “There have been significant developments in the treatment of feline diabetes mellitus since the publication of the 2015 ISFM diabetes guidelines.
"Experts in the disease from the USA, Netherlands, UK, Australia and Italy have collaborated on a much-needed update and the resulting 2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines are an essential information resource for vets diagnosing and treating diabetes mellitus in cats.”
https://internationalcatcare.cmail20.com/t/i-l-znwll-tykyklax-k/
Vikaly is indicated for the nutritional and medical management of chronic kidney disease in adult and senior cats with proteinuria, from IRIS stage 2.
The new diet delivers the same therapeutic dosage as benazepril tablets (0.5–1 mg/kg bodyweight/day).
Nutrition-wise, Vikaly is low phosphorus (0.5% as fed), has reduced protein (30% as fed), contains omega-3 fatty acids (1.2%, including 0.6% EPA & DHA) and offers high metabolisable energy (416 kcal/100g).
Virbac highlights data showing that CKD remains the leading cause of mortality in cats over five years old and affects up to 40% of feline patients over the age of ten1,2.
The company says administering daily treatment is recognised as a major issue for CKD cat owners with 45% of owners not administering treatment daily as they should and 51% of owners citing administration difficulties as the reason why3.
This new product eliminates the need to administer medication separately, which could completely transform treatment compliance, removing the risk of missed doses and reducing stress for both cats and their owners.
Virbac says that due to the pharmacokinetic profile of benazepril, which is incorporated into the kibble, at an equivalent dose Vikaly displays greater ACE inhibition than benazepril tablets4.
The rate of food consumption also does not affect plasma Benazeprilat levels, ensuring consistent treatment efficacy regardless of the cat’s feeding behaviour5.
Virbac says that in practice, this means that even if the cat being treated consumes less than 50% of their daily ration, efficacy is maintained with ACE activity similar to that of benazepril tablets.
Benazepril has a wide therapeutic margin, tolerated to 20x the minimum effective dose (10mg/kg) for 52 weeks, with the first signs of toxicity being reduced erythrocytes counts & ovary/oviduct weights6.
Virbac says that with Vikaly, these levels cannot be reached because the active ingredient is contained in food, which would require a cat to consume more than 10 times their daily ration.
Vikaly is presented in a 1.5kg bag, which equates to a 30 day supply for a 4.5kg cat with normal bodyweight.
It can be fed alongside wet food, providing that the cat consumes at least 50% of their daily ration before being given the wet food.
The daily ration can also be administered in several smaller meals throughout the day, to accommodate the individual preferences of the cat and to promote consistent food intake.
Vikaly is a prescription diet.
Purina says it is common for dogs with gastrointestinal disturbances not to digest fat properly1, resulting in water secretion in the gut and loose stools2, production of anti-inflammatory compounds2 and altered microbiome composition 3,4.
The company says a limited fat diet can help, but some conditions, such as hyperlipidaemia, require even lower fat levels, such as found in the new EN Low Fat diet.
If you go to stand P20 and watch a short video about the new diet, you'll be entered into a draw to with prizes which include shopping vouchers, gym bags and umbrellas.
Vets from the Purina Technical Support Line will also be on the stand to answer questions about the new product.
The new resource contains webinars, vet-written articles and podcasts covering topics including the microbiome, the gut’s role in immunity and toxin ingestion.
The resources support NVS's range of dietary products: Prorestore +, Movipet, Duostart, Glandvet, Activated Charcoal, Duotox and Digestive Paste.
Malcolm Dickinson, Head of Product Management at NVS, said: “The new products are all designed with vets and their patients in mind.
"They’re useful everyday products to help combat some of the most commonly seen conditions in practice.
“We hope the hub will act as a central base of knowledge that veterinary teams can refer back to time and time again.
"The webinar and podcasts in particular are well worth a listen and a watch as they are full of useful information delivered by vets.”
https://www.nvsweb.co.uk/our-brands/select-from-nvs/digestive-health-hub
A graduate of the University of Córdoba, Spain, Sonya trained and worked across Europe and the United States, including at the Animal Health Trust, The Royal Veterinary College, Colorado State University and Nottingham University.
Her clinical interests span neurology, ophthalmology, muscular disorders, and infectious diseases, and she is widely recognised for her contributions to equine research.
She continues to contribute to ongoing studies in exercise biomarkers, toxicology, and infectious disease management, and regularly presents her findings at national and international veterinary conferences.
Andrew Jones, Clinical Director and Specialist Surgeon at CVS Endell Equine Hospital said: “Internal medicine specialists such as Dr. Gonzalez-Medina, with her comprehensive expertise spanning multiple body systems, will be instrumental in enhancing Endell’s existing services."
The new service will cover a broad spectrum of equine medical conditions, including:
Andrew added: “Our area has lacked this type of service for patients in the past, meaning horses can now access advanced internal medicine care without traveling great distances.”
The Equine Internal Medicine Service is now accepting referrals and direct cases.
https://www.endellequinehospital.co.uk.
Giles is the professor of molecular neuroendocrinology at the Medical Research Council Metabolic Diseases Unit and scientific director of the Genomics/Transcriptomics Core at the University of Cambridge.
He is a well-known broadcaster thanks to his appearances on programmes such as BBC’s ‘Horizon’ and ‘Trust me, I’m a Doctor’ and author of two books: Gene Eating: The Story Of Human Appetite and Why Calories Don't Count.
He also hosts the podcast Dr Giles Yeo Chews The Fat.
Giles and his colleagues at the University of Cambridge recently identified a genetic mutation in Labrador retrievers that significantly increases their propensity for obesity and food motivation.
This mutation, a 14-base pair deletion in the POMC gene, disrupts the production of beta-MSH and beta-endorphin, hormones involved in regulating appetite and energy balance.
The study found this mutation is present in about 25% of Labradors and 66% of flat-coated retrievers, and is also more common in assistance dogs than pet Labradors.
Giles' lecture: "The genetics of obesity: Can an old dog teach us new tricks?" will lay out the evidence for a genetic basis to body weight and explore the role of the leptin-melanocortin pathway in both human and dog obesity, and its conservation through evolution.
Giles said: “It is clear that the cause of obesity is a result of eating more than you burn.
"It is physics.
"What is more complex to answer is why some people eat more than others?
"Differences in our genetic make-up mean some of us are slightly more hungry all the time and so eat more than others.
"I will highlight the fat-sensing 'leptin-melanocortin' pathway, as a key appetite control circuit.
"Not only is the pathway conserved in all mammals and many higher vertebrates, but genetic disruption of the pathway as an evolutionary strategy to influence feeding behaviour has also been conserved. In contrast to the prevailing view, obesity is not a choice.
"People who are obese are not bad or lazy; rather, they are fighting their biology.”
British Veterinary Association President Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “I’m sure our BVA Congress delegates will appreciate both Dr Yeo’s scientific knowledge and his dynamic delivery style and I’m personally looking forward to learning more about this exciting topic.”
https://london.vetshow.com
This allows patients to try the drug at lower cost, before progressing to the 30ml bottle for ongoing treatment.
Samantha Taylor, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine said: “It’s great we now have the option to prescribe the smaller 12ML bottle for starting cats on Senvelgo, as it means we don’t have to worry about wasting a 30ml bottle if it becomes evident that the cat requires insulin in the first couple of weeks.”
https://senvelgo.co.uk
The authors say the research marks a significant step forward in understanding how veterinary surgeons and owners can more effectively manage and prevent outbreaks of the disease.
For the study, researchers from the RVC, the University of Cambridge, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and Redwings Horse Sanctuary, analysed more than 500 S. equi samples from across the UK between 2016 and 2022.
In particular, they wanted to better understand the relative contribution of short-term (immediately post infection) versus long-term carriers (carriers that were infected months or years prior).
The samples were collected from clinical cases sent to diagnostic laboratories by veterinary surgeons seeking confirmation of infection.
Surplus samples were submitted to the Surveillance of Equine Strangles network and then cultured in the RVC’s research laboratory and their DNA extracted and sequenced to reveal each bacterium’s complete genetic code.
Adopting an approach that combined whole genome sequencing and epidemiological data, the researchers were able to trace how strains are related and have evolved.
With the use of computer programmes, they also tracked how genetically related strains spread between horses and across regions, over time.
By adopting this approach, the team was also able to pinpoint likely transmission events and chains of infection.
The main findings were:
The research highlights the need for early diagnosis, isolation and laboratory-confirmed clearance, particularly through guttural pouch testing, before assuming a horse is infection-free.
It also advocates for tighter biosecurity and movement protocols, especially when transporting horses across regions.
Dr Abigail McGlennon, former PhD student in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences at the RVC, and lead author of the paper, said: “Strangles is a challenging and distressing disease for horses, owners, yards and vets, and this work has highlighted just how easily it can be spread across the UK in a short period of time.
“This study shows how important enhanced surveillance utilising epidemiological and genomic data is to investigate and understand strangles transmission across the UK.
"Our data highlights the importance of greater awareness and adoption of post-outbreak screening protocols to confirm freedom from infection, rather than owners assuming recovery based on the resolution of clinical signs.”
Krka says Arocenia provides fast, broad-spectrum anti-emetic efficacy with a 24-hour duration of action following a single daily dose.
It can be administered intravenously or subcutaneously and is supplied in 20 ml multi-dose vials, allowing up to 40 punctures per vial and a 60-day open vial shelf life.
Renzo Di Florio, Krka’s Technical Veterinary Adviser, commented “Vomiting is one of the most common presenting signs in small animal practice, and maropitant is a medication you’ll find on just about every vet’s dispensary shelf. With Arocenia, we’re adding a cost-effective formulation to the available options.”
https://www.krka.co.uk//products/our-products/animal-health/arocenia-10mgml-solution-for-injection
The researchers say that previous research suggests that approximately 10% of diabetic cats are euthanised at the time of diagnosis, making it a significant cat welfare issue.
However, this figure was largely based on questionnaire-based research from several global locations.
This new study followed the survival of 1,053 cats with confirmed diabetes mellitus under UK primary-care practices in 2019, providing the most up-to-date baseline data on early death among diabetic cats in the UK, as well as examining risk factors for the development of diabetes among UK pet cats.
The study found:
Based on these findings, the researchers encourage veterinarians to more actively discuss diabetes mellitus risk with cat owners, particularly those with Burmilla and Burmese breeds, in the hope that raising awareness of the disease might improve outcomes through earlier diagnosis, and by taking actions that might prevent diabetes mellitus development in the first instance, such as preventing cats becoming obese.
Dr Oliver Waite, Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Medicine at Murdoch University, and primary author of the paper, said: “We hope that this new, large scale epidemiological study, investigating the second most common endocrine disease in cats, will help to highlight current as well as future areas to improve cat welfare.
"This is an exciting time for the management of diabetic cats but more work is still needed!”
Dr Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, and co-author of the paper, said: “This new VetCompass study shows the value of everyone working in primary care practice sharing their anonymised clinical data to get a better understanding of real-world animal health.
"Awareness of the scale of the diabetes mellitus issue revealed here can empower veterinary professionals to engage in more conversations with owners about diabetes mellitus prevention in predisposed cats.”
The updated content includes instructions on interpreting blood test results and dosing with Felimazole (thiamazole), which is now available as both a tablet and a honey-flavoured oral solution.
The new Felimazole Oral Solution formulation is presented in a syringe graduated in 0.25 mg increments to ensure accurate dosing.
Thomas Johnson, Dechra companion animal brand manager said: “Consistent management and accurate treatment is key to enabling cats with feline hyperthyroidism to lead long and healthy lives.”
Dechra’s Endocrine app already covers Addison’s disease and canine Cushing’s syndrome. The inclusion of feline hyperthyroidism content aims to provide a single resource for veterinarians managing endocrine disorders in companion animals.
Dechra’s Endocrine app is available at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
https://www.dechra.co.uk/products#/search=Felimazole
The range will include Vetoryl 20mg, 30mg and 60mg hydrolysed chicken flavoured tablets, which can be broken into halves or quarters.
The new Vetoryl tablets will come in packs of 30 tablets, although no word from Dechra as to when they'll arrive.
Thomas Johnson, Vetoryl brand manager at Dechra, said: “We are delighted that Vetoryl Flavoured Tablets for Dogs will soon be available, which will provide vets and pets owners with easy to administer, flavoured tablets to provide additional dosing flexibility.
"This, together with our commitment to providing extensive technical support and resources, will ensure that Vetoryl continues to be the UK’s leading licensed medical treatment for Cushing’s syndrome.”
The factsheets, which cover canine chronic bronchitis, feline asthma and equine asthma, are designed to help explain complex conditions more effectively, encourage earlier diagnosis, and improve treatment compliance.
The downloadable factsheets can be printed, emailed to clients, or displayed in waiting areas and on waiting room screens.
Jon Slattery MRCVS, Director of BreathEazy, said: “We often see a seasonal spike in respiratory cases at this time of year, particularly in animals with underlying conditions.
"Having owners on board and confident in managing their pet’s condition is a key part of treatment success.
"These factsheets offer a time-saving way for vets and nurses to educate clients, reinforce advice given in consults, and help owners understand how to support their pets at home.”
https://mailchi.mp/breatheazy/resourcedownload
www.breatheazy.co.uk
The company says the webinar, presented by Dechra veterinary technical advisor, Emily Casey BVM&S MRCVS (pictured), will save vets' time and enhance their canine patients’ quality of life.
Emily said: “Canine Cushing’s syndrome can seem over-complicated, and we receive about 200 calls a month on the disease, so we’ve seen it all.
"Our new webinar will provide vets with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to Cushing’s that will transform how they manage their next canine Cushing’s case.”
Delegates who join the webinar live will be entered into a prize draw to win a Littman Classic III Stethoscope.
https://go.dechra.co.uk/3-things-about-cushings
The clinic sits within the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals’ Nephrology and Urology service and will monitor dogs during the three months after an AKI episode, when ongoing complications such as high blood pressure can emerge.
Access is via referral from the patient’s primary care veterinary practice.
Ahead of each appointment, owners complete a pre-appointment questionnaire about the dog’s wellbeing at home.
Patients then receive a clinical re-examination with the Nephrology and Urology team, with support from Emergency and Critical Care specialists.
Monitoring includes blood and urine testing and blood pressure measurement, with ultrasound considered depending on discussion at the appointment.
Owners attending the clinic can opt into a longitudinal research study looking at longer-term outcomes after AKI.
Professor Rosanne Jepson, Professor in Small Animal Nephrology and Internal Medicine at the RVC, said: “We hope that clients who are keen to attend this clinic will be willing to also participate in a study so that we can keep in touch with owners and dogs that have been treated for AKI, monitoring their clinical response and also quality of life, so that in the future we can better understand and continually give the very best care in this important recovery period.”
https://rvc.uk.com/renal-clinic
The webinars will be available as live podcasts and will also be able to be viewed on demand on the Dechra Academy.
In the strangles webinar, Dave Rendle, Gayle Hallowell and Richard Newton will explore the current landscape of strangles control, focusing on the role of vaccination, testing and quarantine measures.
In the disease prevention webinar, Gayle Hallowell, Dave Rendle, Tamzin Furtado and others will give an insight into chronic disease management and preventative vaccination to improve uptake and optimise treatment outcomes.
Both webinars broadcast from 8pm GMT, with a live Q&A session from 8:45pm, finishing at 9:15pm GMT.
https://membership.elearning.vet/Dechra-equine-medicine-series.