ISFM and the AAFP release new guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats

Veterinarians around the globe now have access to the latest Consensus Guidelines created by a panel of world-leading feline experts on the long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in cats. 

The most widely used analgesic in veterinary medicine, the ‘2024 ISFM and AAFP consensus guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats’ from the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) supports practitioners with decision-making around prescribing NSAIDs in situations of chronic pain to minimise adverse effects and optimise pain management for their feline patients.

An extensive and practical guide to all aspects of the long-term use of NSAIDs in feline medicine, the Guidelines provide valuable resources for veterinarians and cover essential information including:

✔️ Mechanism of action of NSAIDs
✔️ Indications for their long-term use in cats
✔️ Assessing patient suitability and screening prior to prescription of NSAIDs
✔️ Considerations for NSAID use in the presence of comorbidities
✔️ Monitoring treatment efficacy
✔️ Avoidance and management of adverse effects
✔️ Considerations for anaesthesia and surgery in cats receiving long-term NSAID therapy
✔️ Cat-friendly techniques to reduce chronic pain in the clinic and at home

The Guidelines also focus on providing cat-friendly advice and tips for supporting caregivers to help improve compliance and therapeutic outcomes, while positively impacting the cat-caregiver bond. 

Three new guides for cat caregivers have been created by ISFM on supporting topics: 

1. ‘Treating chronic (long-lasting) pain with NSAIDs’

2. ‘Changes to the home environment for cats with muscle/joint pain or mobility problems’ and

3. ‘Encouraging your cat to drink’

Plus a ‘Treating Chronic Pain with NSAIDs’ Client Brochure from the AAFP to accompany the Guidelines.

Commenting on the evolution of the Guidelines, Dr Sam Taylor, Head of Veterinary Specialists at ISFM and contributing author, said: ‘The first NSAID Guidelines were published in 2010. Since then, multiple studies have examined the use of NSAIDs in cats, particularly those with comorbidities. These Guidelines have examined this evidence and aim to provide practitioners with practical information on using NSAIDs for chronic pain management, along with tips and advice on working with caregivers to provide the best care for their cat.’

‘We are thrilled to announce the release of these new Guidelines addressing long-term use of NSAIDs in cats,’ added Heather O’Steen, AAFP CEO. ‘With a focus on safety, efficacy, and responsible medication management, these Guidelines aim to enhance the quality of life for cats while minimizing potential risks. We believe that these Guidelines will serve as a vital resource in ensuring the optimal care and wellbeing of cats receiving long-term NSAID therapy.’

The ‘2024 ISFM and AAFP consensus guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats’ is now available free to read for veterinary professionals worldwide in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS) at:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/1098612X241241951

About the International Society of Feline Medicine

The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) is the veterinary division of the pioneering cat welfare charity International Cat Care. Trusted by vets and nurses, it provides a worldwide resource on feline health and wellbeing.

About the American Association of Feline Practitioners

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) supports its members in improving the health and wellbeing of cats through high standards of practice, continuing education, and evidence-based medicine. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in 2024 as a trusted leader in the veterinary community, the AAFP has a long-standing reputation and track record for increasing the standard of care for cats through the development of practice guidelines, feline-specific education and resources, and feline caregiver resources. Home to the Cat Friendly Practice® and Cat Friendly Certificate Programs, the AAFP encourages veterinary professionals of all levels to re-evaluate preconceived notions of practice strategies and advance the quality of feline medicine.

About the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery

The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (jfms.com) is the official journal of the
International Society of Feline Medicine and the American Association of Feline Practitioners, and is published by Sage Publishing.

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Australia’s First National Pet Show is coming to Adelaide!

Marking the fifth show since the inaugural Sydney launch in 2022, Australia’s First National Pet Show will arrive in Adelaide on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May 2024 at the Adelaide Showgrounds.

Announcing a line up of over 120 experts and exhibitors, the event will follow the successful multi-zone format that has received an overwhelmingly positive response from attendees nationwide. 

Bringing together the best of the pet industry, it is the perfect event for proud pet parents as well as those looking for a new pet that may not be sure where to start.

Managing Director, Cameron Just, says, “Following the success of our shows across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane we’re excited to be adding a new event to our roster that will allow us to help Adelaide residents immerse themselves in all things pets. With a rate of dog ownership that is higher than the national average [1], it was clear to us that Adelaide was the perfect addition to our show line-up.

“There is no other pet event like this in Adelaide so we’re excited to see the response from the community. We’re committed to championing positive pet parenting for both traditional and non-traditional pets and are grateful for the support we’ve had to date which has made expanding our show possible.”

The new show will feature a range of experts including author, pet expert and director of Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, Ben Dessen, Dr Katrina Warren and Kelly Gill along with the Wonderdogs and Debra Millikan from the Pet Professional Guild of Australia. 

There will also be a large range of exhibitors including Refuresh, Edenhills Pet Cremation, RSPCA South Australia, Canine Connect, DOG by Dr Lisa, The Pet Butcher. 

Young pet lovers will also be entertained with activities from face painting and a kids agility course to scent work demonstrations and meet and greets with the famous Bluey and Bingo.

Tickets are currently available online from https://thepetshow.com.au/adelaide with part proceeds from every sale donated to the RSPCA South Australia.

Following the Adelaide show, The Pet Show will hold an additional two shows this year, travelling to:

• Brisbane | 22nd - 23rd June 2024

• Sydney | 16th - 17th November 2024

About The Pet Show

The Pet Show is Australia’s first national pet show. A multi-zone consumer show, it enables potential pet owners, existing pet owners and animal lovers of all kinds to immerse themselves in all things pets. The Pet Show’s vision is to create the perfect pet parent experience incorporating education, entertainment, and products for dogs, cats, fish, birds, reptiles and small animals.

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^[1] Dog and Cat Management Plan 2019-2024

Adoption fee discount to ease pressure on animal shelters

The City of Sydney is reducing the adoption fees for pets being housed in its animal shelter, in a bid to reduce pressure on the animal care facility.

From 15 to 26 April, adoption fees will be cut from $263 to $131.50 for cats and from $399 to $199.50 for dogs.

Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore AO said she hoped the reduced fees would help some of the city’s four legged residents find a new home.

“We know that shelters and rehoming organisations are currently in crisis across Sydney. The cost of living, housing affordability and rental restrictions means the number of animals being surrendered has increased dramatically,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We know how important pets are to people’s lives and wellbeing. We’re hoping that by reducing these fees, we can both reduce the cost of pet ownership and help to ease pressure on our shelter.”

Since 2009 lost and abandoned pets in the City of Sydney area have been looked after at the Sutherland Animal Shelter, in partnership with Sutherland Shire Council.

“We’re very proud our animals are looked after at Sutherland Animal Shelter,” the Lord Mayor said.

Adoptable Siren (6 months)
Photo: Sutherland Animal Shelter

“The facility provides a high level of care for animals and aims to rehome or rehabilitate each of its residents, with one of the lowest euthanasia rates in the country.

“However, it is also at capacity. The number of City of Sydney pets being kept in our shelter has almost doubled in the last two years, up from 44 dogs and 37 cats in 2021 to 84 dogs and 63 cats in 2023.

“For decades we have fought to improve the welfare of companion animals. Our new reduced adoption costs are part of a suite of initiatives the City of Sydney is running to support residents who own pets.”

The City of Sydney runs several programs to help support pet owners. These include annual pet days where social housing residents can access free pet health checks, vaccinations, microchipping, flea and worming treatments, as well as subsidised desexing.

We also encourage people to register their pets online and offer subsidised desexing and free microchipping for pensioners and eligible people on low incomes.

The discount adoption scheme is part of a broader program run by the Sutherland Animal Shelter. 

The animal shelter is having an open day on Tuesday 16th April 2024, from 10am-2pm.

Address: Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter, 8 Production Road, Taren Point, NSW 2229

Phone: 02 9710 0401

To find out more contact shelter staff at animalshelter@ssc.nsw.gov.au.

The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) has updated its Global Vaccination Guidelines, which set out the latest scientific thinking on the vaccination of dogs and cats globally. 

The Guidelines have been produced by the WSAVA’s Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG), and are now available for free download from the WSAVA website, following peer-review by the Journal of Small Animal Practice, the WSAVA’s official scientific journal.

The new version includes a range of updates and additional content including:

✔️ A revised definition of ‘core’ vaccines:

“Core vaccines for cats in all parts of the world are those that protect against feline parvovirus (FPV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV). 

In many parts of the world, feline leukaemia virus (FeLV)-related diseases are endemic. In these places, FeLV vaccines should be considered core for young cats (<1 year of age) and for adult cats with outdoor access or that live with other cats that have outdoor access.

Core vaccines for dogs in all parts of the world are those that protect against canine distemper virus (CDV), canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV) and canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV). 

Vaccines should not be given needlessly. Core vaccines should not be given any more frequently than necessary in adult animals. 

There is an abundance of peer-reviewed, published evidence showing that the duration of immunity (DOI) provided by most, modern, modified live virus (MLV) core vaccines is many years.

Selected non-core vaccines may be recommended after careful consideration of each pet’s lifestyle and local prevalence of vaccine-manageable diseases.

The VGG strongly encourages veterinarians to educate their clients about the value of regular health checks (usually annual, sometimes more often) as opposed to speaking of “vaccination consultations.” The annual health check is much more than just a vaccination consultation, although it will often include administration of selected vaccines that need to be administered annually. The DOI provided by most non-core vaccines is about 1 year.”  [1]

✔️ A new section covering maternal antibody (MDA)

✔️ Updated sections on current and emerging topics in canine and feline clinical vaccinology and on the use of vaccines in shelters and sanctuaries.

The VGG has also produced sets of Regional Vaccination Guidelines for veterinarians in Asia and Latin America and is currently undertaking a four-year project to boost understanding of infectious disease across Sub-Saharan Africa and to advise veterinarians on optimal vaccination practice. 

As part of this project, it will conduct a review of infectious disease prevalence and current vaccination practice in the region and will provide continuing education on vaccination. In 2026, it will publish a full set of Regional Vaccination Guidelines for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Setting global standards for companion animal veterinary care is one of the WSAVA’s key goals. The VGG is a team of experts from around the world, working to provide evidence-based scientific advice to the global veterinary profession on the vaccination of dogs and cats. It comprises Dr Mary Marcondes from Brazil (Chair), Dr Richard Squires (Australia), Dr Cynda Crawford (US) and Dr Nathaniel Whitley (UK).

Dr Mary Marcondes,
Chair of WSAVA’s Vaccination Guidelines Group

Commenting on the launch of the new Global Vaccination Guidelines, Dr Marcondes said: 

“We’re thrilled to announce the publication of the 2024 WSAVA Global Vaccination Guidelines. They are the culmination of several years’ work by the VGG and provide the very latest thinking on vaccination practice for dogs and cats.” 

“We hope that the scientific evidence embedded within the Guidelines will ensure that they are a valuable and practical resource for veterinarians worldwide and that they will contribute to the welfare of companion animals globally.”

She added: “We are very grateful for the support of the VGG’s long-term partner MSD Animal Health, which enables us to carry out our important work.”

Dr David Sutton, Global Technical Director at MSD Animal Health, said: “Evidence-based scientific vaccination guidelines are essential to ensure optimum vaccine practice for dogs and cats. We are proud to support the work of the WSAVA’s Vaccination Guidelines Group and these important new Guidelines which will help prevent the spread of infectious disease and further the wellbeing of small companion animals.”

MSD Animal Health has been the Sole Partner of the VGG since its inception in 2006 and has recently become a Diamond Partner of the WSAVA.

[1] 2024 guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats – compiled by the Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, accessed 10/04/24.

 

About the World Small Animal Veterinary Association

The WSAVA represents more than 200,000 veterinarians worldwide through its 116 member associations and works to enhance standards of clinical care for companion animals. Its core activities include the development of WSAVA Global Guidelines in key areas of veterinary practice, including pain management, nutrition and vaccination, together with lobbying on issues affecting companion animal care worldwide.

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Petstock Foundation thanks Aussies for adopting pets in need during National Pet Adoption Month

The Petstock Foundation celebrates the 961 pets who found their forever home across the country during National Pet Adoption Month (NPAM) in March 2024, an increase on last year’s adoption results. 

NPAM is an initiative that helps find loving homes for rescue pets in need of adoption or fostering: whether it’s a cat, dog, guinea pig, or even a bird.

“We want to thank the incredible pet parents who opened their hearts and their homes to rescue animals this month.” says Jessica Curtis, Petstock Foundation Strategic Manager.

Each year, we’re inspired by the generosity of Australians who take action during National Pet Adoption Month, and find a pet in need to love. Pets provide us with companionship, emotional support and are seen as family, and we believe pets and people truly are better together. 

Even if you weren’t able to adopt or foster during March, we still encourage those looking for a pet to reach out to their local Petstock store or rescue group for more information, or donate to the Petstock Foundation to support rescue groups across Australia.”

This year, out of the 961 pets that were adopted, 823 of those were cats followed by 19 dogs, 42 rabbits, 39 guinea pigs and 5 birds. Victoria and Tasmania saw the highest number of adoptions with 241 pets finding their forever home followed by 146 in Queensland, 148 in South Australia, 138 in Western Australia and 109 in New South Wales & ACT.

The decision to adopt can come from the most unlikely sources and Liam House knows this best. Already owning one cat and sparked during Petstock’s 2022 National Pet Adoption Month, Liam and his partner contemplated adding to their family and upon browsing rescue websites, they stumbled upon Zym and Rayla, a bonded pair facing adoption challenges. 

Despite their peculiar haircuts, the emotional connection with this pair was undeniable, "Zym and Rayla became an integral part of our family from the moment we brought them home. Their affectionate behaviour during our first meeting assured us that they were the ones."

Zym and Rayla seamlessly integrated into Liam's daily routines, bringing joy and a reassuring presence. Liam emphasised, "The transformative impact they've had on my life within those initial minutes, despite their unconventional appearance which they have grown out of, solidifies the decision to adopt as invaluable and rewarding, creating a home filled with warmth and companionship." 

Adopting Zym and Rayla wasn't just a choice: it was an enriching journey that transformed a house into a home, filled with the love and laughter that only rescued pets can bring.

Over the past 10 years, the Petstock Foundation's National Pet Adoption Month has helped find loving homes for close to 41,000 rescue pets across Australia and New Zealand, but there are still more animals in need of homes. 

There are currently over 9,300 pets at shelters, rescue groups, pounds and vets across Australia awaiting adoption [1], and with the rising costs of everyday expenses, sadly it is predicted that this number will continue to rise.

Visit www.petstock.com.au/adopt to find out more.

[1] www.petrescue.com.au, accessed 7 December 2023

About the Petstock Foundation

The Petstock Foundation is a registered charity that exists to empower a better future for pets and people. Since its inception in 2007, The Foundation has raised more than $10 million to date and has found homes for close to 41,000 rescue pets. Petstock Foundation is contributed to by the fundraising initiatives of the Petstock Group, donations by business partners and team members as they come together for the pets that inspire them. 100% of funds raised go towards The Foundation to support its charitable partners and projects with all operating costs covered by the business.

About National Pet Adoption Month

The Petstock Foundation is encouraging Australians to support rescue pets this National Pet Adoption Month, the 10th year of the initiative. Unfortunately, thousands of pets enter the rescue cycle each year through no fault of their own. This National Pet Adoption Month, we want people to open their hearts to a pet in need, and in turn experience the positive impact a pet can bring to their everyday life. Pets and people: we’re better together.

“Wagalot Brands is so proud of our dog treats and incredibly excited to now be able to share the joy with our feline companions. 

Our Mix & Zap Kitty Cat Cake has just been released and we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from cat lovers” said Alice Needham – co-founder of Wagalot Brands – an Australian manufacturer of (until now) dog treats!

“The journey to create this kit has taken many years, as all we had ever heard is how fussy cats are! We didn’t give up though and now cats Australia-wide can have their birthdays celebrated in style. 

The kits even come with a platter to serve it on – just write in their name for those Instagram pics. “

It’s so simple to make in the microwave or oven and the kit has everything you need for the paw-fect birthday celebration.

This tuna flavoured cake mix and decorating kit is purr-fect for celebrating your cat’s next birthday!

RRP: $17.99. Available at Petbarn stores and online or ask for it at your favourite pet store. 

MEDIA RELEASE, 4th April 2024

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