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Feline hypertension cases reaching "crisis point"
"The sooner we can identify those that need help, the better a chance we have of extending their quality and quantity of life” - Suzanne Page, CEVA Animal Health.
Vets urged to review their caseload of senior cats.

The number of senior cats in the UK going undiagnosed with feline hypertension is reaching “crisis point”, a vet from CEVA Animal Health has warned.

If left untreated, hypertension can result in target organ damage, with ocular problems developing in at least 80 per cent of cases, said Suzanne Page, a product manager at CEVA.

The warning follows two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which many cats may not have been presented to their vet unless it was an emergency. As such, CEVA Animal Health is calling on vets to review their caseload of senior cats to assess whether any may be at risk of retinal haemorrhage or strokes associated with hypertension. 

Suzanne said: “Despite the potential for catastrophic sequelae such as retinopathy and blindness, owners may see very little in the way of warning signs. That means these patients are completely reliant on a veterinary recommendation for blood pressure monitoring.” 

Ideally, all cats over the age of nine should be screened for hypertension regularly. However, in light of the pressures currently facing the profession, CEVA urges vets to prioritise the most at-risk cats - that is, those with predisposing conditions, such as kidney disease and hyperthyroidism. 

Ms Page added: “There is a real danger that many of those cats will be close to crisis point right now, and the sooner we can identify those that need help, the better a chance we have of extending their quality and quantity of life.”
 
CEVA offers a complimentary Feline Hypertension Ambassador CPD course for vets wishing to improve their knowledge of the disease, including the importance of regular screening and blood pressure monitoring techniques. For more information, visit veterinarywebinars.com/ceva

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.