Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 11th April 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Guidelines published on long-term use of NSAIDs in cats
The first version of the consensus guidelines was published in 2010.
ISFM and AAFP release new version of their consensus guidelines.

An updated consensus guidelines for the long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in cats with chronic pain has been published.

Created by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), the guidelines are designed to support veterinary surgeons with making decisions about prescribing NSAIDs long-term to optimise pain management and minimise adverse effects.

The guidelines include information on assessing patient suitability, considerations to take into account when there are comorbidities present, and how to monitor treatment efficacy.

Alongside the guidelines, the ISFM has created three new guides for owners whose cats have been prescribed NSAIDs: ‘Treating chronic (long-lasting) pain with NSAIDs’, ‘Changes to the home environment for cats with muscle/joint pain or mobility problems’ and ‘Encouraging your cat to drink’. AAFP has also produced a client brochure: ‘Treating chronic pain with NSAIDs’, which goes alongside the guidelines.

ISFM and AAFP published the first version of their NSAID guidelines in 2010. The latest version has been informed by multiple studies into the use of NSAIDs in cats, many with a focus on cats with comorbidities, which have been published since then.

Heather O’Steen, AAFP chief executive, said: “We are thrilled to announce the release of these new guidelines addressing long-term use of NSAIDs in cats.

“With a focus on safety, efficacy, and responsible medication management, these guidelines aim to enhance the quality of life for cats while minimising 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’ has been published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk