Bedinvetmab (Librela; Zoetis), an anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, is widely used for analgesia in canine osteoarthritis and is generally regarded as safe. However, emerging clinical experience and pharmacovigilance data indicate rare but clinically significant adverse joint events. This article describes and characterises atypical musculoskeletal adverse effects observed in dogs treated with bedinvetmab, drawing on referral caseload experience and comparative human anti-nerve growth factor data. Two principal patterns are identified: (1) rapidly progressive joint destruction resembling rapid progressive osteoarthritis; and (2) a more insidious syndrome characterised by extensive periarticular heterotopic mineralisation, exostoses and chondro-osseous metaplasia, termed anti-nerve growth factor-induced insidious periarticular mineralisation. These changes may progress despite effective analgesia, delaying recognition and leading to severe joint compromise. Proposed mechanisms include altered joint loading, disruption of nerve growth factor mediated tissue homeostasis and impaired mesenchymal stem cell-driven repair. The article emphasises the importance of baseline and follow-up imaging, careful monitoring of clinical response and reporting of suspected adverse events. Improved awareness is essential to refine diagnosis, management and pharmacovigilance of these emerging conditions.
Autoimmune encephalitis is a sterile inflammatory condition of the brain that can result in epileptic seizures, behavioural changes and other neurological abnormalities. Various forms of autoimmune encephalitis are now well characterised in humans. In recent years, a form of autoimmune encephalitis has been identified in cats in which autoantibodies are produced against the leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) protein expressed at synapses. Ongoing work to develop understanding of this important cause of seizures is progressing, alongside efforts to validate a diagnostic test. This article discusses the main features of LGI1-antibody encephalitis in humans, before discussing its typical clinical presentation in cats, and the approach to diagnostic investigations, treatment and outcome.
Dog bites are an expected but distressing part of veterinary work, yet little is known about the context in which they occur. By better understanding when and why bites occur – and why they often go unreported – more effective interventions to protect veterinary staff and promote the welfare of both people and dogs can be developed. Existing data predominately focus on bite frequency and severity among veterinary surgeons, overlooking nurse and receptionist experiences. A total of 329 surveys and eight interviews were used to explore when and where bites happen in veterinary practice, the influence of training in dog behaviour and engagement in reporting practices. Results showed inconsistent reporting, commonly influenced by bite severity, and familiar use of ambiguous shorthand labels such as ‘CARE’. Many professionals internalised blame, maintaining strong empathy toward the dog. Reporting was hindered by complex protocols and limited understanding of their purpose or benefits. Despite awareness of risk, a sense of duty often drove staff to continue hazardous interactions. Risk varied by role and clinical setting, but the undertaking of dog behaviour training was consistently linked to reduced bite severity. These insights support the need for tailored bite reduction strategies in veterinary settings.
These recent studies examine factors affecting canine health, owner decision-making and recognition of pain in dogs. Early-life conditions at the time of purchase were linked to increased health problems and higher veterinary costs in young dogs. Pet insurance uptake was influenced by income and cost, while emotional attachment played a key role in willingness to pay for treatment. Although owners could identify behavioural signs of pain, their assessments often differed from those of veterinarians, highlighting a need for improved owner education.
Dog bites present a significant yet underexplored occupational hazard for veterinary professionals, with implications for human safety, animal welfare and workforce sustainability. Existing literature is hindered by inconsistent definitions, underreporting and limited contextual data, restricting accurate prevalence estimates and targeted prevention efforts. While evidence highlights substantial physical and psychological impacts on both humans and dogs, research remains fragmented, often excluding non-surgeon roles. Educational interventions show promise in improving bite prevention, yet behavioural training in veterinary curricula remains inconsistent. This review synthesises current evidence, identifies critical knowledge gaps and emphasises the need for standardised definitions, richer contextual data, and inclusive research and integration of behavioural science into veterinary education to reduce bite risk and improve welfare outcomes.
This article provides an overview of feline transfusion medicine. This includes same donation and administration, as well as a brief discussion of transfusion reactions and alternatives to transfusions. This is an area of rapid development and readers are made aware of the legislation and guided to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for recent updates. Tables are used to provide quick references to blood types, transfusion reactions and monitoring sheets. As this is a complex subject, readers are directed to other material where appropriate.
Ferrets ( Mustela putorius furo ) are increasingly popular companion animals and frequently present for surgical care. Common surgical indications include endocrine disease (adrenal gland hyperplasia, insulinoma), gastrointestinal foreign bodies, splenic enlargement, mass lesions, trauma and orthopaedic conditions. Their small size, rapid metabolism and susceptibility to hypothermia and hypoglycaemia create unique peri-operative challenges. This review outlines the principles of surgical care in ferrets for veterinary surgeons and nurses, covering anaesthesia and analgesia, common soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures, post-operative care and complications. Advances in minimally invasive approaches and welfare considerations are also discussed.
Canine atopic dermatitis is a hereditary, generally pruritic and predominantly T-cell driven inflammatory skin disease involving interplay between skin barrier abnormalities, allergen sensitisation and microbial dysbiosis. Canine atopic dermatitis is a pruritic disease, which most often appears at 1–3 years of age, commonly affecting body areas such as ears, axillae, inguinal area and feet. The chronic nature of canine atopic dermatitis means it also has a significant impact on the dog's quality of life. The diagnosis of canine atopic dermatitis is based on clinical presentation and exclusion of other diseases with a similar clinical presentation, such as ectoparasitic infestations, microbial skin infections and food allergies. Allergy testing, eg by intradermal testing or allergen-specific IgE serology testing, is a useful tool to identify the responsible allergens for inclusion in allergen-specific immunotherapy. However, allergy testing should not be used as a diagnostic tool. Depending on the severity of the disease and expectations of owners, a combination of controlling flare factors (eg, strict flea prevention, diet limitation), symptomatic treatments (eg glucocorticoids, ciclosporin, oclacitinib, ilunocitinib, atinvicitinib, lokivetmab), and allergen-targeted interventions (eg allergen-specific immunotherapy, allergen avoidance) is recommended. Most dogs will require lifelong therapy and the management of atopic dermatitis will require regular adjustments.
Parasiticides are essential for controlling a variety of parasites that impact both animal and human health. While overuse can pose environmental and health risks, inadequate control may compromise animal welfare and public health. Effective parasite management requires balancing clinical efficacy, environmental responsibility and zoonotic risk mitigation. Veterinary professionals play a central role in guiding responsible parasiticide use, supported by pharmaceutical innovation and accessible products. Tailored health plans, evidence-based prescribing practices, owner education and clear communication strategies can optimise outcomes while minimising ecological impact. This article outlines practical strategies for veterinarians, pet owners and industry stakeholders to promote effective, responsible and environmentally conscious parasite control.
The primary care environment can be challenging for clinicians and patients alike. The undergraduate training in behavioural medicine is variable, and taking a logical approach to clinical problem-solving in this area can seem challenging to many of the primary care veterinary team. This article describes the differentials relevant to behaviourally challenging patients and the tools, or treatment options available to improve the behaviour of these patients so that veterinary professionals are able to care for their health to the same standard as any other patient. In particular, psychopharmacology is discussed in detail, with an aim for readers to feel they are able to make logical and appropriate choices regarding medication selection for behaviourally challenging patients.
Respiratory capillarioses is caused by Capillaria aerophila , which leads to pulmonary infections in dogs and cats, and Capillaria boehmi , which results in nasal infections in dogs, are emerging yet underdiagnosed parasitic diseases. Capillarioses may be subclinical or manifest with different respiratory and non-specific clinical signs. Occasionally, neurological signs may occur in dogs infected with C. boehmi . A clinical diagnosis is not possible because of the lack of specificity of clinical signs. The parasitological diagnosis can be complicated by the microscopic similarities between the eggs of C. aerophila and C. boehmi , those of non-respiratory or pseudoparasitic Capillaria spp. and those of Trichuris spp., especially in mixed infections. Additionally, co-infections may complicate the clinical picture, hindering the aetiological diagnosis. This article describes the main practical features of respiratory capillarioses of dogs and cats, focusing on the challenges in the diagnostic approach. The appropriate application of different diagnostic tools is discussed.
Recent feline cardiology studies emphasise advances in diagnostic assessment despite ongoing challenges. Tissue Doppler echocardiography confirms frequent systolic and diastolic dysfunction in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, although prognostic value remains limited by small study sizes. A 9-lead electrocardiogram system improves evaluation of atrial and ventricular depolarisation without age-related effects. Reference ranges for aortic root size in healthy cats indicate that body weight and age should be considered when interpreting echocardiographic measurements.
Performing a splenectomy (with or without the presence of a haemoabdomen) is a common requirement for a general practitioner. Indications for this include neoplasia, torsion, trauma and infarction. Various techniques are reported, including an extra-omental and intra-omental technique for a total splenectomy. Partial splenectomy techniques are also reported. However, these are less commonly performed in cats or dogs than in humans. There is a significant species difference in the risk of post-splenectomy sepsis, which suggests that that the spleen's contribution to the immune system is less vital in cats and dogs. The haemoabdomen as a presentation, while often suggestive of splenic neoplasia, is also seen in trauma cases, with neoplasia in other abdominal organs and with generalised coagulopathies. The non-traumatic canine haemoabdomen is most likely to be splenic neoplasia than in the cat, where there are a wider range of common differentials that make up the majority of cases, with splenic haemangiosarcoma representing around 28%.
Chronic enteropathy, manifesting itself as chronic gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, altered appetite and weight loss, is common in general practice. Patients can respond to a variety of treatment modalities including diet and immunosuppression. Interest in the use of probiotics to treat chronic gastrointestinal disease has increased in recent years, bolstered by a better understanding of the gastrointestinal microbiota and the effects probiotics may have on gut health. Studies into probiotic use in chronic enteropathy are variable in their design and examined outputs, making application of their results somewhat challenging in practice. In this article, the current evidence on probiotic use in companion animals with chronic enteropathy is reviewed and summarised.
Recovery from general anaesthesia is the last step towards regaining consciousness. When a fatal incident occurs during general anaesthesia, it happens in the recovery phase in 50–80% of dogs and cats. As such, planning and preparation for this often-neglected phase of general anaesthesia is important. Getting the recovery environment right by providing a quiet area where patients can be monitored by a designated member of staff as required is a good starting point. Care should be taken to provide comfort by optimising the analgesia plan, temperature management and general patient management (bladder care, positioning, padding).
This article explores the overlooked crisis unfolding in the veterinary industry, affecting pets, vets and pet owners. Looking at how AI-powered tools can ease workloads, improve access to care, and make services more affordable, while keeping humans in the loop.
Intraoral wire reinforced splint is a minimally-invasive alternative to circummandibular cerclage wire for stabilisation of symphyseal separation. Circummandibular wires have many disadvantages, including traumatic injury to the soft tissues, pain and subsequent loosening of the wire once soft tissue swelling has subsided. An intraoral splint is a relatively inexpensive method of stabilisation that provides excellent results with postoperative patient comfort and maintenance of occlusion.
