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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

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."