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Boehringer Ingelheim expands Metacam to guinea pigs
Guinea pigs tend to hide their pain, which often makes diagnosis difficult.
Product is first in the EU for the relief of post-surgical pain

Animal health business Boehringer Ingelheim has expanded its European Metacam indication to guinea pigs.

The decision follows an EU marketing Authorisation and means the product is now approved in guinea pigs for the alleviation of mild to moderate pain associated with soft tissue surgery.

Shawn Hooker from Boehringer Ingelheim explains: “As the market leader, it is our ambition to set new standards of care. We constantly invest in our brands – independent of their age – to prevent pain and suffering in animals.

“We believe that treating pain is a matter of animal welfare and that it should be standard of care in all species regardless of their size and number.”

Guinea pigs tend to hide their pain, which often makes diagnosis difficult. But according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, pain associated with surgery is 100 per cent predictable and treatable.

In a press release, Boehringer states: 'With Metacam®0.5mg/ml Oral Suspension for Cats and Guinea Pigs, Boehringer Ingelheim now offers the first NSAID in the EU for the relief of post-surgical pain in guinea pigs.'

For 25 years, Metacam has been used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in a wide array of small and large animal species. The product is also used to alleviate pain and inflammation associated with acute or chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis.

The new indication will be launched by Boehringer Ingelheim in all European countries throughout 2018.

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.