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New canine oral cancer drug to be trialled
Owners of dogs with oral melanoma are being encouraged to participate in the trial.
The drug is already licensed to another form of canine cancer.

A pilot trial is set to be carried out to test the ability of a drug derived from berries to treat canine oral melanoma.

Researchers at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland will assess the effectiveness of the drug tigilanol tiglate, which is derived from the berries of the blushwood tree, a species found in Queensland, Australia.

The drug, which disrupts blood vessels inside tumours without harming healthy tissue, is currently licensed to treat mast cell tumours. If it is shown to work to treat canine oral melanoma, it may save some dogs from having to undergo surgery.

The researchers hope that the trial could also provide insights that could benefit human medicine, as canine oral melanoma shares many features with human mucosal melanoma. In both diseases, symptoms typically remain hidden until the disease has already reached an advanced stage.

The research is being funded by QBiotics, the manufacturer of tigilanol tiglate, which it sells under the brand name Stelfonta.

The trial will involve eight dogs, although the number of participating animals may be increased if the initial results prove to be promising. Owners of eligible dogs are being asked to get in touch with the research team.

Kelly Blacklock, professor of small animal soft tissue surgery, said: “If successful, this treatment could transform the way we approach cancer therapy in veterinary medicine, sparing many dogs from the need for surgery.

“We encourage pet owners with dogs diagnosed with oral melanoma to consider participating in this trial. Your involvement could not only contribute to advancing treatment options for this challenging disease but also help improve the quality of life for dogs in the future.”

Eligible dog owners wishing to take part should email Professor Blacklock.

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
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.