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By Dr Carmel Griffin BVSc CSAM GCEd MANZCVS
A major leap forward came in 2024 with the release of the ISFM and AAFP Consensus Guidelines on the Long-Term Use of NSAIDs in Cats, a globally significant document aimed at helping veterinary professionals safely and effectively manage chronic pain using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
NSAIDs are the most widely used class of analgesics in veterinary medicine, but their long-term use in cats has historically been approached with caution. This is for good reason: the feline metabolism is uniquely sensitive, particularly due to reduced glucuronidation capacity, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
However, the 2024 guidelines provide clear, evidence-based protocols that shift the conversation from avoidance to appropriate, monitored, long-term use – especially in the management of chronic conditions like degenerative joint disease (DJD), dental/oral pain, and some types of cancer.
Key highlights from the guidelines include:
The panel chair for these guidelines was Dr Samantha Taylor, a world-renowned feline internal medicine specialist. Dr Taylor is also a lead tutor and program developer for our upcoming Feline Medicine Program. Her clinical expertise, leadership, and ability to translate evidence into practice make this a truly unique opportunity for veterinarians wanting to advance their skills in feline health care.
This immersive learning experience will guide veterinarians through real-world clinical reasoning, evidence-based treatment protocols, and the nuanced decision-making needed to manage complex feline cases. Whether you’re aiming to improve your confidence in chronic disease management or elevate your skills in feline internal medicine more broadly, this program is designed for you.
If you’d like to read the full NSAIDs guidelines, you can access them here.
Alternatively, if you want to delve deeper into feline practice, then our upcoming Feline Practice online learning program is for you. With 16 diverse modules delivered through a world-leading interactive platform, you’ll gain new knowledge and skills while engaging with an online community that shares your passion for advancing feline care in practice.
Because our feline patients deserve tailored, compassionate care, and you deserve the education to deliver it.
Learn more about the program or enrol today: Explore program
This post first appeared on the Improve Veterinary Education Blog: Global Guidelines Redefine Chronic Pain Management in Cats
Improve Veterinary Education Australia provides a range of locally developed emergency programs, fast-track short courses and comprehensive modular programs, aligned with post-graduate certifications through the International School of Post-graduate Veterinary Studies (ISVPS), to the veterinary community across Australia and New Zealand. Our post graduate programs aim to empower vets, nurses and technicians with new skills, knowledge and confidence to deliver excellence in patient care, pursue postgraduate qualifications and progress in their career path.
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