In the June episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías continues two insightful conversations from earlier this year, revisiting complex topics in feline internal medicine and dermatology through the lens of recent clinical guidelines and case experience.
First, Sam Taylor and Rachel Korman return to discuss further aspects of the 2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of feline lower urinary tract disease. Building on their previous conversation, they explore how clinical decisions are made in practice and reflect on how guideline recommendations translate into everyday patient care. To hear the first part of this discussion, listen back to our February 2025 episode.
Then, Dr Kelly St. Denis is joined once again by Dr Frane Banovic to complete their discussion on immune-mediated skin diseases in cats, drawing on the second of two JFMS Clinical Spotlight articles. Together, they consider some of the key challenges in recognising and managing these conditions, and share insights into treatment options informed by both evidence and experience. For the first half of this conversation, revisit our April 2025 episode.
For further reading material please visit:
Frane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part One)
Frane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part Two)
Host:
Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinator
Speakers:
Samantha Taylor, BVetMed(Hons), CertSAM, DipECVIM-CA, MANZCVS, FRCVS, Feline Medicine Specialist and ISFM Academy Lead
Rachel Korman, BVSc, MANZCVS (Int Med), FANZCVS (Fel Med), Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada
Frane Banovic, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ECVD, Associate Professor of Veterinary Dermatology in the Department for Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine.
In the May episode of Chattering with International Cat Care, host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías introduces two expert-led conversations that bring the internal workings of the cat into sharp focus - from complications at birth to techniques for examining the feline fundus.
First, Dr Petra Černá and Professor Danièlle Gunn-Moore discuss their JFMS article on dystocia and kitten mortality in pedigree cats. They describe the most common types of dystocia, reflect on breed-related risk factors, and share practical considerations from both clinical and breeding perspectives.
Then, Dr Natalia Giannakopoulou and Dr Ben Blacklock offer hands-on advice from their recent Clinical Spotlight article on fundoscopy in cats. They cover how to build confidence with the ophthalmoscope, recommend suitable lenses for general practice, and explain how to approach the feline fundus methodically to avoid common diagnostic pitfalls.
For further reading material please visit:
Feline dystocia and kitten mortality up to 12 weeks in pedigree cats
Fundoscopy in cats: a practical guide and common findings
For iCatCare Veterinary Members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast are available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an iCatCare Veterinary Member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinator
Speakers:
Petra Černá, PhD DACVIM (SAIM) MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), Feline medicine specialist, PhD candidate at Colorado State University, FIFe International and allbreed judge.
Danièlle Gunn-Moore, BSc (Hon), BVM&S, PhD, MANZCVS (feline), FHEA, FRSB, FRCVS, RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine, The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh
Natalia Giannakopoulou, DVM, PGCertSAO, MRCVS, Resident in Veterinary Ophthalmology (The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies)
Ben Blacklock, BVSc, DipECVO, SFHEA, MRCVS, Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Ophthamology
In the April episode of Chattering with International Cat Care, host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías introduces two conversations that highlight just how complex feline diagnostics can be.
First, Dr Llibertat Real Sampietro discusses her JFMS Open Reports case study on fatal disseminated toxoplasmosis in an otherwise healthy cat. She outlines the parasite’s transmission, the clinical signs that may raise suspicion, and the value of serology and PCR in confirming infection.
Then, Dr Kelly St Denis is joined by Dr Frane Banovic to discuss the first of two JFMS Clinical Spotlight articles on immune-mediated skin disease in cats. Together, they explore how to recognise key patterns of disease and the practical role of cytology in reaching a diagnosis.
For further reading material please visit:
Fatal disseminated Toxoplasma gondii infection in a cat from Madrid, Spain
Frane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part One)
Frane Banovic : Feline Immune-mediated skin disorders (Part Two)
For iCatCare Veterinary Members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast are available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an iCatCare Veterinary Member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinator
Speakers:
Llibertat Real Sampietro, DVM Acre AVEPA in Feline Medicine, Clínica Veterinaria Ayavet, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada
Frane Banovic, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ECVD, Associate Professor of Veterinary Dermatology in the Department for Small Animal Medicine and Surgery at the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine
In the March episode of Chattering with International Cat Care, host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías explores the nutritional management of comorbidities in cats and the specialisation of feline medicine.
Yaiza interviews Dr Rachel Korman about the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists’ feline chapter and its recognised postgraduate qualification. Dr Korman discusses the chapter’s objectives, examination format, preparation strategies, and global reach.
The episode also features Dr Cecilia Villaverde, who examines the challenges and strategies involved in dietary management for cats with multiple health conditions. She emphasises the importance of a thorough nutritional assessment and the complexities of balancing dietary needs in these cases.
For further reading material please visit:
ANZCVS Membership Exam on Medicine of Cats UK
Feline Comorbidities: A nutritional approach to management
For iCatCare Veterinary Members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast are available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an iCatCare Veterinary Member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Yaiza Gómez-Mejías,LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F), Veterinary Community Co-ordinator
Speakers:
Rachel Korman, BVSc, MANZCVS (Int Med), FANZCVS (Fel Med), Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
Cecilia Villaverde, BVSc, PhD, DECVCN, DACVIM (Nutrition), Diplomate (Nutrition) of the ACVIM (Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®), Diplomate ECVCN (EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition)
In the February episode of Chattering With International Cat Care, host Yaiza Gómez-Mejías discusses the new consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of feline lower urinary tract disease in cats with authors Sam Taylor and Rachel Korman. They discuss the challenges and nuances of developing these guidelines and emphasize the importance of comprehensive history-taking for accurate diagnosis.
Additionally, Sarah Ellis interviews Noema Gajdoš Kmecová, the winner of the International Cat Care Welfare Research Award, about her study on the Home Feline Stress Score (HFSS). Gajdoš explains how her research, inspired by a previous study, highlights the connection between physical and mental health in cats, advocating for a holistic approach to feline veterinary care.
For further reading material please visit:
Development of the home feline stress score as a tool for assessing owner perception of stress in their cats at home (Pg 6 / e440) - This study inspired Noema and explores how owners can evaluate stress in their cats
For iCatCare Veterinary Members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast are available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an iCatCare Veterinary Member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Yaiza Gómez-Mejías, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinator
Speakers:
Samantha Taylor, BVetMed(Hons), CertSAM, DipECVIM-CA, MANZCVS, FRCVS, Feline Medicine Specialist and ISFM Academy Lead
Rachel Korman, BVSc, MANZCVS (Int Med), FANZCVS (Fel Med), Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
Sarah Ellis,BSc, PGDip, PhD,Head of Cat Wellbeing and Behaviour at International Cat Care, independent feline welfare educator, writer and consultant.
Noema Gajdoš Kmecová, MVDr., PhD, Researcher at University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice
In the January episode of 'Chattering with International Cat Care,' host Yaiza Gomez-Mejias interviews Emma LaVigne about her award-winning research on the treatment of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) with GS and the effects of co-infection with feline leukemia virus (FELV). Emma shares her personal journey and motivation for the study, as well as the methods and results showing equivalent survival rates.
The episode also revisits a discussion with Tamsin Durston on the stages of motivational interviewing, emphasizing pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance, and how veterinarians can support clients throughout these stages.
For further reading material please visit:
Human Behaviour Change for Life
If you're interested in reading Emmas full abstract, please contact communications@icatcare.org
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, Veterinary Community Co-ordinator.
Speakers:
Tamsin Durston, RVN, CAB, MSc Psych, Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Human Behaviour Change Practitioner
Emma LaVigne, DVM, Small Animal Internal Medicine Resident at University of Florida & 2024 winner of Best Feline Abstract at the ISCAID Symposium
In the December episode of Chattering with ISFM, host Nathalie Dowgray explores how advancements in communication strategies and genetic science are shaping feline welfare.
Yaiza Gomez-Mejias and Tamsin Durston discuss the benefits of positive psychology in veterinary care, highlighting how effective client communication and behaviour change can enhance the wellbeing of both animals and their caregivers. This episode features the first part of their conversation, with part two to follow in a future episode.
In the second segment, Kelly St. Denis interviews Leslie Lyons about feline genetic testing. Their conversation uncovers the role of DNA variants, the importance of resources like OMIA for genetic insights, and the validation needed to ensure accurate testing. Together, they explore how these innovations contribute to tackling breed-specific health challenges and improving feline welfare overall.
For further reading material please visit:
Human Behaviour Change for Life
Genetic Testing: practical dos and don'ts for cats
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician
Tamsin Durston, RVN, CAB, MSc Psych, Veterinary Nurse, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Human Behaviour Change Practitioner
Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada
Leslie Lyons, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Gilbreath-McLorn Endowed Professor of Comparative Medicine, Veterinary Medicine & Surgery and JFMS Author
In the November episode of Chattering with ISFM, we’re diving into the complexities of feline pain management to help you feel more empowered and informed. Our episode highlights the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS) Special Collection 2024 on pain and pain management in cats, bringing together some of the latest research, insights, and expert perspectives in the field.
To start, Yaiza Gomez-Mejias speaks with Sabrine Marangoni, who shares key findings from her award-winning study on pain behaviours in kittens undergoing ovariohysterectomy. They discuss the importance of recognizing subtle pain indicators in young cats, the effectiveness of multimodal analgesia approaches, and the broader implications of untreated pain.
In the second half, Kelly St. Denis sits down with Mark Epstein, Co-Chair of the AAHA/AAFP 2014 Pain Management Guidelines Task Force, to explore the progress made in feline pain management. They discuss how the field has evolved, the persistent challenges veterinarians face in assessing and managing pain in cats, and what the future holds in terms of new research and treatments.
For further reading material please visit:
2024 ISFM FELINE CONGRESS ABSTRACTS
Cat Pain Management: YouTube Channel
JFMS Special Collection 2024: Pain and Pain Management In Cats
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician
Sabrine Marangoni, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician
Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada
Mark Epstein, DVM, DABVP, CVPP, Education Co-Chair at International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, Co-Chair of the AAHA/AAFP 2014 Pain Management Guidelines Task Force
In the October episode of Chattering with ISFM, host Nathalie Dowgray presents two detailed discussions on important feline health topics - gastrointestinal and renal health.
First, Yaiza Gomez-Mejias interviews Sina Marsilio on feline chronic enteropathies, with a particular focus on gastrointestinal lymphoma and the diagnostic challenges of distinguishing small cell lymphoma from IBD. Marsilio discusses recent advances in the field, drawing from her recent work on the ACVIM consensus guidelines for ‘diagnosing and distinguishing low-grade neoplastic from inflammatory lymphocytic chronic enteropathies.’
Later, Kelly St. Denis speaks with Jonathan Stockman about his JFMS Clinical Spotlight article, ‘Dietary Phosphorus and its Impact on Renal Disease in Cats’. They examine phosphorus metabolism, the risks associated with high-phosphorus diets, and effective strategies for managing phosphorus levels to support feline kidney health.
For further reading material please visit:
Dietary Phosphorus and Renal Disease in cats: Where are we?
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician
Sina Marsilio, Dr.med.vet., PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), DECVIM-CA, Assistant Professor of Medicine & Epidemiology at UC Davis.
Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada
Jonathan Stockman, DVM, DACVIM (Nutrition), Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Veterinary Sciences & JFMS Author.
In this episode of Chattering with ISFM, Nathalie Dowgray interviews Dr Hugo Swanstein about his JFMS Clinical Spotlight article on Feline-Friendly Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS). We also return to Dr Sarah Ellis and Dr Daniel Mills for Part Two of their conversation on the use of pheromones in cats.
Dr Ellis and Dr Mills delve into the methods of delivering pheromones in veterinary care, how to use them effectively, and the scepticism surrounding these products. They clarify the differences between pheromones and odour therapy, while touching on the industry's lack of regulation.
Later, Dr Dowgray and Dr Swanstein discuss the practical application of feline-friendly POCUS, with Dr Swanstein explaining its differences from formal ultrasound exams. He shares tips for integrating POCUS into daily practice, emphasising its value beyond emergency cases and how it can be mastered with brief, regular practice. He also addresses concerns about time and cost, highlighting POCUS's efficiency and affordability, and advocates for training the entire veterinary team, including technicians, in its use.
For further reading material please visit:
Pheromonatherapy: Theory and applications
Stress and Pheromonatherapy in Small Animal Clinical Behaviour
JFMS Clinical Spotlight Article: Feline Friendly POCUS, How to implement it into your daily practice
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Sarah Ellis, BSc, PGDip, PhD, Head of Cat Wellbeing and Behaviour at International Cat Care, independent feline welfare educator, writer and consultant.
Daniel Mills, BVSc PhD CBiol FRSB FHEA CCAB Dip ECAWBM(BM) FRCVS, Professor of veterinary behavioural medicine & RCVS, European and ASAB recognised specialist in clinical animal behaviour
Hugo Swanstein, Cand Med Vet, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & JFMS Published Author
Join us as we discuss the fascinating world of feline communication, exploring howcats use chemical signals to interact with their environment and each other. Additionally, we shall shed light on a rational approach to using gastroprotectants in cats, providing invaluable insights for veterinary practitioners.
In Part One of our discussion, Dr Sarah Ellis and Dr Daniel Mills talk about thecomplexities of pheromone use in cats, emphasising the differences between scents and pheromones and their impact on emotional processing. They also highlight the importance of understanding pheromones in assessing feline behaviour. Part Two of their discussion will be available in next month's episode, so make sure you're signed up to Chattering With ISFM on your preferred podcast platform if you don’t want to miss out!
Following this, Dr Kelly St. Denis and Dr Katie Tolbert discuss Dr Tolbert's JFMS Clinical Spotlight article on the rational use of gastroprotectants in cats. They cover the risks of using these medications, especially the differences in how cats and dogs metabolise drugs, and the potential benefits of soluble fibres in preventing GI ulceration. They also address the careful use of gastric acid suppressants and gastroprotectants in clinical practice, with a focus on patient comfort and proper administration.
For further reading material please visit:
Pheromonatherapy: Theory and applications
Stress and Pheromonatherapy in Small Animal Clinical Behaviour
JFMS Clinical Spotlight Article: A Rational Approach To The Use Of Gastroprotectants In Cats
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Sarah Ellis, BSc, PGDip, PhD, Head of Cat Wellbeing and Behaviour at International Cat Care, independent feline welfare educator, writer and consultant.
Daniel Mills, BVSc PhD CBiol FRSB FHEA CCAB Dip ECAWBM(BM) FRCVS, Professor of veterinary behavioural medicine & RCVS, European and ASAB recognised specialist in clinical animal behaviour
Kelly St. Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada
Katie Tolbert, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM (SAIM, SA nutrition), Clinical Associate Professor in Small Animal & Comparative Gastroenterology & JFMS Author.
This month is all about feline feng shui and how to defuse tension in multi-cat households. We will be discussing International Cat Cares' new carer guidelines on encouraging cats to drink and AAFP’s Inter-cat Tension Guidelines. Please see the links below to read these guidelines.
Dr. Yaiza Gomez Mejias sits down with the winner of the RCVS Inspiration Award, Alex Taylor, to address the issues surrounding feline hydration and offer practical tips for encouraging water intake in cats.
Dr. Kelly St. Denis then speaks with Drs Ilona Rodan and Daniela Ramos about the AAFP's new guidelines on managing inter-cat tension, debunking common myths about feline behaviour and offering strategies to ensure a peaceful multi-cat household.
For further reading material please visit:
Encouraging your cat to drink: A guide for caregivers
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician
Alex Taylor, RVN CertSAN ISFMDipFN & AdvCertFB, iCatCare Cat Wellbeing and Behaviour Advisor
Kelly St Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), Co-editor of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery and JFMS Open Reports, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada
Ilona Rodan, DVM, DABVP (Feline), 2024 AAFP Inter-cat Tension Guidelines, Co-Chair, Cat Behavior Solutions, Cat Care Clinic, Madison, WI, USA
Daniela Ramos, MV MSc PhD Diplomate (CLEVE), 2024 AAFP Inter-cat Tension Guidelines, Co-Chair, Veterinary behaviourist, speaker and researcher
This month Nathalie Dowgray is joined by Clare Rusbridge for part two of their conversation about neuropathic pain in cats. We then join Kelly St Denis and Julien Guillaumen as they discuss recent advances in feline aortic thromboembolism.
Our episode begins with Professor Clare Rushbridge sharing her expertise on managing neuropathic pain in cats. We discuss the burdens that caregivers face as well as the various tools and medications that she has found to be helpful with her patients.
Dr Kelly St Denis is then joined by Dr Julien Guillaumen to discuss his latest JFMS article ‘Feline Aortic Thromboembolism: Recent Advances and Future Prospects’. Guillaumen provides a historical overview of FATE research, dating back to 1953, and they discuss the delicate balance required in clinical management of these cases, especially concerning hydration and heart failure.
For further reading material please visit:
Neuropathic pain in cats: Mechanisms and multimodal management
AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines
Feline Aortic Thromboembolism: Recent Advances and Future Prospects
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Clare Rusbridge, BVMS PhD DipECVN FRCVS, RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology & JFMS Author
Kelly St Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), 2022 ISFM/AAFP Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines Co-Chair, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada
Julien Guillaumen, Doct Vet, DACVECC, DECVECC, Associate Professor of Emergency and Critical Care at Colorado State University and JFMS Author.
This month our focus is on recognising feline pain. Yaiza Gomez-Meijas is joined by Beatriz Monteiro to discuss the feline grimace scale. Clare Rusbridge then joins Nathalie Dowgray to discuss neuropathic pain in cats.
Our episode begins with Yaiza interviewing Beatriz about her findings from a large bilingual global survey assessing if cat caregivers reliably assess acute pain in cats using the Feline Grimace Scale, an innovation that led to Monteiro winning the JFMS Best Resident Paper Award. The method allows both veterinarians and cat caregivers to evaluate pain based on facial expressions, aiming to bridge the gap between professional
veterinary assessments and at-home care for felines.
Nathalie is then joined by Professor Clare Rusbridge who shares insights into her recent JFMS article on Neuropathic pain in cats: Mechanisms and multimodal management. She highlights the importance of distinguishing between nociception and pain perception and discusses diagnostic challenges and management strategies for conditions like osteoarthritis and feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
For further reading material please visit:
Can cat caregivers reliably assess acute pain in cats using the Feline Grimace Scale?
The Feline Grimace Scale Website
Neuropathic pain in cats: Mechanisms and multimodal management
AAFP and ISFM Feline Environmental Needs Guidelines
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician
Beatriz Monteiro, DVM, PhD, ISFMAdvCertFB, PgDip, Chair of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Global Pain Council and Winner of the 2024 JFMS Resident Best Paper Award
Clare Rusbridge, BVMS PhD DipECVN FRCVS, RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology & JFMS Author
This month Yaiza Gomez-Meijas is joined by Cecilia Villaverde to discuss feline nutrition. We are then joined by Kelly St Denis who interviews some of the authors of the 2024 ISFM and AAFP consensus guidelines on the long-term use of NSAIDs in cats.
Our first conversation between Yaiza and Cecilia features a discussion on feline nutrition, specifically protein requirements in cat diets. The conversation highlights the importance of animal tissue in a cat's diet due to essential nutrients and compares raw, homemade, and commercial food options.
Our next conversation delves into the 2024 ISFM and AAFP consensus guidelines on the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in cats, highlighting considerations for chronic pain management and monitoring. Kelly St Denis is joined by Sam Taylor, Paulo Steagall, and Duncan Lascelles. The guidelines address identifying chronic pain, the use of NSAIDs in cats with comorbidities, and the importance of caregiver involvement in monitoring for side effects and signs of pain relief effectiveness.
For further reading material please visit:
https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Frequently-Asked-Questions-and-Myths.pdf
https://wsava.org/committees/global-nutrition-committee/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/1098612X241241951
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician
Cecilia Villaverde, BVSc, PhD, DECVCN, DACVIM (Nutrition), Diplomate (Nutrition) of the ACVIM (Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist®), Diplomate ECVCN (EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary and Comparative Nutrition)
Kelly St Denis, MSc, DVM, DABVP (Feline), 2022 ISFM/AAFP Cat Friendly Veterinary Environment Guidelines Co-Chair, St Denis Veterinary Professional Corporation, Powassan, Ontario, Canada
Samantha Taylor, BVetMed(Hons), CertSAM, DipECVIM-CA, MANCVS, FRCVS , ISFM Academy Lead and Specialist Veterinary Advisor to ISFM, European Veterinary Specialist in Internal Medicine and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Feline Medicine
Duncan Lascelles, BVSc, BSc, CertVA, PhD, DipECVS, DSAS(Soft Tissue), DipACVS, FRCVS, Professor in Small Animal Surgery and Pain Management, Director of the Comparative Pain Research and Education Centre (CPREC) and the Translational Research in Pain [TRiP] Program
Paulo Steagall, MV, MS, PhD, DipACVAA, Associate professor of Veterinary Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Member of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Pain Council, the WSAVA Dental Guidelines Committee and Chair of the WSAVA Therapeutic Guidelines Group
This month Yaiza Gomez-Meijas is joined by Dr Ryane Englar who has published two articles on 'Recasting the gold standard' that were published in the JFMS special collection on Accessible veterinary care. We also continue our discussion about the treatment of invasive fungal infections with Nathalie Dowgray and Prof. Vanessa Barrs.
Our first conversation between Yaiza and Ryane features a discussion on the continuum of care in veterinary medicine, emphasizing a shift from the gold standard approach to more tailored and patient-centred care. Additionally, it delves into strategies for initiating conversations with clients about healthcare options and case management decisions.
The conversation on contextualised care also continues into the discussion on the treatment of invasive fungal infections where Prof. Barrs discusses drug selection and how to best approach these discussions with owners where the treatment options are often prolonged. Make sure you check out part one of our interview with Prof. Barrs in our January episode (entitled: ‘FCoV-23: Is it driving the Cyprus FIP Outbreak?’) in which we discuss the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections.
For further reading material please visit:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/1098612X231209855
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/1098612X231215639
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X231219696
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X231220047
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Yaiza Gomez-Mejias, LdaVet MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) CertAP (SAM-F) Acr AVEPA, ISFM Community Coordinator and Small Animal Clinician
Ryane Englar, DVM, DABVP (Canine and Feline Practice), Executive Director of Clinical and Professional Skills, Associate Professor of Practice, and member of the founding faculty at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine.
Vanessa Barrs, BVSc (Hons), PhD, MVetClinStud, FANZCVS (Feline Medicine), Registered specialist in Feline Medicine, Dean of Hong Kong Veterinary School and past president of the International Society of Companion Animal Infectious Diseases.
This month Nathalie Dowgray, Head of ISFM, talks with Vicky Halls from iCatCare about her work focusing on unowned cats and the new developments in the Cat Friendly Homing program. Later in the episode, Dr Chris Scudder is invited to discuss hypersomatotropism-induced diabetes in cats as part of our JFMS clinical spotlight series.
Vicky talks us through the work she has been leading on unowned cats over the past few years and they discuss the exciting Global Enablers Grant received from Battersea which will aid in the expansion of this program. Vicky's role as Head of Unowned Cats not only involves carrying the Cat Friendly Homing model forward, but also includes developing training courses, consulting about cat population management, and
resource creation.
Hypersomatotropism is becoming increasingly recognised as a comorbidity in cases of feline diabetes. Nathalie and Chris delve into the clinical signs, testing procedures, and management of this condition in feline patients.
For further reading material please visit:
https://icatcare.org/unowned-cats/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/1098612X241226690
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Vicky Halls, RVN Dip Couns, Head Of Unowned Cats for International Cat Care and published author
Chris Scudder, BVSc MVetMed PhD DACVIM-SAIM DECVIM-CA MRCVS, Senior Lecturer, Researcher and Mentor Liason at SAMSoc, JFMS Published Author
This month Nathalie Dowgray is joined by Dr Charalampos Attipa, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh who has been investigating the causes of the FIP outbreak in Cyprus. We also feature our monthly JFMS Clinical Spotlight interview in which Nathalie discussed the diagnostic approach to invasive fungal infections with Professor Vanessa Barrs.
2023 saw a large spike in cases of FIP amongst Cypriot cats. Dr Attipa has been part of an international collaboration investigating the cause of this increase in cases and explains how and why FCOV-23 is different.
We are then joined by Prof. Barrs to discuss how climate change is causing alterations in the distribution of fungal diseases globally. We discuss what we should be aware of and how to diagnose invasive fungal infections.
Stay tuned for part two of our interview with Vanessa, where we discuss treatment, which will be available in the coming months!
For further reading material please visit:
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.08.566182v2.full.pdf
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1098612X231219696
If you are interested in learning more about the situation with FIP in Cyprus, please follow the link to sign up to the EveryCat webinar:
https://everycat.org/webinar-feline-infectious-peritonitis-from-the-fcov-to-fcov23-the-cyprus-case-or-a-new-perspective-in-the-way-we-see-coronaviruses/
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Charalampos Attipa, DVM, MRes, MVetMED, PhD, DipACVP, MRCVS, RVCS & American Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Clinical Pathology
Vanessa Barrs, BVSc (Hons), PhD, MVetClinStud, FANZCVS (Feline Medicine), Registered specialist in Feline Medicine, Dean of Hong Kong Veterinary School and past president of the International Society of Companion Animal Infectious Diseases.
Our focus this month is on the JFMS Special Collection about accessible veterinary care which is available for you to read using the link below.
Firstly, Nathalie Dowgray sits down with Dr Linda Jacobson, our special guest editor of the collection. We discuss how the collection came to be, the barriers preventing cats from receiving veterinary care and the work she is doing with the Toronto Humane Society to help both cats and caregivers who are struggling.
Nathalie is then joined by International Cat Care’s Head Of Unowned Cats, Vicky Halls, and they speak with Dr Gemma Ma about her paper on the characteristics of cat semi-owners and their impact in Australia.
For further reading material please visit:
https://journals.sagepub.com/topic/collections-jfm/jfm-1_accessible_veterinary_care/jfm
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Linda Jacobson, BVSc, MMedVet(Med), PhD (U Pretoria), Senior Manager of Shelter Medicine Advancement at Toronto Humane Society, President & Treasurer of the Canadian Animal Shelter and Community Medicine Association.
Vicky Halls, RVN Dip Couns, Head Of Unowned Cats for International Cat Care and published author
Gemma Ma, BVSc (USyd), PhD (USyd), Project Manager at Keeping Cats Safe at Home, Community Veterinarian at RSPCA NSW and published JFMS Author.
Welcome to this bonus episode of Chattering with ISFM, brought to you in collaboration with IDEXX and Purina. In this episode, Nathalie Dowgray is in discussion with Dr. Zoe Belshaw about senior wellness clinics.
Our conversation goes beyond wondering if prevention is better than cure and expands into a discussion about best practices when setting up a wellness clinic, the importance of contextualised care and examines the relationship between the veterinarian, the caregivers and the cat itself. We hope you enjoy this episode!
For further reading material please visit:
For ISFM members, full recordings of each episode of the podcast is available for you to listen to at portal.icatcare.org. To become an ISFM member, or find out more about our Cat Friendly schemes, visit icatcare.org
Host:
Nathalie Dowgray, BVSc, MANZCVS, PgDip, MRCVS, PhD, Head of ISFM, International Society of Feline Medicine, International Cat Care, Tisbury, Wiltshire, UK
Speakers:
Zoe Belshaw
Zoe is a veterinary surgeon with a clinical specialism in small animal internal medicine. She received a PhD from the University of Nottingham in 2017 for investigating welfare assessment in canine osteoarthritis, and was awarded the BSAVA Petsavers Award in 2020. She has worked in general practice, referral clinics, university teaching hospitals and charity practice. She is currently combining looking after a toddler with collaborative research on how veterinary professionals and owners make decisions about pets with chronic illness, how the quality of life of those pets and owners can best be assessed, and characterising the Pandemic Puppy phenomenon.
