Veterinary nurses are being asked to take blood pressure readings from cats over seven years of age and submit them to The Mercury Challenge, Europe's largest study into feline hypertension.

The Mercury Challenge, which is being conducted by Ceva Animal Health, aims to collect data on 10,000 cats across Europe to provide a new insight into the detection and management of feline hypertension, a frequent and severe condition that is still not routinely checked¹.

Vet nurses participating in the initiative need to input five mandatory pieces of information at mercurychallenge.ceva.com: the owner’s name, cat’s name, age, systolic blood pressure and time spent measuring blood pressure. Additional information includes: weight, breed, sex and whether the animal has any concurrent diseases, such as chronic kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, or is on any treatments.

Participating practices will be given exclusive access to the study’s progression and results, as well as acknowledgements for their contribution to the Mercury Challenge, depending on the number of cats entered.

Imane Mahlous, cardiology-nephrology and hypertension product manager at Ceva Animal Health said: "It is quick and easy to take part in the Mercury Challenge, which we hope will revolutionise the way that feline hypertension is understood and treated by both cat owners and veterinary professionals." 

For information on feline hypertension or the Mercury Challenge, contact your local Ceva Animal Health account manager or visit mercurychallenge.ceva.com.

Reference

1. 82% of vets admitted to not measuring blood pressure routinely in their senior feline patients. Ceva Market Research into The Veterinary Perceptions of Feline Hypertension, 100 U.K. Vets. March 2017.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.