news 2023

Last Updated: 14 Dec 2023 00:01:45 New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found that in-turned eyelids and ear disorders are the most common health conditions in Shar Pei dogs in the UK; both resulting from the breed's characteristic loose, thickened and folded skin. This research highlights that urgent action is needed to discourage the normalisation and high public demand for dogs such as Shar Pei with extreme body shapes that threaten the dog's welfare.

The cat larynx can produce purring sounds without cyclical neural input A recent investigation led by voice scientist Christian T. Herbst from the University of Vienna, published in Current Biology, delivers novel insights into how cats produce their purring sounds. A special 'pad' embedded in the vocal folds might explain why the cats can produce these low-frequency sounds.

A database tracking hospital admissions and deaths reveals the devastating impact cars, disease and dogs are having on the South East Queensland koala population. Professor Joerg Henning and his colleagues at The University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science have analysed data from the UQ-developed KoalaBASE.

Elimination of rabies in Africa could be within reach through a more coordinated One Health approach. An innovative study by Swiss TPH and partners applied game theory to tackle rabies challenges and identified effective strategies for affected countries. The paper, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates that a more coordinated approach could end this fatal disease and result in major health, economic and social gains.

University of Queensland research reveals that spring, rather than summer, is the peak time for tick paralysis in dogs and cats and there are cases year-round. A team led by Professor Stephen Barker at UQ's School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences analysed 22,840 cases across 20 years of veterinary records in four regions along Australia's east coast.

Dogs and humans process body postures similarly in their brains A study by researchers at the University of Vienna and the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna shows that information from body postures plays a similarly important role for dogs as it does for humans. The results offer new insights into how dogs and humans perceive each other and their environment.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College has shed light on the frequency and risk factors associated with osteosarcoma bone cancer in dogs in the UK New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed the frequency and risk factors for osteosarcoma across dog breeds in the UK. Osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone tumour, was found to be much more common in giant dogs, including the Scottish Deerhound (3.28% of all dogs affected each year), Leonberger (1.

In the largest ever study of Boxer dogs using veterinary records, researchers from the Royal Veterinary College have identified the most common health disorders in the breed in the UK Research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found the most common health conditions in UK Boxer dogs are ear problems, tumours and eye ulcers.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College illuminates the most common disorders in English Cocker Spaniels in the UK, aiding owners to know what to expect if they get this breed New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found the most common conditions in one the UK's most popular dog breeds, English Cocker Spaniels, include dental disease, ear infection, obesity and aggression.

Equine exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) is a syndrome involving painful, exercise induced episodes of muscle stiffness and acute myonecrosis which can result in renal failure and in severe cases, death. While it is seen in many different species from humans to dogs, horses seem to be particularly predisposed.

Parasite treatments and preventatives we put on our pets are finding their way into UK waters in concentrations that are toxic to aquatic species. Parasiticides are commonly applied as 'spot-on' treatments on dogs and cats to prevent or kill fleas or ticks, but they contain toxic chemicals that are making it into UK rivers and ponds, particularly in urban areas.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has shed light on the frequency, risk factors and linked health problems associated with periodontal disease in pet cats in the UK. These findings will help veterinary practitioners and owners better understand and predict its occurrence and identify opportunities to improve cats' dental health.

Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have found the breeds that place cats at a higher risk of developing kidney and ureter stones, namely Burmese, Persian, Ragdoll and Tonkinese breeds. The research is the first of its kind to examine all cats with upper urinary tract uroliths (stones) as one group and hopes to support vets with diagnostic and treatment plans.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) explores the role of vet-owner relationships in the experience of owners of dogs with epilepsy. The study found that clearer owner expectations for treatment outcomes and the condition's management alongside more reliable resources outside of the consult room are needed to support positive vet-owner relationships.

Dogs with osteoarthritis benefit from a new treatment: an injection that delivers a painkiller with a long-term effect. This is proven to be safe and effective. It is possible that the treatment can also help humans in the future. Marianna Tryfonidou , Professor at the Utrecht University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, collaborated for this research with academic partners and companies.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) explores the reasons for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in dogs in the UK, as well as the factors influencing how it is managed clinically. The research also identifies which breeds are most at risk of CCL, with this list including popular breeds such as Rottweilers, Bichon Frise and West Highland White Terriers.

Two new studies from the RVC have examined the 2021 outbreak of feline pancytopenia - a rare condition that causes serious illness, and in some cases fatalities, in cats. Due to the rapid increase of cases at the time, the outbreak caused concern amongst cat owners and garnered significant media coverage.