news 2024

Most dog owners didn't know that flea and tick treatments are dangerous to aquatic life, suggesting more awareness could ease the problem. A study on Hampstead Heath shows that ponds where dogs are allowed to swim contain levels of two pesticides harmful to invertebrate life. These pesticides, imidacloprid and fipronil, are used as parasite treatments for flea and tick infestations in cats and dogs, using 'spot-on' formulas and flea collars.

What goes on in a horse's head? With a better understanding of horses' emotions, we can improve their well-being. That is the idea behind the project of researchers Ineke Smit and Nikae te Moller , started with financial help from the Veterinary Fire campaign. They measure muscle activity in horses' faces in cooperation with the Swedish University of Agriculture SLU.

The findings challenge previous claims that dingoes derived from pariah dogs from India or Thailand. New archaeological research by the University of Sydney has discovered for the first time clear links between fossils of the iconic Australian dingo, and dogs from East Asia and New Guinea. The remarkable findings suggest that the dingo came from East Asia via Melanesia, and challenges previous claims that it derived from pariah dogs of India or Thailand.

The RVC has undertaken the world's largest study into the health of designer crossbreed dogs and revealed that the overall health of three common designer crossbreeds (Cockapoo, Labradoodle and Cavapoo) is largely similar to their parent purebred breeds. These findings debunk common public beliefs about the superior health of these designer crossbreed dogs and provide vital information to assist potential dog owners when deciding which type of dog to acquire.

New study reveals need for greater One Health understanding in antimicrobial resistance management A new study from researchers at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC); Massey University; and AgResearch, a leading agricultural research institution in Aotearoa New Zealand, has found a need for greater engagement and collaboration between veterinarians, farmers and regulators to improve understanding and management of antimicrobial resistance and One Health amongst Aotearoa New Zealand dairy farmers.

New research led by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) into the spread of MERS-CoV, the virus carried by camels which causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), has found that young camels present a high risk for human exposure to the virus, with kissing and petting young camels found to be an important route of viral transmission.

News media tour W.A. Ranches before 'largest outdoor rodeo' to learn more about ongoing research projects A long-standing collaboration between the Calgary Stampede and UCalgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) aims to improve animal welfare and inform policies that create a safer environment for both animals and people at the well-known outdoor rodeo.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed that delaying spaying of bitches until between seven and 18 months causes a 20 percent reduction in the risk of early-onset urinary incontinence, compared with early-age spaying between three and six months. The findings will help vets make evidence-based recommendations on the timing of spaying, whilst taking into account other spaying considerations.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) into the movement and gaits of hippopotamuses on land has found that while they almost exclusively trot, the fastest-moving hippos become airborne for substantial periods of time. This research will improve scientific understanding of how the size of large animals influences their movement on land, support the reconstruction of the evolutionary biomechanics of hippo lineages and help veterinarians diagnose or monitor hippos that have problems moving or are experiences lameness.

Study: Towards Dog Bark Decoding: Leveraging Human Speech Processing for Automated Bark Classification Have you ever wished you could understand what your dog is trying to say to you? University of Michigan researchers are exploring the possibilities of AI, developing tools that can identify whether a dog's bark conveys playfulness or aggression.

The RVC's VetCompass Programme reveals the dog breeds at most and least risk of tick infestation to help prevention and support canine welfare. New research from the RVC has revealed that designer cross breeds, including Cavapoo, Cockapoo, Goldendoodle and Cavachons have higher risk of becoming infested by ticks due to their Poodle parentage.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has identified the most common conditions in pet guinea pigs in the UK are overgrown nails, ringworm and eye ulcers. Several of these common conditions are linked to sedentary lives in captivity and therefore offer opportunities to reduce their frequency.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed that surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures in dogs causes better outcomes for reducing lameness compared to non-surgical management. The study demonstrated substantial clinical benefits following surgical management for CCL, with short-term lameness reduced by a quarter and long-term lameness by a third.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found that lameness is the most common prejudicial PPE finding in prepurchase examinations (PPEs) in horses in the UK. It was also found that horses with a higher purchase price are more likely to undergo a five-stage vetting (5SV), compared to a two-stage vetting (2SV).

A new study reveals that handwashing in the weeks after spot-on flea and tick treatments is the largest source of pet pesticide pollution in rivers. The study's authors, from the University of Sussex and Imperial College London, are calling for a review of the regulatory framework and prescribing practices to address toxic pet pesticides washing into rivers.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) into genetic risks of fracture in Thoroughbred horses has found that horses with lower levels of collagen type III have a higher risk of fracture. Previously, there has been limited research into this disease with no specific genetic mechanisms identified.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found the most common conditions diagnosed in Shih Tzu dogs in the UK are periodontal disease (inflammation of the gums and tissue around the teeth), anal sac impaction and ear disorders. While the findings suggest that the breed is predisposed to a number of conditions, the overall disorder profile of the Shih Tzu is surprisingly different and better than many other common flat-faced breeds.

The pawfect storm: study finds high levels of problem behaviours and use of aversive training methods in pandemic puppies The average number of owner-reported problem behaviours among 'pandemic puppies' was five, with problem behaviours more likely in owners using aversive training techniques, says the Royal Veterinary College Four in five (82%) 'pandemic puppy' owners have reported using aversive training methods in attempts to address their dog's problem behaviours, according to a new study by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC).

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) VetCompass? programme has found that English Cockers Spaniels have an increased risk of disorders such as ear discharge, dry eye and musculoskeletal pain, but have reduced risk of allergies, alopecia (hair loss) and osteoarthritis. This research will help vets, breeders and dog owners to predict what problems English Cocker Spaniels might develop, better monitor their health and promote earlier diagnosis.