Australia’s ’pet census’: data-sharing program to improve pet health

A new data-sharing project involving the University of Melbourne, is set to make it easier for owners to look out for their pets. Some of the most common ailments and causes of premature death in companion animals are easily preventable - that's a key finding of data-sharing project VetCompass in the United Kingdom, which is set to launch in Australia today. The not-for-profit project is a collaboration with the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, the University of Melbourne and all veterinary schools in Australia, investigating companion animal health problems and identifying risk factors for common disorders in our favourite pets. Findings of VetCompass in the UK include: ·          Trauma / road traffic accidents were the topand third-leading cause of death for young cats and dogs respectively* ·          Puppies under three years were most commonly killed/abandoned because of behavioural issues ·          Cancer was the topand second-leading cause of death in dogs over three years and cats over five ·          The most common general problems in cats are dental - regular check-ups recommended ·          Other general conditions in cats ranked: 2. flea infestation (8%) and 3. obesity (6.7 per cent), followed by heart murmur (five per cent) and injury (4.6 per cent) - microchipping and regular check-ups recommended ·          Almost one in three cats have no health problems; compared to three in four dogs that do ·          Dogs? ages ranged from 5.5 years (Dogue de Bordeaux) to 14.2 years (miniature poodle).