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September 2024 issue

June 2024 issue

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October 2023 issue

July 2023 issue

April 2023 issue

December 2022 issue

September 2022 issue

June 2022 issue

September 2024

This issue brings summaries of new research papers on a variety of topics, the latest research from BSAVA PetSavers, a call for clinical abstracts for Congress 2025, and upcoming events. Do you have some research findings you’d like to promote, or a suggestion for content or features for future newsletters? Please get in touch at [email protected]

Research paper spotlight:

Can anti-nerve growth factor antibodies bedinvetmab and frunevetmab improve quality of life in dogs and cats with osteoarthritis?

Read the blog

This new study explores whether bedinvetmab and frunevetmab improve the quality of life of dogs and cats with osteoarthritis pain, using a health-related quality of life measure.

Reid J et al. (2024) Frontiers in Veterinary Sciences. 

Journal Watch

A snapshot of the latest papers in small animal veterinary medicine.

1) 2024 AAFP intercat tension guidelines: recognition, prevention and management

Rodan I et al. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.

These guidelines have been developed to support veterinary professionals in understanding social behaviour between cats and, specifically, in recognising intercat tension, preventing or minimising its occurrence and managing the stressors. The five pillars of a healthy feline environment have been modified to provide a framework to assist the prevention or management of intercat tension. The guidelines debunk 10 common myths that have the potential to negatively impact cat wellbeing, include a comprehensive table of psychotherapeutic medications and a systematic approach to preventing, recognizing and resolving intercat tension. They include a step-by-step approach to introducing a new cat into a multi-cat household and a range of management tools to promote client education.

2) Dog owners’ perceptions and veterinary-related decisions pertaining to changes in their dog’s behavior that could indicate pain

Kogan LR et al. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

This study assessed the impact of receiving brief educational material about signs of canine pain on dog owners’ concern levels and veterinary care decisions relating to pain-suggestive dog body language, in 367 participants in the US. Significant differences in participants’ concern levels were found before and after receiving educational material, with owners reporting significant increases in concern over their dog’s change in behaviour and intention to seek veterinary care after receiving educational material. Most participants reported finding the Canine Acute Pain Scale useful for identifying their dog’s pain level, determining whether they should take their dog to the vet, and describing their dog’s pain to their vet. These findings suggest that even very brief pain-related educational material can have a positive impact on owners’ perceptions of behavioural changes and increase the possibility that they will seek veterinary care.

3) Clinical features, surgical management and outcome of squamous and basal cell carcinoma in squamates and chelonians

Solanes-Vilanova F et al. Veterinary Dermatology.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neoplastic disorders in reptiles, however, cutaneous and oral basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are often misdiagnosed as SCCs. This study describes the clinical features, prognostic factors and surgical outcomes of SCCs and BCCs in 21 squamates and 12 chelonians presented at a veterinary teaching hospital. Hermann's tortoises, bearded dragons and panther chameleons were the most commonly affected species. SCC was predominantly diagnosed in lizards, and BCC was most commonly diagnosed in chelonians. Both neoplasms mainly occurred in adult to aged, male individuals. The gross pathological findings were highly comparable between SCC and BCC, but considerable variation was seen according to the primary location (oral, cutaneous or epidermis of the shell). Curative intent surgeries were successful in 19 of 27 cases, and recurrence was seen in 8 cases. This contributes to predicting the clinical behaviour and prognosis of distinct SCC and BCC histological variants, and selecting the most appropriate treatment protocol.

4) Epidemiology of heat-related illness in dogs under UK emergency veterinary care in 2022

Beard S et al. Vet Record.

This study used VetCompass data to report the incidence risk, event fatality rate and canine risk factors for heat-related illness (HRI) in dogs presenting to Vets Now emergency care practices. From the clinical records of 167,751 dogs, 384 HRI events were identified and the incidence risk of HRI was 0.23% with an event fatality rate of 26.56%. Breed, age and sex/neuter status were identified as risk factors for HRI. Brachycephalic dogs had 4.21 times the odds of HRI compared to mesocephalic dogs. Improved long-term mitigation strategies are urgently needed to minimise HRI risk and associated fatality.

Hungry for more information on the latest research in veterinary medicine?

Have a read of our recent Science Digest blogs for a more detailed summary on new research papers:

• What’s new in pain management and analgesic research?
• Later-age spaying of bitches reduces risk of early-onset urinary incontinence, according to new research
• New study provides further evidence for efficacy and safety of SGLT2 inhibitor velagliflozin in diabetic cats
• What are common CT findings in dogs and cats with grass seed foreign bodies?

What’s new in BSAVA PetSavers research?

New PetSavers papers

• Prevalence and risk factors for gingivitis in companion cats. Research by Jess Williams et al. on the Bristol Cats Study has found that gingivitis risk increases in cats fed a wet food diet, cats with orange coats, cats that don’t hunt prey, and cats reported to dribble whilst being stroked at age six months. Gingivitis was found to be a common condition, with prevalence increasing from 24.5% in cats <12 months old, up to 56.3% in cats five to six years old. Read the paper.
  

• Recovery of ambulation after conservative management of acute thoracolumbar disk extrusion in small, non-brachycephalic dogs. This PetSavers funded-research by Professor Paul Freeman at Cambridge found that even if decompressive spinal surgery is not an option for non-ambulatory dogs with thoracolumbar disc extrusion, home nursing can be considered a viable alternative for functional recovery. Read the paper.
• Temporal trends and factors associated with vaccination uptake in dogs and cats in the UK. This study by University of Liverpool PhD student Shona Bloodworth found an increase in the time between vaccinations in recent years, with a decline in the animals with a vaccination recorded within 1 year of consultation, but an increase in those recorded within a 3 year window. Vaccinations within 3 years were less likely in ageing animals and in areas of higher socioeconomic deprivation, suggesting vaccination strategies uptake should consider targeting these areas. Read the paper.

Upcoming PetSavers grants

The BSAVA PetSavers Master’s degree by research grant call is open until 15th October. This grant offers up to £42,000 for a UK-based postgraduate research Master’s project in companion animal science and includes a postgraduate student stipend at BBSRC standard rates (a veterinary stipend can be requested), payment of university fees and up to £10,000 for equipment and consumables. Proposals should be submitted by prospective academic supervisors of the student. Find out more here.

PetSavers grants awarding committee needs you!

If you’re interested in joining the BSAVA PetSavers grants awarding committee and helping select the most impactful applications for grant funding, email the BSAVA volunteer manager, Carole Haile, to find out more - [email protected]. The committee is particularly interested in volunteers from Bristol, Surrey, Liverpool, Glasgow, Nottingham, Aberystwyth, Harper Keele and UCLan Preston vet schools.

Submit your Clinical Abstracts for Congress 2025

Have you got any new findings your fellow vets should know about?

Get your research out there to the profession and showcase your accomplishments at BSAVA Congress and Expo 2025 in Manchester! The clinical abstracts are part of an ever-expanding programme of CPD, focusing on the latest concepts and thinking from the profession since 1991. They can be on any veterinary subject, whether it’s the preliminary results of a new study, discussing new techniques, or describing an interesting case. Submissions close on 18th November. Make your submission here here.

Clinical research needs your help!

We have several clinical research projects on our Research Notice Board which require responses. Please have a browse and see if there are any surveys that you can contribute to, to help further clinical research on companion animals.

Current studies that require responses:

• Hypercoagulability in dogs with ischaemic cerebrovascular infarcts
• The effect of D-mannose on clinical outcome and microbiota composition in canine chronic inflammatory enteropathy
• Prevalence of intestinal nematodes in UK dogs and cats
• Prospective trial of different antimicrobial treatment durations for presumptive canine urinary tract infections

Upcoming Events

Association of Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgeons

The AVSTS Autumn Meeting: 4th – 5th October 2024, Cambridge, with the topic ‘The future of urology in dogs and cats: surgery and beyond', and including the AVSTS AGM.

For further details and booking, see www.avsts.co.uk or email [email protected].

British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

BrAVO’s Winter Meeting: 8th – 10th November 2024, Stratford-Upon-Avon, with the topic ‘Purr-spectives in Feline Ophthalmology’.

British Veterinary Dermatology Study Group

BVDSG’s Autumn Meeting: 9th – 10th November 2024, Radisson Blu Stansted, with the theme ‘Hair today, gone tomorrow’.

British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association

BVOA's Autumn Meeting: 21st – 23rd November 2024 in Warwick, focusing on Joint Trauma.

British Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Association

BVRSMA’s CPD day focusing on ‘Two Underdogs in Rehab: Exercise and Nutrition’: 12th October 2024 at BSAVA headquarters, Gloucester.

British Veterinary Zoological Society

The BVZS Annual Conference: 22nd - 24th November 2024 at Conference Aston.

European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

Autumn Meeting of European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging - British and Irish Division: 8th – 9th November 2024 in Winchester.

Small Animal Medicine Society (SAMSOC)

The SAMSOC Autumn CPD Event: 22nd November 2024, with a pre-event networking dinner on 21st November, in Warwick.

A SAMSOC funding research grant of £5000 is available for applications. The deadline for submissions is 1st October 2024.

Shelter & Charity Veterinary Association (previously Association of Charity Vets)

The  Shelter & Charity Veterinary Association : 1st – 2nd February 2025 at Harper Keele Vet School.

June 2024

Welcome to the June scientific newsletter!

This issue brings summaries of new research papers on a variety of topics, new guidelines from the WSAVA, details of a new online antibiotic decision-making tool that is open for feedback, a selection of research projects that need contributions, and upcoming events.

Do you have any research findings you’d like to promote, or a suggestion for content or features for future newsletters? Please get in touch at [email protected]

Research paper spotlight

Use of orally administered dexmedetomidine to induce emesis in cats

Read the blog

Induction of emesis in cats is generally challenging and more difficult than in dogs. This new case series tested a novel route of administration of dexmedetomidine to induce emesis in a small group of cats.

Maxwell KM et al. (2024) Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.  https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X241234556

Journal Watch

A snapshot of the latest papers in small animal veterinary medicine.

1) Ultrasonographic measurements of the normal adrenal glands in guinea pigs (Cavia Porcellus)

Sainato D et al. Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound.

Hyperadrenocorticism in guinea pigs can be underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, due to its subtle clinical signs and the limited information in veterinary literature. This prospective study identified ultrasonographic adrenal gland dimensions in twenty client-owned, presumed healthy guinea pigs using the same standardized method described for dogs and cats. The mean length, cranial and caudal pole thickness for the left and right adrenal glands were, respectively, 12.64 ± 2.11 mm and 11.55 ± 1.52 mm; 4.83 mm ± 1.03 mm and 4.69 ± 1.34 mm; 4.8 ± 1.23 mm and 4.04 ± 0.75 mm. The thickness of the left caudal pole was significantly higher than the right (P = 0.02). A significant positive correlation was found between the length of the left adrenal gland and both age (r = 0.46; P = .03) and weight (r = 0.59; P = .01). There was no statistical correlation between the thickness of each cranial and caudal pole, with age, sex, or weight. The dimensions provided could prove a useful tool in the clinical evaluation of guinea pigs with suspected hyperadrenocorticism.

2) Echocardiographic and hemodynamic effects of alfaxalone or dexmedetomidine based sedation protocols in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a pilot study

Keating S et al. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia.

This prospective, randomized, experimental study evaluated the effects of alfaxalone and dexmedetomidine based sedation protocols on echocardiographic and hemodynamic variables in 10 client-owned cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) during sedation and inhalational anaesthesia. Cats were administered one of two sedative intramuscular combinations: protocol ABM (alfaxalone 2 mg kg–1, butorphanol 0.4 mg kg–1, midazolam 0.2 mg kg–1; n = 5) or protocol DBM (dexmedetomidine 8 μg kg–1, butorphanol 0.4 mg kg–1, midazolam 0.2 mg kg–1; n = 5). General anaesthesia was induced with intravenous alfaxalone and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Echocardiographic variables and noninvasive arterial blood pressures were obtained before sedation, following sedation, and during inhalational anaesthesia. During sedation, echocardiographic and hemodynamic variables remained within normal limits with protocol ABM, whereas protocol DBM was characterized by bradycardia, low cardiac index and elevated blood pressure. During isoflurane anaesthesia, both protocols demonstrated similar hemodynamic performance, with heart rates of 98 ± 12 and 89 ± 11 beats min–1, cardiac index values of 68 ± 17 and 47 ± 13 mL min–1 kg–1 and Doppler blood pressures of 72 ± 15 and 79 ± 20 mmHg with protocols ABM and DBM, respectively. A reduction in myocardial velocities were also observed during atrial and ventricular contraction with both protocols during isoflurane anaesthesia. An alfaxalone based protocol offered hemodynamic stability during sedation in cats with HCM. However, both dexmedetomidine and alfaxalone based protocols resulted in clinically relevant hemodynamic compromise during isoflurane anaesthesia.

3) How does chronic pain impact the lives of dogs: an investigation of factors that are associated with pain using the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid

Malkani R et al. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

This study assessed the factors that are significant and predictive of chronic pain in dogs using the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid (AWAG). The study included 46 dogs that clinicians diagnosed as having musculoskeletal conditions that caused chronic pain. All physical factors besides body condition, and all psychological, environmental, and procedural factors were significantly different between healthy dogs and dogs with chronic pain, evidencing how chronic pain impacts all domains of a dog’s life. The severity of clinical symptoms increased with poorer mobility and the frequency at which the dog experienced fearful stimuli. Fears and anxieties frequency, the dog’s reaction to stressors, engagement with enrichment, and social interactions were significant predictors of chronic pain in dogs. This highlights that typical signs of musculoskeletal disorders such as gait changes, stiffness, lameness might manifest after behavioral changes such as increased fearfulness, prolonged recovery from a stressful event, a reduced interest in social interactions, toys or play. Regular veterinary assessments combined with use of the AWAG can proactively identify these behavioral indicators and result in prompt treatment and improved quality of life.

4) Cytological evaluation, culture and genomics to evaluate the microbiome in healthy rabbit external ear canals

Makri N et al. Veterinary Dermatology.

This is the first study to assess the utility of otoscopy and cytological results in evaluating healthy rabbit external ear canals (EECs) and to characterise ear cytological and microbiological findings through culture techniques and metagenomic sequencing in 63 client-owned lop-eared rabbits. Otic cytological results revealed yeast in 73%, cocci in 42.9% and rods in 28.6% of healthy rabbit EECs. Compared to upright-eared rabbits, lop-eared rabbits had more discharge and more bacteria per oil immersion field. Culture isolated eight different species yet metagenomic sequencing identified 36, belonging to the Bacillota (Firmicutes), Pseudomonadota and Actinomycetota phyla. Staphylococcus were the most commonly observed species with both methods. Ten of 12 rabbits were yeast-positive on cytological evaluation with only three yielding fungal growth identified as Yarrowia (Candida) lipolytica, Eurotium echinulatum and Cystofilobasidium infirmominiatum. Healthy rabbit EECs lack inflammatory cells yet can host yeast and bacteria, emphasising the need to evaluate cytological results alongside the clinical signs. Notably, yeasts may be present despite a negative culture.

Would you like more updates on the latest research in veterinary medicine?

Don’t miss the Scientific Shorts feature in our bi-weekly newsletters, which brings you bitesize snippets from new papers on veterinary medicine research.

Other News/Resources

New guidelines from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)

The WSAVA has recently published these new guidelines in the Journal of Small Animal Practice:

• WSAVA professional wellness guidelines
• Guidelines for the vaccination of dogs and cats – compiled by WSAVA’s Vaccination Guidelines Group (an updated version of previous guidelines published in 2016)
• WSAVA guidelines for the control of reproduction in dogs and cats

BSAVA PetSavers update

New PetSavers papers

The following studies, funded by BSAVA PetSavers, have recently been published:

• Research by Heather Davies et al., published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, has shown that the majority of suspected adverse drug reactions (sADRs) in small animal general practice are unreported. Using data from veterinary clinical records, approximately 90% of sADRs were not reported. Most of these related to dogs and the majority of sADRs were listed as “expected” (i.e. already listed in the product information). This paper is a call to arms encouraging all veterinary professionals to report sADRs and regulators to make reporting quicker and easier. Read the paper.
• A study by Fernanda Camacho et al., published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice, found that the rate of accidental placement of nasoenteric (NE) tubes into the respiratory tract in 97 dogs and cats was low, with no significant difference between naso-oesophageal (NO) and naso-gastric (NG) tube complications rates. The overall rate of complications during tube placement was 25.8%, and the clinical complications reported were mostly minor, with sneezing being the most common. The choice of placement of a NO or NG tube should be determined by clinician preference, and clients should be warned about possible complications of tube use. Read the paper.
• Research by Lisa Wallis et al., published in Frontiers, shows that dog owners think many important changes in their older dogs are just part of ‘normal ageing’, when they are actually signs of serious health problems. Overall, owners and veterinary professionals differed in their opinions about the need for veterinary care, with most owners believing that older dogs should only see a veterinary surgeon once a year unless dogs were receiving ongoing treatment. This suggests a need for new educational initiatives and more effective communication. Read the paper.

Upcoming PetSavers grants

The BSAVA PetSavers Master’s degree by research grant call opens on 1st August, which offers funding of up to £42,000 for a postgraduate research Master’s project in companion animal science. This grant includes a postgraduate student stipend at BBSRC standard rates (a veterinary stipend can be requested), payment of university fees and up to £10,000 for equipment and consumables.

Proposals will be accepted until 15th October, and should be submitted by prospective academic supervisors of the student. Projects must be undertaken within the UK and not include the use of experimental animals. Further details and an application form can be found here.

Clinical research needs your help!

A PetSavers-funded clinical research study at the RVC is looking for dogs with peracute/acute onset of clinical signs, which are non-progressive beyond 48 hours and localised to the brain, which are suggestive of a cerebrovascular infarct/ ischaemic stroke.

This study aims to investigate platelet aggregation and coagulation status in dogs with ischaemic cerebrovascular infarct (CVI)/ ischaemic stroke to gain information on the underlying pathophysiology. Enrolled cases will undergo assessment of coagulation status and would also be entitled to two follow-up visits (either in-person or remotely) at the study institution.

Dogs which are diagnosed with CVI tend to have a peracute/acute onset of clinical signs which are localised to the brain and non-progressive beyond 48 hours. Should any dogs present with these clinical features we would welcome referral to the QMHA with the hope of including them in the study, as we are hoping to boost case numbers.

Please get in touch with Sophie Wyatt at [email protected] if you think you may have a suitable case or require any further information on the study.

BSAVA Research Notice Board

We currently have several clinical research projects on our Research Notice Board which require responses. Please have a browse and see if there are any surveys that you are able to contribute to, to help further clinical research on companion animals.

Current studies that require responses:

• Clinical management of feline chronic kidney disease in the UK
• Prevalence of intestinal nematodes in UK dogs and cats
• The use of systemic antibiotics for prophylaxis in veterinary ophthalmic surgery
• Prospective trial of different antimicrobial treatment durations for presumptive canine urinary tract infections (the STOP on SUNDAY trial)

Take a look at how you can contribute to these projects and how we can help you to promote your own research here.

Upcoming Events

Association of Charity Vets

The The Association of Charity Vets 13th Annual Conference: 1st – 2nd February 2025 at Harper Keele Vet School.

Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists

AVA’s 60th Anniversary Meeting: 18th – 21st September 2024, the Royal Society of Medicine, London. This will include a pre-congress day, a nurses' training day and a 2-day scientific meeting.

Association of Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgeons

The AVSTS Autumn Meeting: 4th – 5th October 2024, Cambridge, with the topic 'Urinary Surgery'.

Abstract submission is currently open - email [email protected] for more information.

AVSTS’s new website is now live at www.avsts.co.uk.

British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

BrAVO’s annual CPD conference: 8th – 10th November 2024, Stratford-Upon-Avon, with the topic ‘Purr-spectives in Feline Ophthalmology’.

BSAVA

Vets Cymru: 4th – 5th July 2024, Aberystwyth.

BSAVA Alba: 27th – 28th September 2024, Glasgow.

British Veterinary Dental Association

BVDA Practical course 'Introduction to Composites' with Alix Freeman: 2nd - 3rd August, Dublin. This course will provide knowledge and copious opportunity for practice with the use of composites for non-invasive jaw fracture treatment (wire and composite/acrylic splints) and for specific malocclusions (inclined plane and temporary crown extensions).

British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association

BVOA's Autumn Meeting: 21st – 23rd November 2024 in Warwick, focusing on Joint Trauma.

BVOA Practical CPD day: 20th November 2024, Warwick. 'An introduction to External Skeletal Fixation' – a small group teaching session with lectures and practical workshops. Keep an eye on BVOA's website and social media for more information.

British Veterinary Zoological Society

The BVZS Student, Nurse and New Grad Summer Gathering: 6th July 2024 at the Bristol Zoo Project.

The BVZS Annual Conference: 22nd - 24th November 2024 at Conference Aston.

European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

EVDI's Annual Meeting:18th – 21st September 2024 in Athens, Greece.

WSAVA

The 49th World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress: 3rd – 5th September 2024 in Suzhou, China.

March 2024

Welcome to the latest scientific newsletter!

Have a browse through summaries of recently published papers on a variety of topics, scientific news including the recent launch of Senvelgo (Velagliflozin) for the treatment of feline diabetes, a selection of clinical research projects which require responses, and details of upcoming events.

Do you have some research findings you’d like to promote, or a suggestion for content or features for future newsletters? Please get in touch at [email protected]

Research paper spotlight

Hypothermia, anemia, hyperglycemia, and severe hypoglycemia are significant prognostic indicators of death in client-owned ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)

Read the blog

Despite the value of identifying prognostic indicators in medical decision-making, there have been no published studies evaluating prognostic indicators of death in ferrets. This study has explored whether rectal temperature, Hct or blood glucose are associated with an increased risk of mortality in ferrets.

Stratton HS et al. (2024) American Journal of Veterinary Research. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.23.10.0244

Journal Watch

A snapshot of the latest papers in small animal veterinary medicine.

1) Cardiovascular disease in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps): 54 cases (2007–2022)

Ozawa SM et al. American Journal of Veterinary Research.

This retrospective study describes the clinical features, histopathologic lesions, and outcome of cardiovascular disease in 54 central bearded dragons from 6 hospitals. The total prevalence of cardiovascular disease was 3.3%, and few clinical signs were consistently seen. Mentation was the most common finding, followed by dehydration, palpable coelomic mass, dyspnea, and sunken eyes. Doppler auscultation revealed an arrhythmia in 14.7% of animals. The most common cardiovascular diagnoses was myocarditis, followed by aneurysms, pericardial effusion, atherosclerosis, epicarditis, and myocardial degeneration/necrosis. Cardiovascular disease was the most common cause of death. This study suggests that cardiovascular disease should be considered a differential in ill bearded dragons with nonspecific clinical signs. Diagnostic imaging is recommended in these cases with an echocardiogram ideally performed following a diagnosis of cardiomegaly or effusion. Aneurysms most often contributed to clinical demise, hence prognosis may be guarded with this diagnosis.

2) Risk factors for tick attachment in companion animals in Great Britain: a spatiotemporal analysis covering 2014–2021

Pelligra T et al. Parasites and Vectors.

This study assessed the factors affecting tick attachment in an individual and at a spatiotemporal level using data from >7 million electronic health records (EHRs) from cats and dogs collected by the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET). Tick attachment was more likely to be observed in animals 2 to 6 years of age, with those < 1 and > 10 the least likely to be observed with ticks. In cats, males and entire animals had significantly increased odds of tick attachment, whereas in dogs, neither sex nor neuter status was a significant predictor. In both cats and dogs, the risk was higher in crossbreed and unclassified breeds, and in animals with long and medium/semi-long coat length. Grassland and woodland areas, with moderate to high rainfall and monthly temperatures between 5∘C and 10∘C, were predicted as highly suitable for tick attachment. These results can inform targeted health messages and more tailored prophylaxis for higher risk animals.

3) Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death

McMillan KM et al. Scientific Reports.

This study used a dataset of 584,734 UK dogs to determine variation in longevity estimates within parental lineage, breed, body size, sex and cephalic index. Averaging across all individuals, median survival was estimated at 12.5 years, varying from 12.7 years for pure breeds to 12.0 years for crossbreds. The breeds most at risk from early death included Caucasian Shepherd Dog, Presa, Cane Corso, Mastiff, St Bernard, Bloodhound, Affenpinscher, Neapolitan Mastiff, Bulldog and French Bulldog. Those least at risk from early death included Lancashire Heeler, Tibetan Spaniel, Shiba Inu, Papillon, Lakeland Terrier, Schipperke, Border Terrier, Italian Greyhound and Miniature Dachshund. Median survival for mesocephalic purebreds was 12.8 years, with an accelerated time to death for brachycephalic and dolichocephalic purebreds at 11.2 years and 12.1 years, respectively. Breed specific survival estimates are informative to veterinarians, researchers, and current and prospective owners.

4) Investigation of In Vitro blood compatibility of the domestic ferret (Mustela putorious furo) with feline and canine blood

Tan T et al. Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine.

The in vitro compatibility of ferrets with feline or canine blood through investigation of crossmatch compatibility was determined in this study. Ten transfusion-naive ferrets, five cats and five dogs were enrolled. All ferrets had naturally occurring alloantibodies against all feline red blood cell (RBC) tested. Blood compatibility to canine RBC was variable: while most ferrets were compatible to all dogs, two had alloantibodies against all canine RBC, and one was incompatible to one dog. Except for one crossmatch between one dog and one ferret, all minor crossmatches were positive, demonstrating the presence of alloantibodies in cats and dogs against ferret RBC. Xenotransfusion of ferret with feline or canine blood products is not recommended as a routine procedure, and ferret blood should be the first choice when considering transfusion in ferrets. If not possible, xenotransfusion with crossmatched-compatible canine packed RBC (as opposed to whole blood) can be considered.

Would you like more updates on the latest research in veterinary medicine?

Don’t miss the Scientific Shorts feature in our bi-weekly newsletters, which brings you bitesize snippets from new papers on a variety of topics in veterinary medicine and science.

Other News/Resources

New Client Information Leaflets on exotic pets

A series of new Client Information Leaflets on exotic pets, including bearded dragon, leopard gecko and iguana, has just been published by the BSAVA. These can be accessed in the BSAVA Library.

Breakthrough veterinary drug Senvelgo (Velagliflozin) launched for the treatment of Feline Diabetes Mellitus

The recent launch of Senvelgo (Velagliflozin), a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor with a once daily oral solution, is expected to revolutionise the treatment of Feline Diabetes Mellitus in the UK. Find out moreabout how Senvelgo works and the impact it can have on diabetic cats and their owners in this article by Laura Bree from London Vet Specialists.

BSAVA PetSavers update

PetSavers grants available

If you’re interested in carrying out your own clinical research, the PetSavers’ Clinical Research Project grant call is now open!

These grants offer up to £20,000 to cover a project lasting 1-3 years for research into any disease area in companion animals, but we are also offering a specific grant of up to £20,000 to investigate disease that Bull Terriers are susceptible to. This is made possible by a very generous legacy left to us by Terry Heath.

For more information and to apply.

PetSavers funding awarded

Funding has been awarded to a PhD studentship being undertaken at the RVC under the supervision of Dr Elisavet Vasilopoulou investigating the role of thymosin beta (TB)10 in feline chronic kidney disease. TB10 levels are elevated with kidney disease progression in cats, but its role in kidney physiology and chronic kidney disease is currently unknown. This studentship aims to improve understanding of the factors modifying the progression of kidney disease in cats, and identify novel biomarkers to recognise cats that are likely to develop advanced kidney disease and new areas for therapeutic intervention to slow disease progression.

Funding was also awarded to a Master’s degree by research at the University of Cambridge, supervised by Dr Lisa Alves, which aims to identify the causal genetic variant of spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM) in Border Terriers, and to understand how and why this variant is pathogenic. This will improve understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of SLEM, and enable a validated genetic test to be offered to breeders.

An undergraduate project also received funding to explore the dog microbiome for therapeutic potential in the treatment of canine bacterial pyoderma. This work, led by Dr Vanessa Schmidt, will be carried out at the University of Liverpool.

Find out more about PetSavers-funded projects.

PetSavers research needs your help!

Calling UK vets, can you help with case recruitment for a PetSavers-funded study at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies’ Hospital for Small Animals?

Dogs with chronic enteropathy or inflammatory bowel disease not responding to an elimination diet or food trial are needed for a study assessing the effect of D-mannose on clinical outcome and microbiota composition.

Please contact Professor Silke Salavati via [email protected] with case details.

BSAVA Research Notice Board: clinical research needs you!

We currently have several clinical research projects from BSAVA members on our Research Notice Board which require responses. Please have a browse and see if there are any surveys that you are able to contribute to, to help further clinical research on companion animals.

Current research projects listed that require responses:

• Clinical management of feline chronic kidney disease in the UK
• Prevalence of intestinal nematodes in UK dogs and cats
• An investigation into the confidence of veterinary nurses with ECG interpretation
• The use of systemic antibiotics for prophylaxis in veterinary ophthalmic surgery
• An investigation into the awareness and understanding of toxins in small animals
• Prospective trial of different antimicrobial treatment durations for presumptive canine urinary tract infections (the STOP on SUNDAY trial)

Take a look at how you can contribute to these projects and how we can help you to promote your own research here.

Upcoming Events

Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists

The AVA Spring Meeting 2024: 1st – 3rd May 2024 in Baden, Switzerland.

AVA’s 60th Anniversary Meeting: 18th – 20th September 2024, London. This will include a pre-congress day, a nurses' training day, as well as a 2-day scientific meeting.

Association of Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgeons

The AVSTS Autumn meeting: 4th – 5th October 2024, Cambridge. Venue and theme to be confirmed over the coming weeks.

British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

BrAVO’s annual CPD conference: 8th – 10th November 2024, Stratford-Upon-Avon, with the topic ‘Purr-spectives in Feline Ophthalmology’.

British Veterinary Dental Association

2-3rd August: BVDA Practical course 'Introduction to Composites' with Alix Freeman. This course will provide knowledge and copious opportunity for practice with the use of composites for non-invasive jaw fracture treatment (wire and composite/acrylic splints) and for specific malocclusions (inclined plane and temporary crown extensions). More information and booking options to follow soon.

British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association

BVOA's Autumn Meeting: 21st – 23rd November 2024 in Warwick, focusing on Joint Trauma.

British Veterinary Zoological Society

The BVZS Summer Gathering: 6th July 2024 at the Bristol Zoo Project and will welcome veterinary students and newly graduated vets to enjoy a day of lectures. Keep an eye on BVZS social media for more information.

The BVZS Annual Conference: 22nd – 24th November 2024 at Conference Aston. Abstracts will be launched in April and tickets will be available from July.

European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

EVDI's Annual Meeting:18th – 21st September 2024 in Athens, Greece.

Small Animal Medicine Society

A Veterinary Nurse CPD Event: 15th May 2024 via Zoom.

WSAVA

The 49th World Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress: 3rd – 5th September 2024 in Suzhou, China.

October 2023

Welcome to the latest edition of the scientific newsletter!

This issue includes news of the upcoming Antibiotic Amnesty, summaries of recently published research on a variety of topics, scientific news and a variety of upcoming conferences and events. Access to full journal articles featured is not provided via this newsletter (unless the article is already open access).

The scientific newsletter is intended to facilitate an evidence-based approach to veterinary medicine and we hope that the content is interesting and valuable to you. Have a suggestion for content or features for future newsletters? Please get in touch at [email protected]

Take part in this year's Antibiotic Amnesty

The veterinary profession is coming together again this November to hold an Antibiotic Amnesty campaign, which encourages the public to return out-of-date and unused antibiotics for safe disposal to help tackle the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

A campaign toolkit has been developed for practices, comprising a range of promotional assets including reception posters, practice guidance documents, client hand-outs, pre-written social media posts, newsletter content and animations for use on practice screens. Find out more about registering your practice to take part and  download the toolkit.

Research paper spotlight

Stakeholder opinion-led study to identify canine priority diseases for surveillance and control in the UK.

Read the full blog.

Which canine infectious diseases should be prioritised in surveillance and control programmes? This new study is the first to use a stakeholder opinion-led approach to identify the most impactful infectious diseases that should be prioritised for inclusion in a nationwide surveillance and response strategy.

Cuartero CT, Radford AD, Szilassy E, Newton JR and Sánchez-Vizcaíno F (2023) Stakeholder opinion-led study to identify canine priority diseases for surveillance and control in the UK. Vet Record. https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3167 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37415378/

Journal Watch

A selection of the latest papers in small animal veterinary medicine.

1)Clinical Success of Guided Tissue Regeneration for Treating Vertical Bone and Furcation Defects in Dogs

Lee BL, Soukup J, Rendahl A, Goldschmidt S (Frontiers in Veterinary Science; Sec. Veterinary Dentistry and Oromaxillofacial Surgery)

This study evaluated the clinical success rate of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) for treating advanced periodontal disease in a large canine cohort. A total of 112 GTR procedures performed from 2003-2021 were retrospectively evaluated including pre- and posttreatment (3-12 month) periodontal probing depths of 104 treated teeth, dental radiographs of 73 treated teeth, and both diagnostic modalities in 64 treated teeth. Probing depth, radiographically apparent bone height, bone graft material, barrier membrane material, and tooth extraction adjacent to the GTR site were investigated as factors affecting success. Vertical bone defects were evaluated separately from furcation defects. GTR was clinically successful, defined as objective improvement in probing depth, objective decrease in radiographic vertical bone defect, and subjective radiographic gain in bone height, in 90.3% of vertical bone defects. Success was significantly associated with the magnitude of initial probing depth, and type of barrier membrane used. GTR was clinically successful, defined as objective improvement in furcation probing and subjective radiographic improvement of the bone in the furcation, in 22.2% of furcation defects. When F3 lesions were excluded, GTR was successful in 64.3% of furcation defects. GTR is an appropriate treatment to maintain teeth in the oral cavity of dogs with proper client counseling and patient selection but is most likely to be successful in vertical defects.

2) Use of maropitant for pain management in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) undergoing elective orchiectomy or ovariohysterectomy

Roeder M, Boscan P, Rao S, Proença L, Guerrera W, Grayck M et al. (Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)

Background:

Pain control is a challenge in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). The objective of this study was to describe the effect of maropitant on pain scores, food intake, and fecal output in domestic rabbits following elective orchiectomy or ovariohysterectomy.

Methods:

Rabbits that underwent orchiectomy or ovariohysterectomy at three institutions were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: low-dose maropitant (2 mg/kg SC once), high-dose maropitant (10 mg/kg SC once), and control (1 mL/kg saline SC once). Rabbits were monitored using video surveillance postoperatively. Pain scores were assessed by three blinded observers, and results were grouped into time frames after surgery. Food intake and fecal output were measured until discharge.

Results:

There were no local side effects with maropitant administration. There were no statistically significant differences between groups with regard to pain behaviors. An inverse trend was noted between increasing maropitant dosage versus food intake and fecal output, which was not statistically significant.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance:

Maropitant at 2 mg/kg SC and at 10 mg/kg SC failed to significantly reduce pain when compared to control group.

3) Retrospective study and outcome of 307 cats with feline infectious peritonitis treated with legally sourced veterinary compounded preparations of remdesivir and GS-441524 (2020–2022)

Taylor SS, Coggins S, Barker EN, Gunn-Moore D, Jeevaratnam K, Morris JM et al. (Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery)

Objectives:

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a serious disease that arises due to feline coronavirus infection. The nucleoside analogues remdesivir and GS-441524 can be effective in its treatment, but most studies have used unregulated products of unknown composition. The aim of the present study was to describe the treatment of FIP using legally sourced veterinary-prescribed regulated veterinary compounded products containing known amounts of remdesivir (injectable) or GS-441524 (oral tablets).

Methods:

Cats were recruited via email advice services, product sales contacts and study publicity. Cats were excluded if they were deemed unlikely to have FIP, were not treated exclusively with the veterinary compounded products, or if there was a lack of cat and/or treatment (including response) data. Extensive cat and treatment data were collected.

Results:

Among the 307 cats recruited, the predominant type of FIP was most commonly abdominal effusive (49.5%) and then neurological (14.3%). Three treatment protocols were used; remdesivir alone (33.9%), remdesivir followed by GS-441524 (55.7%) and GS-441524 alone (10.4%). The median (range) initial treatment period duration and longest follow-up time point after starting treatment were 84 (1–330) days and 248 (1–814) days, respectively. The most common side effect was injection pain (in 47.8% of those given subcutaneous remdesivir). Of the 307 cats, 33 (10.8%) relapsed, 15 (45.5%) during and 18 (54.5%) after the initial treatment period. At the longest follow-up time point after completion of the initial treatment period, 84.4% of cats were alive. The cats achieving a complete response within 30 days of starting treatment were significantly more likely to be alive at the end of the initial treatment period than those cats that did not.

Conclusions and relevance:

Legally sourced remdesivir and GS-441524 products, either alone or used sequentially, were very effective in the treatment of FIP in this group of cats. Variable protocols precluded statistical comparison of treatment regimens.

4)A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled multisite, parallel-group field study in dogs with osteoarthritis conducted in the United States of America evaluating bedinvetmab, a canine anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody

Michels GM, Honsberger NA, Walters RR, Tena JKS, Cleaver DM (Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia)

Objective:

Bedinvetmab, a fully canine anti-nerve growth factor monoclonal antibody, was evaluated in dogs for control of osteoarthritis-related pain in a study conducted to support registration in the USA.

Study design:

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel-group study.

Animals:

General practice client-owned dogs with osteoarthritis (n = 272).

Methods:

Dogs were block randomized 1:1 to placebo (saline, n = 137) or bedinvetmab (n = 135; 0.5–1.0 mg kg–1) administered subcutaneously, once monthly. The primary end point, day 28 Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) treatment success (TS), required pain severity score (PSS; 0–10) decrease ≥1 and pain interference score (PIS; 0–10) decrease ≥ 2. CBPI TS rates [and number needed to treat (NNT)], change in scores [and standardized effect size (ES)], change in quality of life (QoL) and bedinvetmab half-life were calculated.

Results:

Significant (p < 0.05) improvement with bedinvetmab over placebo occurred (days 28, 42, 56, 84) for CBPI TS. Of cases evaluable for day 28 CBPI TS (placebo, n = 131; bedinvetmab, n = 128), success rates were 36.6% and 47.4%, respectively (p = 0.0410) (NNT, 9.3; PSS and PIS ES, 0.3). CBPI TS increased after the second dose in both groups, plateaued for bedinvetmab at day 42 and decreased for placebo beginning day 84. Day 84 NNT (4.3), PSS (0.4) and PIS (0.5) showed continued improvement with monthly dosing. After the first dose, mean (± standard deviation) bedinvetmab half-life was 19.1 (8.3) days. Adverse events were similar between groups and not considered treatment-related. There was a significant effect of bedinvetmab versus placebo on all CBPI components (PIS, PSS, QoL).

Conclusions and clinical relevance:

These results corroborated those previously reported and provide further support of safety and effectiveness of bedinvetmab (0.5–1.0 mg kg–1) administered subcutaneously at monthly intervals to dogs for control of osteoarthritis-related pain.

Would you like more updates on the latest research in veterinary medicine?

If you find these research summaries useful, don’t miss the new Scientific Shorts feature in our weekly newsletters, which brings you bitesize snippets from new papers on a variety of topics in veterinary medicine and science. Look out for these updates in our weekly newsletters!

Other news/resources:

BSAVA PetSavers update

PetSavers in print: newly published papers from PetSavers-funded studies

• Research published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice by Aarti Kathrani and colleagues has cultured Malassezia and other fungi from the duodenum of dogs with gastrointestinal signs undergoing routine endoscopic examination. The study reports the first isolation of M. pachydermatis, M. sympodialis, Kazachstania slooffiae and K. telluris from the canine duodenum. Further studies are needed to determine whether these are resident or transient fungi in the duodenum and whether yeast colonisation has a pathogenic effect on the host.
• Research deriving from a Master’s project on the roles of ageing and myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in vascular dysfunction in dogs has been  published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research. Marco Mazzarella and colleagues found that isometric myography of arteries from pet dogs is feasible and can identify loss of endothelial-dependent relaxation in dogs with MMVD postmortem.

Newly awarded PetSavers grants

PetSavers funding has been awarded to the following clinical research projects:

• Flow cytometric analysis of Ki-67 expression in canine cutaneous mast cell tumours and its prognostic value at University of Cambridge (£18,860.97).
• Blood adipokine and ghrelin concentrations in cats with chronically treated diabetes mellitus and with diabetes and hypersomatotropism undergoing hypophysectomy at RVC (£9,940, joint-funded with the Small Animal Medicine Society).
• An intelligent stethoscope for detecting hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats at University of Cambridge/RVC/Davies Veterinary Specialists (£10,000, joint-funded with the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society).

To find out about other recently funded PetSavers projects, click here. PetSavers relies solely on charitable donations and legacies, receiving none of the BSAVA membership fee. If you would like to contribute to future research projects, enabling evidence-based veterinary medicine and helping pets live longer, healthier lives, donate here.

BSAVA Research Notice Board

The BSAVA Research Notice Board lists clinical research projects from BSAVA members which other members can contribute to. Projects are in-line with BSAVA values and mission to promote excellence in small animal practice through science. Take a look at how you can get involved in current projects and how we can help you to promote your own research here.

Upcoming Events

Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists

The AVA spring meeting 2024 will be held on 15th – 17th May 2024 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

BrAVO’s winter meeting will be held in the Forest of Arden on 10th – 12th November 2023.

British Veterinary Dermatology Study Group

BVDSG's annual autumn meeting focusing on dermatological therapeutics will be held on 11th - 12th November in Birmingham.

British Veterinary Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Association

BVRSMA are running a CPD day focused on spinal cord injury rehabilitation on 4th November at BSAVA’s office near Gloucester. Book at [email protected] by 29th October.

European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

The autumn meeting will be held on 10th – 11th November 2023 in Tewinbury, Hertfordshire.

Small Animal Medicine Society (SAMSoc)

The SAMSoc autumn meeting will be held on 10th November 2023 in Warwick.

Veterinary Cardiovascular Society

The VCS autumn meeting will be held on 10th - 11th November 2023 at Chesford Grange, Warwickshire.

BSAVA Congress 2024 - registration open!

Early bird registration is now open for BSAVA Congress 2024, taking place on 21st – 23rd March in Manchester. Don’t miss the chance to register at early bird prices!

July 2023

Welcome to the latest edition of the scientific newsletter!

The newsletter includes summaries of recently published research on a variety of topics, scientific news and upcoming events, to help support an evidence-based approach to veterinary medicine. Access to full journal articles featured is not provided via this newsletter (unless the article is already open access).

We hope that these newsletters are interesting and valuable to you, so if you have any suggestions for content or features, please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]

NEW! Scientific Shorts – bringing you regular, bitesize scientific updates

We’re delighted to introduce a new feature to our weekly newsletters – Scientific Shorts!

This feature brings you bitesize snippets from new papers on a variety of topics in veterinary medicine and science, to help keep you up-to-date with some of the latest research. Look out for these updates in our weekly newsletters!

Featured article

Age at cancer diagnosis by breed, weight, sex, and cancer type in a cohort of more than 3,000 dogs: Determining the optimal age to initiate cancer screening in canine patients.

Read the full blog post here

Cancer is the leading cause of death in adult dogs. With the long duration of the preclinical phase of cancer development, it’s important to know when to begin screening dogs for cancer. This new study has determined the age at which dogs of various breeds and weights are diagnosed with cancer, to inform the optimal age to initiate cancer screening for individual dogs.

Rafalko JM, Kruglyak KM, McCleary-Wheeler AL, Goyal V, Phelps-Dunn A, Wong LK, et al. (2023) PLoS ONE. 18(2): e0280795.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0280795

Journal Watch

1) Vasectomy and ovary-sparing spay in dogs: comparison of health and behavior outcomes with gonadectomized and sexually intact dogs

Zink C, Delgado MM, Stella JL (from Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Open Access)

Objective:

To compare health and behavior outcomes for dogs that underwent vasectomy or ovary-sparing spay (hysterectomy) with sexually intact dogs or dogs that had undergone traditional castration or spay.

Sample:

6,018 dog owners responded to a web-based survey between November 3, 2021, and January 7, 2022.

Procedures:

Participants were asked demographic questions and to provide information about 1 or more dogs (living or deceased). Options for reproductive status were as follows: sexually intact, castrated, spayed (ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy), vasectomy, or ovary-sparing spay (hysterectomy). Participants were asked questions about orthopedic and other health problems, cancer, and problematic behavior. Logistic regression models, survival analyses, and descriptive statistics were used to assess relationships between reproductive status and outcomes.

Results:

Owners provided valid surveys for 6,018 dogs, including 1,056 sexually intact, 1,672 castrated, and 58 vasectomized male dogs and 792 sexually intact, 2,281 spayed, and 159 female dogs that had undergone ovary-sparing spay. Longer exposure to gonadal hormones, regardless of reproductive status, was associated with reduced odds of general health problems and both problematic and nuisance behaviors.

Clinical relevance:

To our knowledge, this study provides the first data on health and behavior outcomes of vasectomy and ovary-sparing spay in dogs and is the first to compare these outcomes to sexually intact and gonadectomized dogs. It adds to accumulating data on the mixed benefits and risks of removing the gonads to prevent reproduction and emphasizes the importance of developing an informed, case-by-case assessment of each patient, taking into consideration the potential risks and benefits of spaying or neutering and alternative reproductive surgeries.

2) Partial weight reduction protocols in cats lead to better weight outcomes, compared with complete protocols, in cats with obesity

German AJ, Woods-Lee GRT, Biourge V, Flanagan J (from Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Open Access)

Background:

To date, there have been no studies comparing outcomes of cats with obesity following either complete or partial weight reduction protocols.

Methods:

Fifty-eight cats participated in this non-randomized observational cohort study, including 46 (79%) and 12 (21%) that underwent complete or partial weight reduction protocols, respectively. Weight loss outcomes, body composition changes and essential nutrient intake were compared between cats in the two groups.

Results:

All cats remained healthy, and those on a complete weight reduction protocol lost a median of 23% (range 10–39%) of starting body weight (SBW) over 294 days (113–967 days), whereas those undergoing partial restriction lost 25% (10–41%) over 178 days (54–512 days). Neither duration nor percentage weight loss differed between groups, but those that followed a partial weight reduction protocol lost weight at a faster rate (0.81% per week) and required fewer visits (4–19) than those that followed a complete weight reduction protocol (0.61% per week, p = 0.028; 11, 4–40 visits, p = 0.009). Further, lean tissue mass declined in cats on a complete weight reduction protocol (pre: 4.20 kg, 2.64–5.72 kg; post: 3.90 kg, 2.76–5.24 kg, p < 0.001), whereas lean tissue mass was unchanged in cats on partial weight reduction protocols (pre: 3.45 kg, 2.79–4.71 kg; post: 3.41 kg, 2.90–4.59 kg, p = 0.109). In 33 (57%) cats, median intake of selenium per day was less than NRC AI and RA recommendations, whilst intake was under FEDIAF recommendation in 42 (72%) cats. Median intake of choline per day was less than NRC MR and RA recommendations in 22 (38%) and 53 (91%) cats, respectively, whereas it was under the FEDIAF recommendation in 51 (88%) cats. In a small proportion (12–14%) of cats, phenylalanine/tyrosine and potassium were under recommendations; besides these, no other essential nutrient deficiencies were seen, and there were no differences between cats undergoing complete and partial weight reduction.

Conclusion:

Partial weight reduction protocols in cats lead to quicker average weight loss, with the possibility that lean tissue loss might be minimized. Such protocols might be more suitable for older cats and those with marked obesity.

3) Antimicrobial stewardship in veterinary medicine: a review of online resources

Allerton F, Russell J (from JAC-Antimicrobial Resistance, Open Access)

An awareness of antimicrobial resistance and stewardship is important for all prescribers from a One-Health perspective. Educational resources have been created to help veterinary practitioners and encourage an optimized approach to their antimicrobial use. This article reviews several educational resources centred on the core principles of veterinary AMS, and highlights key features to inform and guide resource-users towards the most appropriate tool for them. Greater engagement with these educational resources will hopefully contribute to improved antimicrobial prescribing among veterinarians and greater awareness of the importance of stewardship for the profession.

4) Fracture Healing in 37 Dogs and Cats with Implant Failure after Surgery (2013–2018)

Menghini TL, Shriwise G, Muir P (from Animals, Open Access)

Identifying risk factors for implant failure in small animal orthopedics could improve outcomes in clinical patients. Abnormal fracture healing has been hypothesized to correlate with implant failure. This study retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of implant failure cases in dogs and cats. Area moment of inertia (AMI), plate working length, and bone screw density were determined as appropriate for each case. Implant failure occurred in 23% of the fracture cases in the study period and was associated with an increased risk of delayed union, malunion, or non-union of the fracture. Major complications were found in 56% of the fracture repairs and were associated with delayed union. Surgical revision was performed in 49% of implant failure cases. Common problems were implant loosening and failure of low AMI plates. Implant AMI should routinely be considered during preoperative planning.

Other news/resources:

BSAVA PetSavers update

PetSavers Research Fellowship

The first ever BSAVA PetSavers Research Fellowship has been awarded to Dr An Vanhaesebrouck from the University of Cambridge for her project entitled Cell-based assays to detect ‘low-affinity’ antibodies against acetylcholine receptors or antibodies against other neuromuscular junction antigens in canine myasthenia gravis.

The award of £70,000 will enable Dr Vanhaesebrouck to investigate whether dogs with suspected myasthenia gravis that are seronegative for AChR autoantibodies (estimated to be around 23% of cases) have low-affinity AChR antibodies that are missed by standard radioimmunoassays, but that could be detected by cell-based assays as in humans. If successful, this will increase the number of dogs that are correctly diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, enabling them to receive prompt and targeted treatment resulting in a better outcome.

Student Research Projects

BSAVA PetSavers has awarded funding totalling £16,880 to six Student Research Projects, which will give undergraduate students the chance to experience research in companion animal science and the opportunity to present their findings at BSAVA Congress.

Three projects will take place at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr Tim Williams: Evaluation of plasma and urinary nucleosomes in dogs with urothelial carcinoma, Comparison of serum procalcitonin and serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations as a marker of bacterial causes of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in cats and Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of canine urinary extracellular vesicles against causative agents of canine otitis externa  (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and  Staphylococcus aureus); Professor Margaret Hosie at the University of Glasgow will oversee a project entitled Comparing the early viral entry process in avirulent and virulent caliciviruses; while at the University of Liverpool, Exploring adverse event reporting following vaccination in veterinary free-text clinical narratives will be run under the watch of Professor Gina Pinchbeck, and Validation and pathway analysis of biomarkers of canine cruciate ligament disease will be supervised by Professor Mandy Peffers.

To find out about other recently funded PetSavers projects, click here . PetSavers relies solely on charitable donations and legacies, receiving none of the BSAVA membership fee. If you would like to contribute to future research projects, enabling evidence-based veterinary medicine and helping pets live longer, healthier lives, donate here

PetSavers in print

These papers arising from PetSavers-funded studies have recently been published:

• A study by Dr Lisa Wallis and colleagues explored dog owner and veterinary professional experiences and attitudes towards ageing in dogs. Significant gaps in communication between veterinary professionals and dog owners were identified and missed opportunities to educate owners, due to lack of time, education and motivation. The greatest barriers to health care were finances, owner awareness, willingness to act, and consultation time. Age-related changes were mostly perceived as “just old age” by dog owners and most didn’t feel prepared for their dogs' ageing. Resources should be developed to address these gaps, guide best-practice discussions in consultations with senior dogs, and encourage more owners to seek and trust veterinary advice. “Just old age” – a qualitative investigation of owner and veterinary professional experiences of and attitudes to ageing in dogs in the UK was published in the July issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP).
• Research by Dr Iris Chan and colleagues has assessed prevalence and risk factors for common respiratory pathogens in cats enrolled in a self-selected longitudinal cohort study. All three major upper respiratory tract pathogens (Feline herpesvirus (FHV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and Chlamydia felis) were detected. FCV was the most frequently encountered pathogen and the majority of cats with FHV or C. felis were co-infected with FCV.
•  Prevalence and risk factors for common respiratory pathogens within a cohort of pet cats in the UK is available in early view in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP).
• A study by Yuvani Bandar and others is the first to describe a relationship between intestinal fibrosis (IF) and outcome in cats with chronic inflammatory enteropathy. Their results identified that IF is a frequent finding in cats with CIE and found that use of additional staining and immunolabeling for vimentin allowed for better identification of IF in intestinal biopsy specimens compared to routine HE staining. Characterization of intestinal fibrosis in cats with chronic inflammatory enteropathy was published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

New Global Guidelines to be Unveiled at WSAVA 2023

New Global Guidelines on Professional Wellness, Reproduction and Direct Zoonoses, as well as an updated set of its highly-regarded Vaccination Guidelines are set to be launched by the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) during WSAVA World Congress 2023 in September. The WSAVA’s peer-reviewed Global Guidelines, which are free to WSAVA members, are created by experts on its clinical committees to highlight best practice and set minimum standards in key areas of veterinary practice.

Read the full announcement here.

BSAVA Research Notice Board

The BSAVA Research Notice Board is an area of the website which lists ongoing clinical research projects from BSAVA members. Projects are in-line with BSAVA values and mission to promote excellence in small animal practice through science. You can find details of how to get involved in current projects and how we can help you to promote your own research project here.

Upcoming Events

Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists

The AVA autumn meeting will be held in Warsaw, Poland, on 7th – 9th September 2023.

Association of Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgeons

The AVSTS autumn meeting is taking place in Stratford-upon-Avon on 20th – 21st October 2023. Registration will be open soon and you can register your interest by emailing [email protected].

British Association of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

BrAVO’s winter meeting will be held in the Forest of Arden on 10th – 12th November 2023..

British Veterinary Behaviour Association

BVBA are running a mini-virtual conference on the topic “Behavioural first aid in practice” on 30th September 2023. The conference is only open to BVBA members and is free of charge for members. .

British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association

The BVOA 60th anniversary autumn scientific meeting will be held on 12th-14th October 2023 at the Tower Hotel, London, with a theme of ‘Back to the future orthopaedics”.

British Veterinary Zoological Society

BVZS Conference 2023 will be in Aston, Birmingham, 3rd – 5th November 2023.

World Small Animal Veterinary Association

48th WSAVA World Congress will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, on 27th – 29th September 2023.

April 2023 issue

April 2023

Welcome to the latest edition of the scientific newsletter. This newsletter is intended to help support an evidence-based approach to veterinary medicine and includes details of recently published research and relevant scientific news and events, covering a range of subject areas and small animal species. Please note that access to the full articles featured is not provided via this newsletter (unless the article is already open access).

We really want to make sure that these newsletters and interesting and valuable to you, so if you have any suggestions for content or features, please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]

Featured article

Periodontal disease in cats under primary veterinary care in the UK: frequency and risk factors

Read the full blog post here.

A new study has identified periodontal disease as the most commonly diagnosed specific disorder in cats in the UK. The research assessed the demographic risk factors of periodontal disease and associations with common comorbid disorders in cats. The results can enable vets to predict periodontal disease and target screening and dental care at cats most at risk.

O’Neill DG, Blenkarn A, Brodbelt DC, Church BC, Freeman A (2023) Periodontal disease in cats under primary veterinary care in the UK: frequency and risk factors Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X231158154

Journal Watch

1) Assessing owners' readiness to change their behaviour to address their companion animal's obesity

Frey E, Kedrowicz M, Hedgpeth MW (from Journal of Small Animal Practice)

Owner behaviour change in relation to management is critical for successful pet weight loss. The stages of change (SOC) can be used to conceptualise the process of intentional behaviour change. Clients may be more likely to make successful changes when practitioners use communication techniques appropriate for a client's current stage. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess pet owners’ SOC in relation to managing the weight of their overweight or obese pet. An online questionnaire targeting dog and cat owners was distributed via snowball sampling. A total of 532 questionnaires were included in the analysis. Of these, 153 participants (28.8%) self-identified their pet's body condition score (BCS) as greater than 5 (on a nine-point scale). An adapted University of Rhode Island Change Assessment scale was completed by 119 of these participants (77.8%) to assess their readiness to change related to managing their overweight or obese pet. Most participants were scored in the precontemplation (52.1%) and contemplation (42%) stages, where readiness to change is low. Owner assessments likely resulted in underestimation of pets’ BCS. The results offer preliminary insight into the SOC of owners who identify their pets as overweight or obese. Developing tools to assess and understand owners’ readiness to change may be useful in informing veterinary professionals’ communication approaches when engaging in weight management conversations.

2) An investigation into the detection of the pulse in conscious and anaesthetized dogs

Dagnall C, Wilson H, Khenissi L (from Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia)

Objectives

To record the success rate of veterinary professionals and students at identifying the pulse in conscious and anaesthetized dogs. To explore the influence of clinical experience, pulse location, anaesthesia and likely confounding variables on the success of pulse palpation.

Study design

Prospective, observational, randomized study.

Animals

A total of 54 client-owned dogs scheduled for general anaesthesia.

Methods

For each dog, three participants (senior anaesthetist, anaesthesia resident/nurse, veterinary student/animal care assistant) attempted pulse palpation at three locations (femoral, radial and dorsal pedal pulse) in conscious and anaesthetized dogs. The time to pulse palpation was measured with a stopwatch for each attempt and data were modelled using a multivariate Cox regression survival analysis (significance p < 0.05).

Results

The overall success rate of pulse palpation was 77%, with a median time of 10.91 seconds (interquartile range 9.09 seconds). Success rate was lower in conscious dogs (67%) than in anaesthetized dogs (87%). There was a 77% lower likelihood of success at the radial than at the femoral pulse [hazard ratio (HR) 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38–0.69, p < 0.001]. Veterinary students/animal care assistants had a 71% lower likelihood of success than senior anaesthetists (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.22–0.39, p < 0.001). Age, weight and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status had no significant influence. Premedication/anaesthetic drugs, heart rate or mean arterial pressure had no significant influence on the time to pulse palpation in anaesthetized dogs. The median time to palpation was less than 10 seconds for all experience groups at the femoral location.

Conclusions

Palpation of the femoral location had the greatest likelihood of success with the least amount of time. Monitoring the femoral pulse during induction of anaesthesia is suggested as a method for confirming spontaneous circulation. Pulse palpation improves with clinical experience. .

3) Recurrence rate of intervertebral disc disease in surgically treated French Bulldogs: a retrospective study (2009–2019)

Leu D, Vidondo B, Stein V, Forterre F (Open Access, from Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica)

Background

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common diagnosis and well-investigated pathological condition in French Bulldogs with neurological deficiencies. However there is currently only one recently published retrospective descriptive study looking for recurrence rates of IVDD in French Bulldogs. Medical reports of French Bulldogs with a first episode of IVDD and surgical treatment were evaluated and reviewed for clinical signs of recurrence. Risk factors for Total-Recurrence, Cervical- and Thoracolumbar-Recurrence were evaluated by means of logistic regression models. The aim of this study was to assess frequency and risk factors associated with the recurrence of IVDD in French Bulldogs.

Results

One hundred twenty-seven French Bulldogs with a first episode of IVDD and surgical treatment were evaluated. 52.7% (67/127) of these patients showed signs of recurrence. The recurrence rate in the cervical spine was slightly lower (47%) compared to the thoracolumbar spine (56.6%). A significant association with recurrence could be found for the factor age: French Bulldogs with a first episode of IVDD ≤ 3 years seem to be prone for Total-Recurrence (P = 0.002) and Cervical-Recurrence (with ORs ranging from 0.02 to 0.03 for patients older than 3 years). 50% of the recurrences (median) occurred within the first 12 month after the first episode of IVDD.

Conclusions

Recurrence of IVDD can be expected in more than half of French Bulldogs affected by IVDD. Especially young French Bulldogs are prone for recurrence in cervical spine. Almost every fourth patient with IVDD suffers from a recurrence within 12 months. Future dog owners should be informed about the risk of IVDD and the early onset of recurrences in French Bulldogs.

4) Marsupialisation of 12 odontogenic cysts in Boxer dogs: Retrospective case series

Hasler J, Tundo I, Southerden P (Open Access, from Frontiers in Veterinary Science)

Marsupialisation of odontogenic cysts is a minimally invasive treatment method used in human dentistry. Marsupialisation decompresses the cyst and promotes remodeling of alveolar bone and shrinkage of the cyst. In this retrospective study we look at the effectiveness of marsupialisation at reducing the size of odontogenic cysts in dogs. The case series consists of six Boxer dogs with 12 odontogenic cysts. Each case underwent a high resolution CT scan prior to treatment and at follow-up. Each CT scan was reviewed, the volume of each cyst calculated using manual segmentation and the reduction in cyst volume calculated. There was a marked reduction in cystic volume of 66.6% over a mean of 138 days. This shows that the use of marsupialisation effective method of reducing cyst volume.

Other news/resources

New Scientific Information Document on Brucella canis

BSAVA has produced a new Scientific Information Document on Brucella canis. Canine brucellosis is an emerging infectious disease in Europe. It is of particular concern in the UK where increasing numbers of dogs are imported from the EU, but it also has zoonotic potential. The new document provides relevant and easily accessible information to veterinary staff in small animal practice including transmission, diagnosis, management, public health implications and legislative requirements. You can read the document in the BSAVA Library.

Did you know that we have a selection of Scientific Information Documents on a range of other diseases and products?

You can read them here.

BSAVA PetSavers grant funding available

Applications are open all year for student research project grants to support undergraduate student vets, vet nurses and bioveterinary students. Grants include a stipend of £200 per week for 6-10 weeks for projects undertaken outside of term time, up to £1200 for consumables, a student ticket and up to £100 travel bursary to attend a subsequent BSAVA Congress to present an abstract of the project. Find out more and how to apply here.

Newly awarded BSAVA PetSavers grants 

The following projects were awarded funding by the PetSavers grant awarding committee:

• Master’s degree by research grant to SRUC/Edinburgh University for a project entitled Is IgA deficiency a feature of canine atopic dermatitis in small and medium sized dogs? (total funds = £39,365).
• Undergraduate student research project grant to Cambridge University for the project Evaluation of plasma and urinary nucleosomes in dogs with urothelial carcinoma (total funds = £3,200).
• Undergraduate student research project grant to Liverpool University for the project Validation and pathway analysis of biomarkers of canine cruciate ligament disease (total funds = £2,600).

PetSavers in print

These papers deriving from PetSavers-funded studies have recently been published:

• A study by Dr Yuvani Bandara and colleagues investigated whether clinicopathological variables were associated with death due to gastrointestinal disease in cats with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE). The research concluded that physical and laboratory variables measured at the time of histopathological diagnosis of CIE were not predictors of death due to gastrointestinal disease or length of survival, however, the attainment of clinical remission reduced the likelihood of subsequent death due to gastrointestinal disease. Outcome of chronic inflammatory enteropathy in cats: 65 cases (2011-2021). was published in the March issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP).
• Research by Dr Jack Lawson and colleagues has successfully isolated feline urinary extracellular vesicles from store cat urine, and showed that the vesicles had differential protein expression between cats with normotensive chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertensive CKD. Urinary extracellular vesicles as a source of protein-based biomarkers in feline chronic kidney disease and hypertension. was published in the January issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP).

WSAVA’s Oncology Working Group creates Veterinary Oncology Glossary

WSAVA’s Oncology Working Group has created a glossary of terms commonly used in veterinary oncology, to give owners a clearer understanding of the diagnosis and management of their pet’s disease and to help them discuss it with their veterinarian from a more informed perspective. You can view the glossary here .

2023 WSAVA Awards Open for Nominations

The WSAVA is now accepting nominations for its 2023 Awards. These prestigious Awards recognise veterinary professionals from any background, generation or region of the world, who are creating positive change for companion animals and people. Nominations will close on 8th May 2023. To find out more and to nominate someone, see here.

BSAVA Research Notice Board

The BSAVA Research Notice Board is an area of the website which lists ongoing clinical research projects from BSAVA members. Projects are in-line with BSAVA values and mission to promote excellence in small animal practice through science. You can find details of how to get involved in current projects and how we can help you to promote your own research project here.

Upcoming Events

Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists

The AVA autumn meeting will be held in Warsaw, Poland, on 7th – 9th September 2023.

British Veterinary Dental Association

The BVDA Scientific Day and AGMwill be held at Pool House Equine, Lichfield, on 19th May 2023.

The BVDA Practical Course'Introduction to Composites', will be held at IM3 ACE Facility, Dublin, Ireland, on 28 – 29th July 2023.

British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association

The BVOA 60th anniversary autumn scientific meeting will be held on 12th-14th October 2023 at the Tower Hotel, London, with a theme of ‘Back to the future orthopaedics”.

British Veterinary Zoological Society

BVZS Conference 2023 will be in Aston, Birmingham, 3rd – 5th November 2023.

European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

EVRA EVDI Joint Conference will be held in Dublin, Ireland, from 18th - 23rd June 2023.

VetEd 2023

VetEd 2023 will take place at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, on 6th – 7th July 2023.

World Small Animal Veterinary Association

48th WSAVA World Congress will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, on 27th – 29th September 2023.

December 2022

Welcome to the latest edition of the scientific newsletter. This newsletter is intended to help support an evidence-based approach to veterinary medicine and includes details of recently published research and relevant scientific news and events, covering a range of subject areas and small animal species. Please note that access to the full articles featured is not provided via this newsletter (unless the article is already open access). 

We really want to make sure that these newsletters and interesting and valuable to you, so if you have any suggestions for content or features, please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]

Featured article

Pathology and Prevalence of Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria: A Study of 398 Pet Reptiles

Read the full blog post here

Following November’s antibiotic amnesty, this blog highlights the work done by a group of researchers studying antimicrobial resistance in pet reptiles. Identifying susceptible, intermediate and resistant strains to commonly prescribed antimicrobials, the paper focuses on some of common pathologies of reptilian disease and identifies some of the evolving species that pose antibiotic-resistant zoonotic risks to exotic pet owners.

Cristina RT, Kocsis R, Degi J, Muselin F, Dumitrescu E, Tirziu E, Herman V, Darau AP, Oprescu I (2022) Pathology and prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria: a study of 398 pet reptiles Animals 12 (10), 1279

Journal Watch

1)Exploring companion animal caretakers' attitudes, perceptions and behavioural drivers of antimicrobial use within the social context of veterinary care

Frey E, Kedrowicz M, Hedgpeth MW (from Journal of Small Animal Practice)

Conversations about antimicrobial use can be reframed to include alternatives to antimicrobials as part of the treatment plan, and clients can be empowered to play a more active role in their animals' care. Veterinarians can apply core communication skills to advance antimicrobial stewardship principles and thereby contribute to preserving the effectiveness and availability of antimicrobials while preserving the trusting relationship and shared decision-making between clients and veterinarians.

2) Guide to diagnosing and treating neoplasia in ferrets

Dias S (from In Practice)

Statistics for the actual incidence of neoplasia in pet ferrets are not currently available; however, multiple case reports of different types of neoplasia in this species are described in the literature. The majority of tumours are seen in animals older than three years of age, and multiple types of neoplasia can occur in the same ferret. This article provides an overview of the most common ferret neoplasms seen by general veterinary practitioners, and aims to help practitioners approach these cases with more confidence.

3)Sex disparity in oronasal presentations of canine transmissible venereal tumour

Strakova A, Baez-Ortega A, Wang J, Murchison, EP (from Vet Record)

The canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is a contagious cancer spread by the direct transfer of living cancer cells. CTVT usually spreads during mating, manifesting as genital tumours. However, oronasal CTVT is also occasionally observed, and presumably arises through oronasal contact with genital CTVT tumours during sniffing and licking.

Other news/resources: 

Survey on sources of stress for veterinary professionals

Researchers at Harper & Keele vet school are collecting data for a major study looking at the significance of various stressors amongst vet surgeons and nurses. The findings will be used for a range of analyses, primarily to identify the largest sources of stress for people at different stages of their career. This information will be used for the development of evidence-based education and training initiatives for the industry. Findings will be shared with all individuals and organisations that participate in the study. The survey is available here and see also our Research Notice Board

BSAVA’s first affiliated group for veterinary nurses

The Veterinary Nursing Dermatology Group is BSAVA’s first affiliated group for veterinary nurses. Dermatology is a field where the veterinary nurse can play a pivotal role, assisting vets in the work up and treatment of cases in clinic and supporting clients in the management of skin conditions at home. Registered veterinary nurses, student veterinary nurses and even animal nursing assistants and vets involved with potential dermatology nurses are welcome to join; they can do so at www.vetnursedermgroup.co.uk where more information about the group can be found. And join us the day before BSAVA congress for our pre congress meeting; join the group for more information.

Newly awarded BSAVA PetSavers grants 

The following projects were awarded funding by the PetSavers grant awarding committee:

• Evaluation of synovial cytokine concentrations in dogs with degenerative joint disease, immune mediated polyarthritis and septic arthritis (total funds, £2000) being undertaken by Seb Griffin as part of his BSAVA Clinical Master’s Degree at Vet4Life Vets in Teddington. This aims to analyse biomarkers in joint fluid of canine patients with septic arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or immune mediated polyarthritis to investigate the presence of significant differences that could aid the rapid diagnosis of these debilitating conditions.
• Reusable vs disposable drapes: does their use affect post-operative wound complication rates in routine surgeries? (total funds, £9053) by Hannah James and colleagues at VetPartners in York. This will explore whether using reusable versus disposable surgical drapes leads to higher rates of post-operative wound complications in dogs and cats undergoing surgical neutering to enable practitioners to make best choices for their surgeries.
• Assessment of hypercoagulability in dogs with ischaemic cerebrovascular infarcts (total funds, £7566) by Sophie Wyatt and Stefano Cortellini at the RVC. Dogs with ischaemic CVIs will be examined for evidence of abnormal platelet function or a hypercoagulable state, and associations with patient outcome determined, to better understand and manage stroke cases.
• Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for the treatment of osteoarthritis-associated pain in client-owned dogs (total funds, £10,000) by Chiara Adami and colleagues at the University of Cambridge (jointly funded by PetSavers and The Debs Foundation). Examining effectiveness of low-level laser therapy to treat osteoarthritis-associated pain in dogs, to improve quality of life and reduce the need for pharmacological therapy.

PetSavers in print

These papers deriving from PetSavers-funded studies have recently been published:

• As part of a BSAVA PetSavers-funded master’s degree by research supervised by Professor Mandy Peffers, Christine Pye reviewed evidence behind pharmaceutical treatment options for canine osteoarthritis, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, piprants, monoclonal antibodies, adjunctive analgesics, structure modifying osteoarthritis drugs and regenerative therapies.  Advances in the pharmaceutical treatment options for canine osteoarthritis. is published in the October issue of the Journal of Small Animal Medicine (JSAP).
• As part of a study exploring how to maximise erythrocyte recovery from blood-soaked surgical swabs to return to patients experiencing haemorrhaging, Ivan Kalmukov and colleagues at Fitzpatrick Referrals tested a cell salvage device, showing it efficiently recovered canine red blood cells in an ex vivo setting, with direct suction achieving higher volumes of salvaged blood than swab rinsing.Ex vivo evaluation of a novel cell salvage device to recover canine erythrocytes was published in the November issue of Veterinary Surgery.
• A study by Matt Green, Laurent Garosi and colleagues used SAVSNET data to investigate how epileptic dogs are managed in UK first opinion practice, including 517 dogs. Thirteen percent of dogs received anti-seizure drugs at first presentation; the odds of administering anti-seizure drugs were about 14 times larger in dogs presenting with cluster seizures, and the most frequently chosen anti-seizure drugs were phenobarbital and imepitoin. This work was published in the November issue of JSAP as Approach to initial management of canine generalised epileptic seizures in primary-care veterinary practices in the United Kingdom.
• Insulin expression in β cells is reduced within islets before islet loss in diabetic cats published in JSAP, derived from a master’s degree at the University of Cambridge by Valeria Bergomi under the supervision of Dr Kate Hughes. This reported reduced insulin expression before islet loss in diabetic cats which may reflect a feline equivalent to human DM stage between prediabetes and irreversible loss of islets. The study showed the value of using CUBIC imaging technology to render tissue transparent investigating 3D islet microanatomy of cats.

• Grant call opens for PetSavers Research Fellowship

  The BSAVA PetSavers Research Fellowship is open for applications. It aims to support academics in early stages of their research career, targeting the period immediately after gaining a postgraduate research qualification and helping them establish themselves as independent researchers. It requires active mentorship from a senior scientist and guaranteed research time from the recipient’s institution.

  Funding of up to £70,000 is available over a 2-year period for research costs and travel, with up to 30% of the total grant for research-specific salary or stipend costs.

  Applicant suitability can be demonstrated by the following:

  • Possession of a veterinary qualification (veterinary surgeon or registered vet nurse)
  • Completion of a postgraduate research degree (PhD, MRes or MPhil)
  • Within the early stages of a research career (starting a research post within the last 10 years)
  • Currently in post or with an offer of a guaranteed post of at least 3 years’ duration if awarded
  • Having received less than £250,000 of funding from external sources

• Applications must be received by midnight on 28th February 2023. Further information

  New guidelines for cat friendly veterinary interactions

  This consensus document produced by an international group of cat experts provides a definitive guide to handling cats.

  World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) updated global pain guidelines available:

  An updated version of the WSAVA’s Global Pain Guidelineshave recently been published in JSAP. This article is freely available online and is already the most-downloaded JSAP article of 2022.

  Read a good paper in Journal of Small Animal Practice?

  The JSAP editorial board is considering articles for our annual best paper awards. If you have read a really good paper published in issues between October 2021 and September 2022, please let us know via [email protected] by 15th January 2023.

  Interested in working on the Journal of Small Animal Practice?

  JSAP is considering some new, non-specialist, roles on its editorial board to help oversee our clinical reviews, case reports and ‘images in small animal practice’ articles. If you are interested in joining the editorial board, or acting as a reviewer for JSAP articles, please contact [email protected]

  Behaviour webinars available

  The British Veterinary Behaviour Association runs a number of webinars which are hosted by BSAVA with a discount for members. Details available from https://www.bvba-org.co.uk/webinars

  Upcoming Events: 

  Association of Charity Vets

  The ACV conference will be held at Cambridge Vet School on 4th and 5th February 2023.

  Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists

  The AVA is partnering with the Royal Society of Medicine (in London) to deliver a hybrid meeting on Visceral Pain on Friday 27th January 2023. Some of the most globally most eminent speakers on this subject are presenting, and there is the option for either in person or online attendance. The meeting will be recorded and will be available for 60 days. Please visit the website.

  The World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia is to be held in Sydney in March 2023.

  The AVA conference will be held in Warsaw, Poland, from 7th – 9th September 2023.

  British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association

  The BVOA 60th anniversary autumn scientific meeting will be held on 12th-14th October 2023 at the Tower Hotel, London, with a theme of ‘Back to the future orthopaedics”. See also below for details of their Spring meeting.

  British Veterinary Zoological Society

  BVZS Conference 2023 will be in Aston, Birmingham, 3rd – 5th November 2023.

  European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging

  EVRA EVDI Joint Conference will be held in Dublin, Ireland, from 18th - 23rd June 2023.

  BSAVA Congress pre-congress meetings (22nd March, Manchester)

  The following groups are planning to hold Spring meetings in Manchester on the day before BSAVA Congress. Keep an eye on the Congress website for the latest updates, or visit the society websites for further details.

  Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists(theme is “Optimising anaesthesia in your practice”)

  Association of Veterinary Soft Tissue Surgeons

  British Veterinary Behaviour Association(theme is “Rescue and Rehabilitation - behaviour and the animal’s living environment”)

  British Veterinary Neurology Society

  (Midland Hotel, theme is “Dealing with extremities – how to manage conditions of the distal limb”)

  British Veterinary Orthopaedic Association(Midland Hotel, theme is “Dealing with extremities – how to manage conditions of the distal limb”)

  Veterinary Cardiovascular Society

  Veterinary Nursing Dermatology Group

  September 2022

   Welcome to the September edition of the scientific newsletter. The scientific newsletter is an initiative from the BSAVA to help support an evidence-based approach to veterinary medicine and includes details of recently published research and relevant scientific news, covering a range of subject areas and small animal species. Please note that access to the full articles featured is not provided via this newsletter (unless the article is already open-access).

  To ensure that we cover a diverse range of subject areas, we are working closely with our volunteers and affiliate groups to identify relevant resources of interest to the veterinary community. Thank you to everyone for your help and contributions so far. We really want to make sure that these newsletters and interesting and valuable to you, so if you have any suggestions for content or features, please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]

  Featured article

  "Antimicrobial stewardship in companion animal practice: an implementation trial in 135 general practice veterinary clinics"

  Antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) have been implemented in medical practice over the past decade to reduce selection pressure for the development of pathogens resistant to multiple drugs and improve antimicrobial prescribing. Large-scale implementation and assessment of antimicrobial stewardship programmes (ASPs) have not been reported. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of implementation of a comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship package, compared with a control group (solely education), in 135 general veterinary practice clinics. Effectiveness was measured by comparison of total antimicrobial prescribing and high-importance antimicrobial prescribing pre-trial, during implementation period and post-implementation. A secondary aim of the study was to evaluate strategies to maximize implementation.

  Hardefeldt LY, Hur B, Richards S, Scarborough R, Browning GF, Billman-Jacobe H, Gilkerson JR, Ierardo J, Awad M, Chay R and Bailey KE (2022)  Antimicrobial stewardship in companion animal practice: an implementation trial in 135 general practice veterinary clinics. JAC -Antimicrobial Resistance , 4 (1).

  Please read the full blog post here

  Journal Watch

   1) Diagnosis and management of nasopharyngeal stenosis in four guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)

  Knutson KA, Petritz OA, Sadar MJ, Cohen EB, Schachterle K and Chen S (from Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine)

  Background: Respiratory disease is common in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). As obligate nasal breathers, disease of the upper airway can result in significant dyspnea. Nasopharyngeal stenosis is defined as a luminal narrowing of the nasopharynx, which extends from the choana to the caudal margin of the soft palate. This condition can be acquired or congenital and has been diagnosed in other species. However, nasopharyngeal stenosis has not been previously described in guinea pigs.

  Case descriptions: Four guinea pigs were presented with chronic, recurrent upper respiratory signs including stertor, oculonasal discharge, tachypnea, and dyspnea. All four animals had signs suggestive of upper respiratory tract disease on examination. Nasopharyngeal stenosis was identified at the rostral aspect of the nasopharynx at the level of the choana via computed tomography (CT) in all cases. Otitis media was also present in three of the four cases. Antibiotic therapy was instituted for all animals. Two of the four guinea pigs were treated with prednisolone and two were treated with meloxicam to control associated inflammation. One animal died 2 months after diagnosis due to complications from severe otitis media. One individual was euthanized due to progressive disease after a year and a half of treatment. One guinea pig was lost to follow up after 6 months. The remaining guinea pig was alive at the time this case series was written (11 months after initial diagnosis) but continues to have signs of upper airway disease.

  Conclusions and case relevance: Nasopharyngeal stenosis is an important differential diagnosis for persistent upper respiratory signs in guinea pigs. CT was diagnostic in all cases, identifying nasopharyngeal stenosis at the level of the choana, and allowed identification of comorbidities (otitis media and rhinitis). Medical management resulted in survival times from 2 months to a year and a half following diagnosis. Further investigation into minimally invasive interventions such as balloon dilation and stent placement are warranted for future cases.

  2) Demography, disorders and mortality of pet hamsters under primary veterinary care in the United Kingdom in 2016

  O’Neill DG, Kim K, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, Pegram C and Baldrey V (from Journal of Small Animal Practice)

  Background: Hamsters are popular pets worldwide but there is limited evidence on the overall health issues of pet hamsters. This study aimed to characterise the demography, disorder prevalence and mortality of pet hamsters in the United Kingdom.

  Method: The VetCompass study included anonymised clinical records of 16,605 hamsters.

  Results: The most common hamster species were Syrian (golden) (Mesocricetus auratus) (n=12,197, 73.45%), Djungarian (winter white dwarf) (Phodopus sungorus) (2286, 13.77%) and Roborovski hamsters (Phodopus roborovskii) (1054, 6.35%). The most prevalent precise-level disorders recorded across all hamsters were a presentation categorised as ‘wet tail’ (n=293, 7.33%), disorder undiagnosed (292, 7.30%), bite injuries from other hamsters (235, 5.88%), overgrown nail(s) (165, 4.13%), overgrown incisor(s) (159, 3.98%) and traumatic injury (152, 3.80%). The most prevalent disorders groups across all species of hamster were traumatic injury (n=616, 15.41%), enteropathy (450, 11.26%), ophthalmological disorder (445, 11.13%), skin disorder (362, 9.05%) and mass (361, 9.03%). The median age at death across all hamsters was 1.75years (interquartile range: 0.83 to 2.20, range: 0.01 to 3.65). The most common causes of death at a precise level were wet tail (7.88%, 95% confidence interval: 6.35 to 9.66), abdominal mass (6.40%, 95% confidence interval: 5.01 to 8.03), neoplasia (5.38%, 95% confidence interval: 4.11 to 6.90) and dyspnoea (3.99%, 95% confidence interval: 2.9 to 5.34).

  Conclusion: This study provides veterinary professionals, educators, welfare scientists and owners with an evidence base on pet hamster health. A greater understanding of the common disorders of pet hamsters can support veterinary professionals to communicate more effectively with owners on key issues and outcomes to expect from hamster ownership.

  3) Prazosin administration increases the rate of recurrent urethral obstruction in cats: 388 cases

  Conway DS, Rozanski EA and Wayne AS (from Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association)

  Objective:To determine if prazosin administration decreased the rate of recurrent urethral obstruction (rUO) before hospital discharge and within 14 days.

  Animals:388 cats with urethral obstruction.

  Procedures:Veterinarians who either always or never prescribed prazosin (generally, 0.5 to 1 mg, PO, q 12 h for 14 days) were recruited to complete observational surveys. Patient data and characteristics of relieving the obstruction, including perception of a gritty feel within urethra or difficulty unobstructing the cat, were recorded. The rate of development of rUO before hospital discharge and by day 14 was compared between cats that received or did not receive prazosin with the Fisher exact test. Other variables were similarly compared between cats with and without rUO.

  Results:302 (78%) cats received prazosin, while 86 (22%) did not. There was no association between prazosin administration and risk of rUO prior to discharge, with 34 of 302 (11.3%) cats receiving prazosin and 5 or 86 (5.8%) not receiving prazosin developing rUO. Within 14 days, a significantly higher proportion of prazosin-treated cats (73/302 [24%]) developed an rUO, compared with the proportion of non–prazosin-treated cats (and 11/86 [13%]). The perception of a “gritty feeling urethra” or difficulty of performing the catheterization was associated with increased risk of rUO.

  Clinical relevance:Prazosin administration increased the likelihood of rUO by 14 days; ongoing investigation of other therapies to decrease rUO in cats is warranted. Without specific indications, the use of prazosin for the prevention of rUO should be discouraged.

  4)  2022 ISFM Consensus Guidelines on Management of the Inappetent Hospitalised Cat

  Taylor S, Chan DL, Villaverde C, Ryan L, Peron F, Quimby J, O’Brien C AND Chalhoub S (from Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery)

  Practical relevance:

  Inappetence may have many origins and, as a presenting sign or observation in the hospitalised patient, is common in feline practice. Nutritional assessment of every patient is encouraged, to identify the need for, and appropriate type of, intervention indicated. The impact of malnutrition may be significant on the feline patient, perpetuating illness, delaying recovery, slowing wound healing and negatively impacting gut health and immunity. Delayed intervention may result in the cat’s deterioration; hence prompt control of contributing factors such as the underlying illness, pain, nausea, ileus and stress is vital to optimise voluntary food intake. Management is multimodal, comprising reduction of stress, medications and assisted nutrition in the form of tube feeding or parenteral nutrition. Use of antiemetic, analgesic, prokinetic and appetite stimulant medications may restore appetite, but placement of feeding tubes should not be delayed. Feeding tubes are generally well tolerated and allow provision of food, water and medication with minimal stress, although clinicians must be aware of complications such as stoma site infections and refeeding syndrome.

  Clinical challenges:Cats are vulnerable to malnutrition owing to their unique metabolism and specific nutritional requirements. Moreover, their nature as a species means they are susceptible to stress in the hospital environment, which may result in reduced food intake; previous negative experiences may compound the problem. In particular, an inappropriate clinic environment and/or handling may cause or exacerbate inappetence in hospitalised patients, with negative impacts on recovery. Postponing interventions such as feeding tube placement to await improvement, owing to clinician or caregiver apprehension, may hinder recovery and worsen nutritional deficits.

  Evidence base:The 2022 ISFM Consensus Guidelines on Management of the Inappetent Hospitalised Cat have been created by a panel of experts brought together by the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM). Information is based on the available literature, expert opinion and the panel members’ experience.

  Other news/resources: 

  BSAVA PetSavers to offer increased grant funding

  Next month sees the reopening of the BSAVA PetSavers clinical research project (CRP) grant call - with a difference!

  PetSavers has increased the value of CRP grants, which now provide funding of up to £20,000 to cover a project lasting 1-3 years. These funds can be used to pay for research expenses and consumables, and as part of a new decision by the PetSavers management committee, up to 30% can now be used for research-specific staffing costs.

  As part of the CRP grant portfolio, PetSavers is also delighted to offer a new grant specifically to support research into gall bladder mucoceles in Border terriers. Gall bladder mucoceles are characterised by the deposition of thick, gelatinous bile in the gall bladder lumen. Left undetected they can lead to rupture of the gall bladder, causing biliary peritonitis which can be fatal. This grant, of up to £30,000, is made possible by the very generous donation of £17,000 from Andrew and Wendy Mooney with additional funding from BSAVA PetSavers.

  The grant call for joint-funded research in specialist areas of veterinary science also reopens next month. PetSavers offers grants of up to £10,000 for research in the fields of veterinary cardiovascular health (jointly funded by the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society), feline and/or canine medical conditions (jointly funded with SAMSoc) and pain management in companion animals (jointly funded by The Debs Foundation).

  All of the above grants open on 1st October 2022 and will close on 31st January 2023, with a funding decision made in autumn 2023. Projects must not include work on experimental animals and should be undertaken within the UK.

  For further information and to apply, please visit the PetSavers website

  WSAVA to launch updated global pain guidelines

  An updated version of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s (WSAVA’s) Global Pain Guidelines will be launched at the WSAVA World Congress 2022 (please see below for congress details). The Guidelines for the Recognition, Assessment and Treatment of Pain is undergoing peer-review prior to publication by the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP), the WSAVA’s official scientific journal. Post-congress, the guidelines will be made available for free download from the JSAP website once they have been accepted, as well as from the WSAVA website.

  New RCVS guidance for routine veterinary practice 

  On 1 July 2022 the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) introduced new guidance for routine veterinary practice (RVP). The guidance introduces an obligation, to take effect from 1 September 2022, to obtain ethics review for all studies where one would be expected to obtain permission from the owner/keeper of an animal prior to being enrolled, or when consent is needed for use of previously collected samples or the use of data from an animal.

  Please visit:  the RCVS website.

  For further advice please contact the Standards and Advice team via [email protected] or the Secretary to the RCVS Ethics Review Panel via [email protected].

  The new guidance is highly relevant to applications for BSAVA PetSavers’ grants and has been incorporated in the  Guidance for Grant Applicants of the website

  New RCVS Knowledge Awards: Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) and Canine Cruciate Outcomes

  Both awards are open for applications until the 13 January 2023. Further information can be found here and here.

  RCVS Practice Standards Scheme – new sustainability requirements

  The RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS) has published new environmental sustainability requirements, updates to current standards to incorporate sustainability and a new Environmental Sustainability Award, with the aim of encouraging and supporting the professions to lead the way in addressing the global climate crisis. These changes will be introduced on the following dates to allow time for implementation in veterinary practice:

  • The new Environmental Sustainability Award is available to  apply for now with assessments starting from January 2023.
• 
  
  • The social sustainability changes and other minor clarifications are effective immediately and will be assessed from October 2022
• 
  
  • The new and amended Core Standards and General Practice level environmental sustainability standards will be effective from June 2023

• Questions related to the updates can be sent to the PSS team at [email protected]

  Upcoming Events: 

  International Congress on Peer Review and Scientific Publication

  In September, Nicola Di Girolamo, Editor of the Journal of Small Animal Practice, will be attending the ninth International Congress on Peer Review and Scientific Publication between September 8th – 10th 2022. He will be presenting a research study he has done on honorary authorship. Further information found here.

  WSAVA World Congress 2022

  The WSAVA World Congress 2022 is taking place between 29th and 31st October 2022. Please visit https://wsava2022.com/register/ for further information

  European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic (British and Irish Division) Imaging Autumn Meeting

  The Autumn Meeting of European Association of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging - British and Irish Division (EAVDI-BID) will take place on Saturday 12th November 2022 at the Radcliffe Conference Centre, Warwick University. The programme will feature an interesting mix of lectures, clinical cases and abstracts on a mix of diagnostic imaging topics. Further information found here

  The BSAVA Scientific Newsletter is sent quarterly by email to BSAVA members .

  
  

  June 2022

  Welcome to our latest scientific newsletter. The scientific newsletter is an initiative from the BSAVA to help support an evidence-based approach to veterinary medicine and includes details of recently published research and relevant scientific news, covering a range of subject areas and small animal species. Please note that access to the full articles featured is not provided via this newsletter (unless the article is already open-access).

  To ensure that we cover a diverse range of subject areas, we are working closely with our volunteers and affiliate groups to identify relevant resources of interest to the veterinary community. Thank you to everyone for your help and contributions so far. We really want to make sure that these newsletters and interesting and valuable to you, so if you have any suggestions for content or features, please do not hesitate to get in touch at [email protected]

  Featured article

  "Veterinary communication problems in cases of alleged professional misconduct"

  A recent study by Russell and colleagues set out to understand the role of communication in claims for alleged professional negligence. The study aimed to identify both the frequency and types of communications problems seen in small animal veterinary practice.

  Russell E, Mossop L, Forbes E and Oxtoby C (2022)  Uncovering the ‘messy details’ of veterinary communication: An analysis of communication problems in cases of alleged professional negligence. Veterinary Record, 190 (3), e1068.

  Journal Watch

   1) Temporospatial distribution and country of origin of canine transmissible venereal tumours in the UK

  Gibson DC, Singleton DA, Brant B, Radford AD and Killick DR (from Veterinary Record)

  Background: Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) is a tumour transplanted by physical contact between dogs. Lesions typically affect the genitalia. TVT is not considered enzootic in the United Kingdom (UK), with cases seen in imported dogs. We sought to determine the patient characteristics, temporal and spatial distribution and country of origin of affected dogs in the UK.

  Methods: Electronic pathology records (EPRs) from four UK veterinary diagnostic laboratories collected between 2010 and 2019 were searched for the terms ‘venereal’ or ‘TVT’. Reports were reviewed for statements confirming a TVT and descriptive statistics collated.

  Results: Of 182 EPRs matching the search terms, a diagnosis of TVT was confirmed in 71. Country of origin was noted in 36 cases (50.7%) with Romania being the most common (n = 29). Cases were reported in each UK constituent country, with the majority being in England (64, 90.1%). The incidence of TVT diagnosis increased over the last decade (z = 2.78, p = 0.005).

  Conclusion: The incidence of TVT diagnosed in the UK is increasing. The majority of cases were known to have been imported. Autochthonous transmission cannot be excluded due to study design. Vets are encouraged to carefully examine the genitalia of dogs imported to the UK from countries with enzootic TVT.

  2) Effect of theatre temperature on body temperature during anaesthesia for routine neutering of domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

  Edis A, Pelligrand L, Baldrey V and Hedley J (from Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia)

  Objective: To investigate the effect of theatre temperature on body temperature in rabbits undergoing castration or ovariohysterectomy surgery during general anaesthesia.

  Study design: Prospective, clinical study.

  Animals: A group of 88 rabbits presented for elective neutering.

  Methods: Rabbits were divided into male (31/54) and female (23/54) groups and assigned to one of two theatre temperatures via coin toss. Theatre temperature was 23 °C (±2 °C) for group A (n = 37/54) and 28 °C (±2 °C) for group B (n = 17/54). During anaesthesia and recovery, theatre temperature and rectal temperature were recorded every 5 minutes. Time to resumption of feeding and passing faeces were recorded. Data are presented as median (interquartile range) or mean (± standard deviation). Statistical analyses comprised a mixed-effects model, with Sidak’s multiple comparison test for post-hoc testing and Fisher’s exact test; p < 0.05.

  Results: A total of 54 rabbits completed the study, with median age 6 (4–9) months and median weight 1.53 (1.30–1.79) kg. In rabbits undergoing castration, theatre temperature did not significantly affect body temperature. Mean temperatures immediately after induction were 38.6 °C and 38.7 °C and at the end of the procedure 38.5 °C and 38.5 °C for group A and group B, respectively. In rabbits undergoing ovariohysterectomy, mean temperatures immediately after induction were 38.3 °C and 38.8 °C and at the end of the procedure 38.1 °C and 39.2 °C for group A and group B, respectively. Rabbits undergoing ovariohysterectomy at an ambient temperature of 28 °C had a significantly higher final temperature, mean ± 1.15 °C (95% confidence interval, 0.47–1.83), compared with 23 °C (p = 0.001). Theatre temperature did not affect return to feeding or defaecating.

  Conclusions and Clinical Importance: During anaesthesia an ambient theatre temperature of 28 °C may reduce the risk of hypothermia in rabbits undergoing ovariohysterectomy or similarly invasive surgery.

  3) Ethical Challenges Posed by Advanced Veterinary Care in Companion Animal Veterinary Practice

  Quain A, Ward MP and Mullan S (from Animals)

  Advanced veterinary care (AVC) of companion animals may yield improved clinical outcomes, improved animal welfare, improved satisfaction of veterinary clients, improved satisfaction of veterinary team members, and increased practice profitability. However, it also raises ethical challenges. Yet, what counts as AVC is difficult to pinpoint due to continuing advancements. We discuss some of the challenges in defining advanced veterinary care (AVC), particularly in relation to a standard of care (SOC). We then review key ethical challenges associated with AVC that have been identified in the veterinary ethics literature, including poor quality of life, dysthanasia and caregiver burden, financial cost and accessibility of veterinary care, conflicts of interest, and the absence of ethical review for some patients undergoing AVC. We suggest some strategies to address these concerns, including prospective ethical review utilising ethical frameworks and decision-making tools, the setting of humane end points, the role of regulatory bodies in limiting acceptable procedures, and the normalisation of quality-of-life scoring. We also suggest a role for retrospective ethical review in the form of ethics rounds and clinical auditing. Our discussion reenforces the need for a spectrum of veterinary care for companion animals.

  4)  Distribution of mortality patterns in cats with naturally occurring trauma: A Veterinary Committee on Trauma registry study

  Hickey MC, Gray R, van Galen G and Ward MP (from The Veterinary Journal)

  A greater understanding of the prognostic variables that affect the timing of death for cats with trauma may help clinicians select treatments and monitoring plans. This study investigated the mortality rate and its distribution pattern in a large population of cats to identify variables associated with the timing of trauma-related deaths. Clinical data was retrieved from the Veterinary Committee on Trauma database to determine mortality rates and timing of deaths, defined as early death (ED; <1 day post-presentation) or delayed death (DD; ≥1 day post-presentation). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify characteristics and interventions that best predicted timing of death.

  Overall mortality rate for 6703 feline trauma patients with complete records was 17.2%, with 7.6% due to natural death and 92.3% due to euthanasia. Among the subset of 543 cats with trauma that died after presentation or required euthanasia due to a grave prognosis (representing an 8.1% mortality rate), EDs were more common (71.7%) than DD and the cause of death was not significantly associated with the timing of death. Clinical pathology parameters were unable to identify animals more likely to die or to require euthanasia due to a poor prognosis during hospitalisation. Factors that were significantly different for cats with ED vs. DD included the median cumulative results for the Modified Glasgow Coma Scale (MGCS) score and the Animal Trauma Triage (ATT) score, the presence of spinal trauma, administration of blood products and undertaking surgical procedures. An increased likelihood of DD rather than ED was associated with the administration of blood products (odds ratio [OR], 3.959; P = 0.019) vs. not, performing a surgical procedure (OR, 6.055; P < 0.001) vs. not, and a cumulative MGCS of 15−17 or 18 (OR, 1.947 and 3.115; P = 0.031 and P = 0.01, respectively) vs. a cumulative MGCS ≤ 11.

  Other news/resources: 

  ENOVAT Antimicrobial Use Guidelines Survey

  ENOVAT are seeking help in completing (and disseminating) the following survey amongst vets working with companion animals across Europe. The survey should take no more than 5-8 minutes to complete.

  ENOVAT is a European organisation looking to improve antibiotic stewardship. This survey is seeking feedback from target users of antibiotic guidelines such that future iterations of antibiotic guidance (things like PROTECT ME) can be improved and optimised.

  Any and all help is greatly appreciated. On the website you will find a league table of countries based on number of responses. Please help make sure that the UK is well-represented in this initiative!

  BSAVA PetSavers funding of Master’s Degrees by Research

  The grant call has just opened for Master’s Degrees by Research, which support postgraduate students to carry out a specific 1-year research masters project, with or without attendance at some short courses. The following costs up to a maximum in aggregate of £40,000 will be funded:

  • Postgraduate student stipend at BBSRC standard rates (veterinary stipend can be requested)
  • Payment of university fees
  • Equipment and consumables (up to £10,000 including VAT) depending on the nature of the project

• The study should be carried out within the UK and applicants are expected to have a level of veterinary experience appropriate for the project. Applications will close on 31st August 2022. For further details and to make an application, please visit the  PetSavers website.

  BSAVA Research Notice Board 

  The BSAVA research notice board is an area of the website which lists ongoing clinical research projects from BSAVA members. Projects are in-line with BSAVA values and mission to promote excellence in small animal practice through science. You can find details of current projects and how to get involved here.

  The BSAVA Scientific Newsletter is sent quarterly by email to BSAVA members .