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Research aims to help detect suffering in cats
Facial expressions analysed before and after treatment

Scientists at the University of Lincoln are hoping to make a major breakthrough in the early detection of suffering in cats, by using computer-based technology to analyse their facial expressions before and after treatment.

Professor Daniel Mills, a leading veterinary behaviourist at the university, has been developing a clinical technique to help identify the emotions of companion animals.

Meanwhile, his colleague, computer vision expert Dr Georgios Tzimiropoulos, has been working on a method which automatically detects human emotions.

The new project, which has received a £400,000 grant from Derbyshire-based charity Feline Friends, will combine the skills of Prof Mills and Dr Tzimiropoulos to specifically assess feline expressions.

Prof Mills said: "This is a rare opportunity to systematically explore the emotional aspects of suffering in animals in new ways, with a view to developing more efficient early detection mechanisms.

"The multidisciplinary approach we will be using is ambitious, but has the potential to produce enormous rewards not just for those interested in feline welfare, but also animal welfare more broadly, as the methods we will be developing could be applied to any species."

Dr Tzimiropoulas is a pioneer of self-learning computer systems which aid the detection of facial expressions. According to the university, this will involve feeding the computer images of cats before and after treatment, so that it will eventually start to pick out key differences between the two.

It is hoped that the collaborative study could allow researchers to define different types of suffering, and help owners to detect problems and seek veterinary advice at an earlier stage.

Prof Mills explained: "The translation of our findings into a usable resource is a major part of the project, so we can maximise the impact of our research…

"We anticipate the project will take nearly five years to complete, but hope to be making useful contributions from an early stage within the research."

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Free bloat webinar planned for dog owners

News Story 1
 The Kennel Club is inviting dog owners to attend a free webinar on gastric dilation-volvulus syndrome, also known as bloat.

Part of its health webinar series, the session will take place from 7pm to 8pm on 12 November. It will explore what scientific research has revealed about causes, symptoms, breed susceptibilities, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options, as well as looking at what future research could uncover.

The talk will be hosted by Mark Dunning, professor of small animal internal medicine at the University of Nottingham, and will include a 30-minute Q&A session.

Places can be booked here

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News Shorts
FIVP to represent independent practices at London Vet Show

The Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices (FIVP) will be at stand (S05) at this year's London Vet Show.

The not-for-profit organisation will be explaining how its expertise and resources can help independent practices to thrive in a competitive industry. It will also share how it has been representing independent practices in the ongoing CMA investigation.

On Thursday, FIVP member Steve Carter will be available to discuss how veterinary surgeons and nurses can pursue practice ownership.

FIVP will also be offering independent practices three months of free membership if they sign up at the stand.

Rita Dingwall, FIVP business development manager, said: "It's a wonderful opportunity to discuss our representation in the CMA enquiry and connect with like-minded individuals who share our passion for independent practice."