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Promising early results for dog ageing study
German shepherd
Researchers say the initial findings are 'highly encouraging'.
'Significant improvements' in the heart function of dogs given rapamycin
 
US scientists say they have seen 'significant improvements' in the heart function of a small number of dogs treated with rapamycin, compared to those that received a placebo.

The results are from phase one of the University of Washington's Dog Ageing Project, which aims to extend the healthy lifespan of pet dogs by targeting the ageing process.

Low doses of rapamycin have previously been shown to slow ageing and extend lifespan in mice. In humans, the drug is used in high doses to fight cancer and prevent organ transplant rejection.

Researchers studied a cohort of 24 middle aged dogs. Summarising the results, they said: 'The key findings are that there were no significant side effects associated with the rapamycin treatment, and there were statistically significant improvements in heart function in the dogs that received rapamycin relative to those that received the placebo, similar to what has been observed in older laboratory mice.'

However, they stressed that this is a small study and the findings must be replicated before conclusions can be drawn with confidence. In addition, there is as yet no evidence that the improvements in heart function indicate an overall improvement in health or slower ageing. And the long-term effects of rapamycin remain to be seen.

Nonetheless, the team say these initial findings are 'highly encouraging' and provide 'strong justification' for the next phase of the trial, which will follow dogs over a period of three to five years.

Once the data analysis is complete, researchers hope to submit a paper for publication in the next few months.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.