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Scientists explore genetic predisposition to obesity
Dr Raffan hopes that future research will improve the satiety of diets, allowing dogs to feel ‘full’ without the potential for excessive weight gain.
Genetic mutation in Labradors increases appetite

Scientists are exploring a gene mutation found in Labradors that is responsible for increasing their appetites. It is hoped further research will help to improve the satiety of their diets.

Ongoing work in this area was discussed at the British Science Association Festival in Brighton, BBC News reports.

Researchers from the University of Cambridge analysed DNA from the saliva of Labradors across the UK and found that particularly ‘greedy’ animals had a gene mutation that increases appetite. A quarter of pet Labradors were found to have at least one copy of this mutation in the gene.

Dr Eleanor Raffan, who led the research team, cautioned against attempts to ‘breed out’ this mutation. Speaking to BBC News, she warns that although the mutation may predispose dogs to obesity, it could also explain why they are so easy to train.

“If we try to get rid of the mutation, we might find we change the personality of the breed, and that would be a real shame,” she said.

Dr Raffan hopes that future research will improve the satiety of diets, allowing dogs to feel ‘full’ without the potential for excessive weight gain.

Elsewhere, scientists at the University of Liverpool are using state-of-the-art imaging technology to study diseases that affect the knee joints in Labradors.

Canine cruciate ligament damage is the most common orthopaedic problem seen in veterinary practices and such injuries are more common in overweight dogs.

Researchers are using high speed x-ray cameras to film Labrador patients walking in the laboratory, watching their knee bone movements in real-time. They are aiming to improve understanding of how walking contributes to the breed’s risk of ligament injury and rupture.

“This data will help veterinary surgeons and engineers design better treatments for ligament damage in Labradors, like customised knee implants,” Dr Karl Bates from the University of Liverpool is quoted by the BBC as saying.

Scientists also hope to challenge public perceptions of ‘desirable’ traits in dogs.

Dr Raffan adds: “There is a real risk when we breed dogs to be cuddlier and cuter. I think people have seen so many overweight Labradors, they start to assume it’s normal.”

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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.