Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

New testing scheme for ‘shaking puppy syndrome’
Affected dogs show severe terrors, mostly in the hind limbs.
Scientists identify mutation responsible for the disease 

Border terrier breeders are being encouraged to make use of a new test for ‘shaking puppy syndrome’.

Spongiform LeucoEncephaloMyelopathy (SLEM) is a hereditary disease that can affect puppies from the time they begin attempting to walk. Affected dogs show severe terrors, mostly in the hind limbs.

Scientists at the University of Missouri, the Animal Health Trust (AHT) and Wisdom Health, were able to identify the mutation responsible.

The Kennel Club has approved the official new testing scheme after consultation with the breed health co-ordinator. Secretary Caroline Kisko said the test will help breeders to eradicate the disease, also known as ‘shaking puppy syndrome’ in the breed.

“We would encourage all breeders of border terriers to make use of this new test,” she added.

Dr Cathryn Mellersh, head of canine genetics at the AHT, said: “My team were able to supply a number of DNA samples from affected cases in the UK, which helped to confirm that the mutation discovered in the US is the same mutation segregating in affected border terriers in the UK.

“It can be very difficult to identify the gene linked to an emerging neurological disease such as this, but the result is fantastic and we are very pleased to be able to quickly offer the DNA test at the AHT for the UK and European market.”

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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. 

Click here for more...
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.