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YouTube videos offer insight into dog bites
Common dog breeds in the videos were Chihuahuas, German shepherds, pit bulls and Labrador retrievers (stock photo).
Seven in 10 victims were men, study found 

For the first time, scientists have used YouTube videos to learn more about the risk factors that lead to dog bites.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool used search terms such as ‘dog bite’ and ‘dog attack’ to find 143 videos, of which 56 showed details of the human and dog behaviour that led up to the bite.

Findings published in the journal Scientific Reports suggest that around seven in 10 of the bite victims in the videos were male, while over half were children or infants. Common dog breeds observed were Chihuahuas, German shepherds, pit bulls and Labrador retrievers.

Whilst the study did not explore the causal relationship between human behaviour and dog bites, tactile contact with a dog increased around 20 seconds before a bite, as did standing or leaning over a dog.

Researchers acknowledged that YouTube videos of dog bites are likely to be subject to some bias. For example, bites by small dogs may be perceived as ‘comical’ and therefore be uploaded online more frequently.

Despite this, researchers said their findings are consistent with previous studies, in terms of breed type and the gender and age of victims.

Lead author Sara Owczarczak-Garstecka said: “Online videos present us with an unexplored opportunity to observe dog bites first-hand, something which is just not possible using other methods.

“Making more use of this type of shared content for research could help us better understand how and why bites occur and contribute to the development of bite prevention strategies.”

The findings could also offer valuable insights for bite prevention strategies, by emphasising the risk of leaning over dogs.

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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.