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Nottingham extends Itchy Dog Project
Dogs that scratched less severely tended to have their conditions managed without the use of medications.
Owners of all breeds now invited to take part

An online study that aims to help researchers further understand the causes of canine atopic dermatitis is being extended to all breeds of dogs.

The University of Nottingham’s Itchy Dog Project was initially aimed at people who own Labradors and Golden retrievers. But after receiving more than 4,000 responses, the survey is now being widened to include all dogs in the hope it will help researchers develop new ways to manage the condition.

“We’ve had a fantastic response from golden retriever and Labrador owners to our Itchy Dog project website but we’d now like to identify any similarities or differences in the signs of atopic dermatitis between different breeds,” explained Dr Naomi Harvey from the University’s school of veterinary medicine and science.

“The survey results so far tell us that the most common behavioural signs of the problem are scratching, paw licking or chewing, chewing other areas of their body and rubbing their face and muzzle. These signs were reported in dogs who had been diagnosed with skin allergies and skin infections but did not occur in dogs with no skin problems.

“This suggests that if your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, they are likely to have some form of skin problem and should be seen by a vet.”

Early results from the study show that dogs that scratched less severely tended to have their conditions managed without the use of medications. Instead, they were treated through a combination of topical treatments, fatty acid supplements and bathing or wiping down after walks.

Some of the dog owners who took part were also asked to supply a DNA saliva sample. From the samples, researchers were able to confirm that Labradors and golden retrievers have a genetic susceptibility to atopic dermatitis, with 25-44 per cent being due to genetics and 56-75 per cent being influenced by a dog’s environment.

Owners of any breed, whether they are itchy or not, are now invited to take part in the study. For more information about taking part, visit the Itchy Dog Project website. 

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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.