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New study classifies congenital birth defects in various dog breeds
"We expect the results of this study to change the way radiologists report these birth defects" - RVC

Research marks an important step in the diagnosis and treatment of portosystemic shunts.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has published a new study into the classification of congenital birth defects that occur in various dog breeds.

Writing in the journal Veterinary Radiology and Ultrasound, researchers provide the exact characterisation of congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (IHPSS) in dogs, which has historically lacked a complete anatomical overview.
  Researchers hoped that the findings will aid in the diagnosis of IHPSS and lead to the development of new treatments.

Dr Randi Drees, associate professor in veterinary diagnostic Imaging at the RVC, said: “The newly introduced classification of the IHPSS based on the individual hepatic venous structure that it inserts through will likely be more reliable than the historical global classification system, as it relies on given anatomical structures that can be investigated with advanced imaging modalities such as angiographic computed tomography, illustrating the deficiencies of the traditional approach.
"

She added: "We expect the results of this study to change the way radiologists report these birth defects, and therefore optimise communication with the surgeons, improving overall patient care."

The research was conducted at the Royal Veterinary College’s (RVC) Queen Mother Hospital for Animals in collaboration with the School of Veterinary Medicine in Davis; the University of Tennessee Small Animal Hospital; and the College of Veterinary Medicine in Georgia.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.