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RVC reveals new insights on hamsters
"This research will ensure vets are as well-equipped as possible to deal with these charismatic and much-loved pets" - Dr Vicki Baldrey, co-author and RVC lecturer.

Study finds most common disorders and average lifespan. 

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed the most common disorders and average lifespan of hamsters in the UK.

Revealing the 20 most common disorders in pet hamsters, the researchers found that the most common of these was 'wet tail', bite injuries from other hamsters, overgrown nails and/or incisors and traumatic injury.

Despite the popularity of pet hamsters, little research has been published on their health issues. It has been difficult to get reliable data on the overall health of UK hamsters, as they are brought to veterinary practices far more infrequently than other companion animals.

Led by the RVC's VetCompass programme, the study investigated the anonymised veterinary clinical records of almost 4,000 hamsters – the largest study of its kind worldwide, in order to help veterinary surgeons and owners better understand future treatment of hamsters and help to set expectations regarding life expectations.

Co-author of the paper, veterinary surgeon Kate Kim commented: “Due to the limited information on companion hamster health, very little is taught on their care in vet school.

“This research will help vet students, veterinary team members, and owners to work together to ensure better care and hopefully improve the welfare of many future generations of these precious pets.”

Of the 20 most common disorders found in pet hamsters, wet tail (7.33 per cent), disorder not diagnosed (7.30 per cent), bite injuries from other hamsters (5.88 per cent), overgrown nails (4.13 per cent), overgrown incisors (3.98 per cent), traumatic injury (3.80 per cent) and abdominal mass (3.08 per cent) were the most prevalent overall.

The researchers also studied life expectancy and mortality in UK hamsters using the data, and found that the most common causes of death were wet tail, abdominal mass, cancer and difficulty breathing.

Average life expectancy for hamsters in the study was 21 months (1.75 years), and the ages at death for all hamster species studied did not differ between species.

Lead author of the study and associate professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC, Dr Dan O'Neill, explained the importance of the research in setting realistic expectations on life expectancy and health.

He said: “Hamsters can make good pets for both adults and children but until now, very little was published about their health.

“Parents can now help their children with realistic expectations of how long their hamster may live and what are the most common conditions to look out for to protect the health of these delightful little creatures.”

Current BVA president, Dr Justine Shotton reiterated this sentiment: “Hamsters can make good pets but it’s important for their specific welfare needs, such as being nocturnal, to be understood and met and that both owners and vets are aware of the common signs of ill health, so they know when medical intervention is needed.

“For owners, having realistic expectations of life expectancy is also helpful, particularly if a child is to be involved in the hamster’s care.

“It is advisable to speak to a vet before getting any pet, to make sure it is the right animal for all who will be responsible for it and to consider other species which may be a better fit for the owner or family.”

The study, 'Demography, disorders and mortality of pet hamsters under primary veterinary care in the United Kingdom in 2016' is published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP), and is available to read via this link.

 

Image (C) The Royal Veterinary College

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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. 

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.