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

AHT releases initial findings from cushing's disease study
labrador
AHT needs more responses from vets to come to any firm conclusions.
Clinical signs in dogs vary according to breed, study shows

Preliminary findings from a study into cushing's disease show that some dog breeds tend to present fewer clinical signs than others.

Since launching the study in January this year, the Animal Health Trust (AHT) has been conducting a survey study of breed differences in the clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism.

Researchers collected more than 40 responses submitted from veterinary surgeons across the UK, in order to analyse trends.

Findings also showed that the frequency of most clinical signs seen in dogs affected by cushing's disease appear to be lower than previously reported in studies published decades ago. These signs include polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, abdominal distension, alopecia, panting, comedones and muscle weakness.

It is hoped findings from the study will help veterinary surgeons to diagnose canine hyperadrenocorticism. However, AHT needs further responses from vets to draw any firm conclusions.

The trust is asking vets to complete a 10-minute online questionnaire for each case diagnosed with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism.

AHT vet Michael Bennaim said: "We need members of the veterinary profession to help us increase knowledge of this disease and to promote this study to their colleagues."

All information supplied will be processed anonymously. Participants have a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher.

For further information about the study email michael.bennaim@aht.org.uk

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

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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.