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Canine study offers insights into treatment of human OCD
Doberman
CCD compulsions may include repetitive tail chasing, excessively grooming, and flank and blanket sucking.

Scientists identify genetic pathways that exacerbate the condition

Researchers have uncovered genetic pathways in Doberman pinschers that increase the severity of canine compulsive disorder.

Published in the International Journal of Applied Research, scientists hope the discovery will lead to better therapies for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder in humans.

Lead author Nicholas Dodman from Tufts University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, said: “Dogs naturally suffer complex diseases, including mental disorders that are similar to those in humans. Among those is canine compulsive disorder (CCD), the counterpart to human obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).”

OCD is listed by the World Health Organisation as among the 20 most disabling diseases. Estimated to affect around one to three per cent of people, the condition is often characterised by time-consuming repetitive behaviours and distressing thoughts.

CCD compulsions may include repetitive tail chasing, excessively grooming, and flank and blanket sucking. However, therapies for compulsion disorder in dogs are not as effective as they could be.

To read more about the study visit vetcommunity.com (VC login required).


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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.