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PhD project to develop skull classification system
Claire hopes her research will also help in the creation of new dental products for dogs.
Project to assess relationship between skull shape and dental health

A pioneering project to develop the world’s first dog skull classification system may assist vets in the identification of dogs that are more likely to develop dental health problems.

Animal welfare and management lecturer Claire Mitchell is undertaking the research as part of her PhD project at the University of Northampton.

Claire is currently collecting photographs of hundreds of dogs so that she can measure their heads. The measurements will then be used to establish groups of head shape that are more appropriate for the canine population.

Claire predicts the system will comprise of around five categories, including dolichocephalic and brachycephalic breeds. In addition to developing a set of skull shape categories, she also hopes her research will help in the creation of new dental products.

Commenting, Claire Mitchell said: “I am almost at my target for public images of their dog’s heads but I’m still seeking more of the flatter faced dogs like pugs and bulldogs. Following on from the measuring phase, I am looking to collect retrospective dental health data on the UK dog population to see whether there are any categories that are more likely to suffer from dental health problems.”

Dogs of all shapes and sizes are invited to take part in the project, instructions can be found at http://www.moulton.ac.uk/Moulton/media/GeneralMedia/Animal/M11514-Dog-Skull-Measuring-ELECTRONIC-FORM_1.pdf

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.