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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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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."