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New heart scheme trialled for Cavaliers
The KC/VCS scheme will provide a ‘traffic light’ system to inform owners about the level of MVD in their dog.
Testing scheme hopes to reduce prevalence of MVD 

A new scheme has been developed to reduce mitral valve disease (MVD) in Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

Created by the Kennel Club and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VCS), the scheme is set to be trialled on 100 dogs over the coming months, before being rolled out to all owners and breeders later on in the year.

MVD is a serious, progressive heart disorder that affects more than 40 per cent of Cavaliers in the UK alone.

The scheme was adapted from a Danish method of testing for early MVD in the breed, which resulted in a 73 per cent reduction in the risk of mitral valve murmurs in dogs whose parents were tested. It is the only Cavalier heart scheme to be validated by scientific evidence in a 10-year period.

Professor Lisbeth Hoier Olsen from the University of Copenhagen recently provided training for 18 members of the VCS, using the Danish method.

The KC/VCS scheme will provide a ‘traffic light’ system to inform owners about the level of MVD in their dog, so they can make informed decisions about breeding.

Working alongside the VCS, the Kennel Club is organising trial sessions with representatives of the Cavalier King Charles spaniel community. It is the first official collaboration between all parties involved in the working group for Cavalier heart problems.

VCS cardiologist Hannah Stephenson said: “The cardiologists involved with the new scheme, and the VCS as a whole, are delighted that further progress is being made with heart testing of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in the UK.

“As a society we are keen to reduce the incidence of Mitral Valve Disease in the breed, a condition that we all see on a daily basis. We look forward to working with the Kennel Club and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners and breeders through the trial and beyond.”

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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
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.