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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 28th November 2019
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

PetSavers funds new well-being project aimed at senior dogs
Interviews and surveys will be carried out with pet owners and veterinary surgeons

New tool will enable early detection of age-related health problems

PetSavers has provided a Citizen Science research grant to fund a new project which aims to improve communication between veterinary professionals and dog owners, and guide on best practice discussions in consultations with senior dogs.

The project- entitled ‘Using citizen science to develop a canine ageing and wellbeing tool for use in veterinary practice’- has been developed by Dr Carri Westgarth, a lecturer in human-animal interaction at the University of Liverpool.

Commenting on her receipt of the grant, Dr Westgarth says: “We are extremely grateful to PetSavers for making this project a reality…We hope that the toolkit will improve discussions between owners and veterinary professionals about senior dog care. Increasing owner understanding and involvement will enable the early detection of health problems, resulting in significant improvements in the quality of life of senior pets and the dog-owner relationship.”

“Dogs are living up to twice as long as they did 40 years ago and there are implications for senior dogs’ healthcare and well-being…Many dog owners may not be aware of the signs of serious age-related diseases as they attribute them to normal age-related changes.”

A range of interviews and surveys will be carried out with veterinary professionals and dog owners as a part of the Citizen Science project. Pet owners will be invited to share their experiences, opinions and understanding of ageing in dogs, through submitting diaries, photos or videos of their life with an older dog. The study will also examine health records of senior dogs reported in the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET).

The findings will help to determine what preventative healthcare and treatment advice is currently offered for senior dogs in UK veterinary practices, and will also aid in the development of the PetSavers canine ageing and wellbeing tool, which will improve knowledge-sharing between veterinary professionals and pet owners, strengthening collaboration between the two in providing the best care to older dogs.

Image (c) Dr Carri Westgarth

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.