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: 10th May 2021
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

Owners of dogs with joint stiffness sought for new study
Zoe and her dog Millie.

Project to see if therapeutic exercise can manage pain more effectively than walking.

A veterinary nursing student at Harper Adams University is seeking pet owners whose dogs suffer from joint stiffness to take part in a new study. 

Zoe Bramham, whose own dog Millie has canine osteoarthritis, will lead the project - which aims to see if controlled and therapeutic exercise routines can help manage pain more effectively. Specifically, Zoe aims to see whether a therapeutic exercise routine for dogs instead of a walk can have a beneficial effect.

Zoe explained: “I have chosen this topic as it's personal for me, due to my own dog having osteoarthritis. I wanted to explore how one of the most common pieces of advice given by vets to owners of arthritic dogs - to reduce or alter exercise - can impact both dog and owner and whether the option of therapeutic exercise could potentially improve symptoms of pain.

“It is a topic that is being investigated more in human medicine and has shown promise for reducing pain in arthritic humans, but is not a widely recommended management technique in veterinary medicine due to limited research.”

The study takes place over three weeks, and those wishing to take part must first complete a Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) questionnaire and gain veterinary consent. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, in which they will adjust their dog's exercise routine to two or three 20 minute walks a day. 

Zoe will then ask the other group to complete a short therapeutic exercise routine two times a week instead of walking. At the end of each week, she will ask each group to fill in a pain score and exercise questionnaire. 

Owners can take part in the study from home, and they will not be required to make any changes to their pet’s current medications or therapies. For more information email Zoe at 16249500@live.harper.ac.uk 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.