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Study highlights risks of early hydrotherapy following spinal surgery
The study recorded major complications in 26 dogs that had commenced hydrotherapy within five days of IVDE surgery.
Major complications include euthanasia, acute dermatitis and spinal abscess.

Early hydrotherapy may be linked to an increased risk of postoperative complications following intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) surgery, according to new research.
 
In the study, published in the Journal of Small Animal Practice (JSAP), scientists reviewed the medical records of 83 dogs that had been treated with hemilaminectomy for acute or chronic thoracolumbar IVDE and had commenced hydrotherapy within five days of surgery. 

Postoperative complications were considered major if there was a need for hospitalisation, surgery or if the dog died or was euthanised as a direct consequence of the complication. A complication was deemed minor if outpatient medical treatment was sufficient to rectify it. 

Study co-author Dr Abtin Morjarradi said: “A total of 10 minor complications were recorded during the study period, including surgical site infection, diarrhoea and urinary tract infection. Major complications were recorded in 26 dogs during the study period and included euthanasia, acute dermatitis, spinal abscess and disc extrusion. 

“Reasons for euthanasia were urinary incontinence, lack of neurological improvement, clinical suspicion of progressive myelomalacia, persistent pain, aggression and widespread cellulitis with an abscess caudal to the right stifle without known cause.”

JSAP editor Nicola Di Girolamo said: “Whilst previous studies indicate that early rehabilitation may be beneficial after acute spinal cord injury, the optimal timing to start hydrotherapy is unclear. 

“Despite a high number of complications being recorded in the present study, it is not clear how many of these complications were directly related to the initiation time of hydrotherapy and therefore further research is required.”

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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.