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.
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

Vets sought for canine UTI treatment study
"We need as many vets as possible to share their data and contribute to this vital research" - Fergus Allerton.
Study aims to tackle the threat of antimicrobial resistance.

UK veterinary surgeons are encouraged to take part in a study on antibiotic use in canine urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Led by Fergus Allerton, European Veterinary Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine, the study aims to find the optimum length of antibiotic treatment of UTIs in order to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), by reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics.

The team requires more than 900 cases from primary care veterinary surgeons across the UK, Fergus Allerton explained:
Treatment recommendations should be based on concrete evidence that improves the care we provide and reduces the risk of unnecessary antibiotic use. 

“Evidence around antibiotic course duration is sorely lacking, but is essential for us address the threat of AMR.

“We are aiming to gather more than 900 cases to provide robust evidence for the study, so we need as many vets as possible to share their data and contribute to this vital research. If you see these cases and would like to help in the fight against AMR please get in touch.”

Titled 'Stop on Sunday' (SOS), the project focuses on treating female dogs with a presumptive diagnosis of UTI, aged between six months and 10 years.

The trial will compare various treatment durations of three, four, five, six and seven-day courses of amoxicillin-clavulanate. The duration assigned with depend on when each dog is presented, those presenting on Monday will receive the full seven-day course, while those presenting on Friday will receive a three-day course. 

On the Monday, the owner of the pet can update the participating veterinary surgeon, who can then reassess the case to ensure that the dog receives the correct level of treatment and support.

A data capture system is used to collected the clinical information, which will email the owners to collect follow-up data in the event of recurrences.

“Input to the study counts towards annual CPD requirements and there will be further opportunities to contribute, such as data analysis and manuscript preparation,” added Mr Allerton. 

The study has ethical approval and an animal test certificate, and is supported by the Small Animal Medicine Society (SAMSoc). 

Full protocol of the study has been published in BMC Veterinary Research, and any veterinary surgeons able to take part can contact fergus.allerton@willows.uk.net for more details.

 

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.