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Border terrier research receives funding boost
Border terriers are predisposed to gall bladder mucoceles.
A grant of up to £30,000 has been made available to study gall bladder mucoceles.

Researchers are being invited to apply for a grant of up to £30,000 to support the study of gall bladder mucoceles (GBM) in Border terriers.

Practitioners, academics, and joint applications between practice and academia are welcome to apply for the funding, made possible thanks to a generous £17,000 donation from Border Terrier LifeLine founders Andrew and Wendy Mooney, with additional funding from BSAVA PetSavers.

GMB is caused by the thick deposition of gelatinous bile in the gall bladder lumen. The condition causes the gall bladder to fill with a thick mucus, which may also block the bile duct. Without being spotted, it can lead to gall bladder rupture and cause biliary peritonitis, which can be deadly. 

While the root cause of GBM in dogs is unknown, some breeds appear more genetically predisposed to the condition, including Border terriers, cocker spaniels, Shetland sheepdogs and miniature schnauzers. 

Andrew and Wendy Mooney said: “We knew through social media, friends and contacts that many Border terriers have suffered from, and many have lost their life to GBM, and that is what makes this so relevant.

“Such a large percentage of dogs presenting this condition at veterinary surgeries are Border terriers, and what has really motivated us to donate this sum is why should it affect a disproportionate number of Border terriers, and is there some way of reducing the number of Borders succumbing to GBM and when they do, can we improve their chances of survival and living a good quality of life after?”

They added: “We hope that by donating this sum of money, that the research on this can be taken forward, either by a different route or expanded on findings already produced.”

Sarah Williams, BSAVA PetSavers fundraising and grant awards manager, said: “To be able to offer a new grant is fantastic news for BSAVA PetSavers. We are grateful to Andrew and Wendy for their incredible donation and hope that the outcome of this research can help future cases of GBM in Border terriers”.

Grant applications will remain open until 31 January 2023, with a funding decision to be reached in October of the same year. The project must take place within the UK and must not involve the use of experimental animals.

For more information and an application form, visit the BSAVA PetSavers website.

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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.