App helps pet owners identify cognitive issues
App encourages pet owners to approach their vet if any signs of cognitive dysfunction are detected.
A new app has been launched to help pet owners spot behavioural changes in their cat or dog that may assist vets in diagnosing cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).
PLASID® - created by the VetPlus research team, is free to download, and once pet owners have signed up, they are asked to fill out a diagnostic screening assessment questionnaire on their pet's behaviour.
This in-built screening assessment then alerts owners to any potential behavioural or cognitive issues – if these are identified, the app encourages pet owners to visit their veterinary practice and discuss with their veterinary surgeon, who can use the collected data to help assess the issue.
Pets' behaviour over time can be tracked by the app, so progress can be monitored and recorded to enable easy and accurate information to be passed onto veterinary surgeons.
The team at VetPlus is calling on veterinary professionals to educate clients on the existence of the app and display relevant materials in the waiting room, to minimise waiting times and streamline the process for pets with potential CDS.
Rachel Eaton, research and development team leader at VetPlus, discussed the intentions behind the creation of the app: “The goal behind PLASID®, is to support diagnosis by prompting pet owners to think about their pet’s behaviours when filling out the diagnostic assessment and encourage them to seek further advice.
“From speaking with vets during the development process, we know that it can often be difficult for owners to recall subtle behaviour changes on the spot, so this app can really help vets during their consultations.
“We also recognised that the internet is the first port of call for most of us looking for any advice, often from our smart phones. But there is a lot of misinformation and conflicting views online about these conditions and how to best manage them.
“We’re very excited to be able to offer this app and are working with our network of vet partners to increase awareness so that more people are able unlock the benefits for their pets.”
PLASID® can be downloaded on the App Store or Google Play Store.
RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.
