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: 13th October 2022
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

App helps pet owners identify cognitive issues
App encourages pet owners to approach their vet if any signs of cognitive dysfunction are detected.
VetPlus creates app for cognitive dysfunction syndrome.

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.

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

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.