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Ageing Canine Toolkit launched
The toolkit includes a checklist for pet owners to work through as part of a home triage.

BSAVA PetSavers toolkit aims to help vets and pet owners care for senior dogs. 

Following research undertaken by the University of Liverpool, BSAVA PetSavers has launched the Ageing Canine Toolkit (ACT). The toolkit is designed to assist veterinary surgeons and pet owners provide the best care for senior and geriatric dogs.

The BSAVA PetSavers-funded study, ‘Old Age Pets (OAP) research project’ revealed that many pet owners find it difficult to identify between ‘normal’ age-related changes, and signs that could indicate possible diseases. The ACT aims to assist pet owners identify changes that would benefit from veterinary advice and treatment.

The ACT 40 page leaflet includes information about more common health problems affecting older dogs, as well as a checklist for pet owners to work through as part of a home triage. Answers of ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ are coded using a traffic light system: green, amber and red. For answers coded amber or red, pet owners are encouraged to seek guidance from their veterinary practice.

Questions on the checklist cover some of the main reasons why senior dogs attend veterinary appointments, and are grouped into topics including ‘dental', ‘mobility', ‘weight changes’, ‘behaviour’, and ‘quality of life’. Concerns regarding ‘end of life’ are covered in a separate section.

To monitor their dog’s health, pet owners are encouraged to go through the checklist at least every six months, keeping a note of the answers for future comparison.

Professor Carri Westgarth from the University of Liverpool said: “We conducted this research project kindly funded by BSAVA PetSavers in order to help owners and veterinary professionals provide great care for our loved pets as they age.

“Our investigations uncovered common physical and behavioural signs in dogs that owners observe and for which support from the veterinary practice would be beneficial. Our simple evidence-based checklist is designed to engage owners and importantly stimulate efficient discussion with their veterinary team.”

UK veterinary practices are able to download digital copies of the ACT leaflet, as well as an accompanying poster to display in waiting rooms. Printed copies are also available to order.

A number of articles aimed to support veterinary professionals care for senior dogs can be viewed on the BSAVA website.

Image (C) BSAVA PetSavers

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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.