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New Insights for Mixed Breed Dog Population?
DIY DNA kits may offer insights for mixed breed owners.
A newly launched cheek swab DNA test may help owners better understand and care for their loveable mutts.

Where does Max get his curly tail from? Why does he love digging holes in the garden? A dog’s DNA holds many answers. The new do-it-yourself doggy DNA test kit from Mars Veterinary, namely Wisdom Panel Insights, made its debut today at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Congress.
 
Roughly one million dogs in the UK are mixed breed and it’s likely that many owners are unsure of their pet’s breed composition. With the simple swipe of a cheek swab, Wisdom Panel Insights can determine the ancestry of a mixed-breed dog by testing for more than 170 breeds, the largest database of any canine DNA test on the market. Within three weeks, dog owners will be e-mailed an official Ancestry Report that reveals the dog’s genetic background.
 
A dog’s ancestry can influence him in surprising ways. Obvious and not-so-obvious physical traits plus behaviours like digging, herding and barking all come from the various breeds in a dog’s family tree. Once an owner understands a dog’s natural tendencies, it makes it possible to create a tailored training, exercise and nutrition program to fit his one-of-a-kind needs.
 
“We’re excited to give dog owners easy and affordable access to the best-in-class canine genetic analysis to help them understand what breeds make their dog so special,” said Neale Fretwell, PhD, Director, Research and Development at Mars Veterinary and one of world’s foremost experts on companion animal genetics. “But it’s not just about curiosity.  The smarter you are about your dog’s past, the smarter you can be about his future.”

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.