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: 10th June 2010
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
Rise in Canine Dental Disease Reported
The PDSA has reported a worrying rise in dental disease among dogs examined over the last two years.

PDSA health checks of more than 13,000 dogs across the UK in 2007 and 2009, show a worrying 5% rise in the number of dogs suffering from dental disease, with the figure now standing at 24%. When this figure is applied to the entire UK dog population (around 8.3 million) it means nearly 2 million dogs could be suffering from dental disease.

PDSA’s data, which has been gathered by PDSA offering free health checks to dog owners nationwide via its three PetCheck vehicles, reveals that the UK’s current worst canine cavity hotspots are Northern Ireland and Wales which jointly top the table with one in three dogs (30%) suffering from dental disease. Northern Ireland also saw the largest overall rise with doubling of dental problems in two years (15% to 30%).

There is some good news though; dog owners in London and Scotland have obviously been brushing up on their dental skills. London saw a 7% decrease in dog dental disease (30% in 2007 to 23% in 2009) and Scotland has scaled down the problem by 6% (21% in 2007 to 15% in 2009).

Cats don’t fare much better either. In 2009, PDSA vets carried out nearly 8,000 dental procedures in cats – that means a staggering 8% of cats seen by the charity needed some form of dental surgery.

Pet owners can access free pet health information on a range of topics, including pet dental care, on PDSA’s website. To watch the charity’s pet heath videos or download free pet care leaflets on topics such as dental care click here.

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

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.