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: 18th January 2013
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
Questionnaire for Italian spinone owners
Study to improve breed genetics

Italian spinone owners have been asked to participate in a survey to help understand and treat common health defects in the breed.

Specialists at the Kennel Club Genetics Centre at the Animal Health Trust (AHT) are looking into cancer, epilepsy and gastric dilation/torsion (bloat) to help them treat such conditions in future patients.

Owners of Kennel Club (KC) registered Italian spinones that were born between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2011 are urged to complete a questionnaire.

The questionnaire forms part of a genetics study. By understanding these health defects, it is hoped that breeders will be able to rear healthier Italian spinone generations in the future.

The AHT and KC have already worked together to develop DNA tests for various other breeds in a similar way, including beagles and cavalier King Charles spaniels.

KC Secretary Caroline Kisco said: "Breeders and breed clubs all want to understand, treat and ultimately eliminate conditions that can affect their beloved breed. The Kennel Club registers around 250,000 puppies each year and these vast pedigree records and our contact with breeders are vital to helping us improve the health of all dogs in the future.

"We are grateful to the Italian Spinone Breed Club of Great Britain for supporting this study and look forward to working with breeders and the Animal Health Trust on this important project.”

Cathryn Mellersh, head of genetics at the centre, added: “At the moment we don’t have a clear picture about the incidence of cancer, epilepsy and bloat in the Italian Spinone. By working with the breeders of Kennel Club registered dogs, we hope to considerably increase our understanding of these diseases, so that we can find treatments and develop tools that will help breeders to breed future generation of Spinones that are less likely to be affected.”

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

Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'