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Time perception in animals
Study looks at pace of life in various species

Scientists from Trinity College Dublin and the Universities of Edinburgh and St Andrews have found that animals' perception of time is linked to their pace of life.

In particular, the study revealed that small-bodied animals with fast metabolic rates, such as most birds, can take on more information in a unit of time than large-bodied animals with slow metabolic rates, such as large turtles.

For the study, the team of scientists looked at different perceptions of time among various animals.

They used a phenomenon called the critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF), which records the maximum speed of flashing light an individual can see before the light source is perceived as constant.

CFF is the principle behind cinema, computer and television screens, so humans do not see a flicker.

The scientists were able to test and compare a wide range of vertebrate species using this system and measuring their responses. Commonly, the most agile animals could see the highest resolution flickers.

"Having eyes that send updates to the brain at much higher frequencies than our eyes do is of no value if the brain cannot process that information equally quickly," said Professon Graeme Ruxton, of the University of St Andrews, who collaborated on the study.

"Hence, this work highlights the impressive capabilities of even the smallest animal brains. Flies might not be deep thinkers, but they can make good decisions very quickly."

The study has been published in the international journal, Animal Behaviour. Click here to view the paper in full.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."