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Inherited dog disorders 'more widespread than thought'
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One in six dogs in the study carried at least one of the tested risk variants in their genome. (stock photo)
International team carries out the most comprehensive study yet
 
Inherited disorders in dogs may be more widespread than previously thought, according to a new international study.

Scientists from Genoscoper Laboratories Oy, in Finland, led the research in partnership with the University of Helsinki and the University of Pennsylvania. Their study is the most comprehensive of its kind to date.

The team utilised genetic panel screening to test just under 7,000 purebred dogs across around 230 breeds, for their predisposition to nearly 100 genetic disorders.

According to findings published in PLOS ONE, the researchers found 15 genetic variants known to be linked with disease in 34 dog breeds where they have not previously been documented in peer-reviewed literature.

One in six dogs in the study carried at least one of the tested risk variants in their genome, and one in six of the genetic variants tested were found in dog breeds that had not been reported to carry them before. Furthermore, the team say that several mutations often, but not always, caused the same condition in the additional breeds.

Senior author Dr Hannes Lohi from the University of Helsinki, said: "We noted that surprisingly many canine inherited disorders are actually more widespread than indicated by their original discovery studies, which opens up the door for several future scientific investigations."

Researchers believe their work provides support for the use of DNA multiplex screening for canine hereditary disorders, which represents 'a reliable and powerful discovery and utility tool for applications in veterinary diagnostics, genetic research and sustainable breeding.'

While stressing the importance of complex DNA-based information in progressing the health of purebred dogs, the authors added that this should be used alongside other established approaches.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.