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Single “dog year” not equal to seven “human years”, study reveals
The study found that a one-year-old dog is similar to a 30-year-old human.
One year old dog is similar to a 30-year-old human.

Researchers at the University of California (UC) have discovered that young dogs age rapidly compared to humans, debunking the idea that a single “dog year” is equivalent to seven “human years”.

The study, published in the journal Cell Systems, found that a one-year-old dog is similar to a 30-year-old human, a four-year-old dog is similar to a 52-year-old human, and that by seven years old, dog ageing slows.

“This makes sense when you think about it — after all, a nine-month-old dog can have puppies, so we already knew that the 1:7 ratio wasn’t an accurate measure of age,” explained senior author Trey Ideker, professor at UC San Diego School of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center.

In the study, researchers created a new formula for comparing the ages of humans and dogs. The formula is based on 'epigenetic changes' to DNA – modifications that influence which genes are switched “on” or “off”.

The team looked at the changing patterns of methyl groups in dog and human DNA over time. Drawing on blood samples from 105 Labrador retrievers, their results reveal that humans and dog don't age at the same rate over their lifespans as the 1:7 years adage would suggest.

Researchers say the new formula, which is transferable across species, is more accurately able to compare the ages of humans and dogs. It could also provide a useful tool for veterinary surgeons and for evaluating anti-ageing interventions.

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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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News Shorts
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.