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Weight loss in obese dogs improves health markers
One third-of dog owners do not recognise when their pet is overweight.

Findings provide further evidence of the importance of maintaining a healthy weight. 

Canine weight loss is associated with significant improvements in health markers such as life quality, metabolic status and immune-regulation, according to new research.

In the Purina-backed study, 11 obese dogs participated in a six-month weight loss programme. When compared to a control group of dogs of a healthy weight, the obese dogs improved on several key indicators related to immune function, including reduced tumour necrosis factor and interleukin.

Researchers say their findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science, provide further evidence of the importance of maintaining a healthy weight in pets.

“Preventing pet obesity is a major focus at Purina,” explained Hugues du Plessis, pet obesity prevention manager at Purina.
We not only want to be providing pet owners with information on the benefits of a healthy pet lifestyle, but we also want to help them achieve it."

The importance of educating pet owners has been highlighted in another purina-backed study which found that one-third of dog owners do not recognise when their pet is overweight. The study of 3,339 dog owners across five countries revealed that owners with healthy weight dogs were more likely to have support from friends for exercising and to understand the costs of owning a dog.

Researchers say the findings of this study add to the knowledge of the root causes of pet obesity and reinforce the need to keep exploring solutions focused on prevention and treatment.

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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.