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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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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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.