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Researchers discover new gene defect that affects muzzle length in dogs
The American Staffordshire terrier (pictured) was one of the breeds found to possess both the normal and variant forms of the gene.

DLV2 variant may also affect development of the heart.

A recent study from the University of Helsinki has revealed new insights into the impact of a DVL2 gene defect on canine health. This gene variant is already associated with a screw tail and has become widespread in English bulldogs, French bulldogs and Boston terriers as a result of inbreeding.

Julia Niskanen from the University of Helsinki and the Folkhälsan Research Center said: “In this study, we wanted to further investigate the frequency of the DVL2 variant in different dog breeds and determine its effects on skeletal development.

The DVL2 variant was identified in all of the English bulldogs, French bulldogs and Boston terriers in the study, however, both the variant and the normal form were found in the American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, dogues de Bordeaux, olde English bulldogs and American bulldogs.

Using computed tomography scans, researchers analysed the skeletal anatomy of American Staffordshire bull terriers of different genotypes, in order to determine the effect of the variant gene on body shape. They found that the presence of the DVL2 gene defect commonly resulted in caudal vertebrae 'anomalies'.

“Tail abnormalities in the American Staffordshire terriers were less severe than the screw tails typically seen in English bulldogs, French bulldogs and Boston terriers,” added Vilma Reunanen from the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

“In contrast to the previous study, we did not find an association between the DVL2 variant and thoracic vertebral anomalies.”

Researchers also found that the muzzles of dogs that carry two copies of the gene defect are significantly shorter. Similarly, dogs with one copy of the defect have shorter muzzles than dogs that don’t carry any copies of the gene defect.

Several of the dogs with two copies DVL2 variant were found to have a congenital heart defect. However, researchers state that this finding requires further study.

Many of the breeds that carry the DVL2 variant also have other genetic variants that affect body shape. The study affirmed that the combined effects of these defects may result in 'serious health problems'.

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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.