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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 12th January 2022
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Canine Frustration Questionnaire validated by study
The CFQ is designed to allow for objective measurement of a dog's tedency to become frustrated.
Study compares cortisol levels with questionnaire answers. 

A new study by the University of Edinburgh's Royal School of Veterinary Studies (Dick Vet) has validated the use of an owner questionnaire in assessing canine frustration.

Published in Animals, the study 'Behavioural and Physiological Correlates of the Canine Frustration Questionnaire' compared owner's answers on the Canine Frustration Questionnaire (CFQ) to the levels of cortisol present in dogs' saliva throughout mild tests designed to create slight frustration. 

In the study, which was led alongside researchers from the Universities of Lincoln and Leeds, forty-four healthy dogs were volunteered to take part in a novel behaviour test battery to designed to create mild frustration. 

These behavioural tests included scenarios such as being left alone, being ignored or being denied toys or food, and while undertaking these behaviour tests, the dogs were filmed, and owners completed the CFQ. 

Correlating behaviours such as lunging or vocalising to the CFQ, alongside measuring cortisol levels, the researchers found that at least one expected behaviour was found for each component of the CFQ during the tests, highlighting the validity of its use when assessing canine behavioural issues. 

Lead author of the study Kevin McPeake commented on the usefulness of the study and CFQ: “When assessing a behaviour problem in an animal, identifying the correct underlying emotions is important to make the right diagnosis and provide the most appropriate treatment. 

“Frustration has been considered an important negative emotion implicated in a range of common behaviour problems in dogs. 

“Our latest study increases confidence in using the owner completed Canine Frustration Questionnaire as a valid measure of frustration tendencies in dogs which can quickly and easily be incorporated into a behaviour assessment.”

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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.