Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Dogs may protect children against Crohn's disease – study
The study suggests that exposure to dogs could protect children against Crohn's disease later in life.
Survey analysis reveals link between dogs in the household and healthy gut permeability.

Children that grow up with dogs may have some protection from Crohn's disease later in life, according to new research.

The study, presented at Digestive Disease Week on Monday (23 May), analysed responses to a questionnaire sent to some 4,300 first-degree relatives of people with Crohn's disease. 

The team analysed several environmental factors, including family size, the presence of dogs or cats in the household and the number of bathrooms. The analysis also included age at the time of exposure. 

Their findings show that exposure to dogs, especially between the ages of five and 15, was associated with healthy gut permeability and balance between the gut microbes and the body's immune response – all of which may protect against Crohn's disease. 
The team noticed a similar trend with exposure to dogs across all age groups.

Dr Williams Turpin, senior author and research associate with Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto, explains:  “It could potentially be because dog owners get outside more often with their pets or live in areas with more green space, which has been shown previously to protect against Crohn’s.”  

The scientists hope their findings may help doctors determine which patients may be at greater risk of developing Crohn's. However, they stress that the reasons why dog ownership appears to protect against the disease remain unclear. 

New research by Crohn's and Colitis UK shows that more than half a million people (one in 123) in the country live with the conditions. It most often develops in young people, smokers, and those who have a close family member with irritable bowel disease.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.