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New questionnaire to identify dog mobility issues
The questionnaire will detect mobility issues, even where they are mild.
The results can detect even mild mobility problems.

A new questionnaire will be able to establish if a dog is experiencing mobility issues, even if they are mild.

The GenPup-M questionnaire, created by researchers at the University of Liverpool with Dogs Trust, provides veterinary surgeons with a selection of questions to ask owners about their dog’s wellbeing and physical abilities, to assess their dog’s mobility.

The researchers say that it is estimated that up to 50 per cent of UK dogs are diagnosed with reduced mobility between the ages of eight and thirteen years. However, many mobility questionnaires only monitored the condition once it had become severe.

The new questionnaire is expected to detect mobility issues even when they are mild, enabling owners to start discussing their dog’s mobility early and consider ways they can improve its welfare.

A study into the efficiency of the questionnaire was conducted by the university, assessing how well it identified mobility issues in 62 dogs.  Of these dogs, 31 had mobility impairments and 31 did not.

The responses of the GenPup-M questions were then compared to the results of further specialist tests, including gait analysis, in a validated orthopaedic examination.

The results suggested that the questionnaire was accurately able to detect mobility issues, including where the impairments were early in onset. The GenPup-M questionnaire correlated positively with three other measures of canine mobility, including the gait analysis.

Natasha Clark, a veterinary surgeon and researcher in the Department of Musculoskeletal and Ageing Science at the University of Liverpool, said: “Over time and if done at every check-up, the GenPup-M questionnaire can detect subtle changes in a dog's mobility, without the need for time consuming and expensive gait analysis. The tool can also aid vets in diagnosing and hopefully mitigating the development of mobility issues.

“Our research does not stop here and we will continue to research and develop GenPup-M to refine it as an even more effective tool for vets and dog care-givers.”

The academic paper on the questionnaire is published in the journal PlosOne.

Image © Shutterstock

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.