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Call for more research on dog health after neutering
The review identified limited evidence regarding the impacts of neutering female dogs before or after puberty.

Review finds conflicting information in veterinary literature. 

Researchers at the University of Nottingham are calling for more studies to understand how the timing of neutering impacts dog health.

Previous research on neutering female dogs suggests that the effects of neutering relate to age for some diseases. However, these studies vary in
populations and methodology, which complicates comparisons.

The review, led by Dr Rachel Moxon from the University of Nottingham, examined the literature on neutering and its timing in relation to puberty on five health outcomes: atopy, developmental orthopaedic disease, neoplasia, and urogenital disease.

It found a lack of evidence on the health impacts of neutering around puberty, and stressed the importance for vets and owners to consider this when deciding on when to neuter.

Rachel explained: “Conflicting information in the veterinary literature regarding the beneficial and detrimental impacts of neutering at different times makes decisions regarding the best time to neuter female dogs difficult for pet dog owners, and providing advice to owners difficult for veterinarians.

“Similar to the findings of another review by this research group that looked at the effects on behaviour, this review has identified a lack of evidence related to the impacts of neutering female dogs before or after puberty on five aspects of health.

“Studies generally propose that neutering female dogs earlier appears to be protective for some, but not all, cancers, but increases the risk of developmental orthopaedic disease and potentially urinary incontinence; contrasting results that make applying the findings to benefit female dog health difficult.”

The study, Effect of neutering timing in relation to puberty on health in the female dog–a scoping review, is published in Plos One.

Image (C) Shutterstock.

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Prof Joanne Webster elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

News Story 1
 Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

An infectious disease expert, Prof Webster is known for promoting a One Health approach to disease control.

She completed her doctoral research in zoonotic disease and parasite-host interactions, and has since earned widespread recognition for contributions to parasitology and global health.

Prof Webster said: "I am truly honoured, and somewhat stunned, to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists." 

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Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.