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Study sheds light on guinea pig neoplasia
It had been previously considered that tumour prevalence in guinea pigs was low.

Tumour prevalence increases with age.

Tumour prevalence is higher in guinea pigs than previously thought, according to new research.

The study led by the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna used autopsy reports collected from three pathology institutes in Germany, Austria and the USA. Of the 2,474 guinea pigs autopsied, the team found tumours in 508 cases (21 per cent of guinea pigs), and multiple tumours in 95 cases. 

Leukaemia or lymphomas were the most common tumours,
particularly in younger animals, with lymph nodes, liver and spleen being the most frequently affected organs. Non-lymphoid tumours were most commonly found in the female genital tract (mostly the uterus), lungs, skin, thyroid gland and gastrointestinal tract.

It had been previously considered that tumour prevalence in guinea pigs was low – based on research on laboratory animals which are typically younger. However, this new study found a tumour in one in five guinea pigs, which is higher than for pet rabbits studied at the same institution. 

Moreover, the team found that tumour prevalence increased with age – from one per cent in guinea pigs under 0.5 years old to 54 per cent for animals over five years old. 

The authors write: ‘Our postmortem study demonstrates a high prevalence of disseminated lymphoma or leukaemia in pet guinea pigs at the time of death or euthanasia. Additional studies are needed to further characterize these tumors.’

The research, Neoplasia in pet guinea pigs: a retrospective analysis of 2,474 autopsy examinations, is published in the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.