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A new study from the Royal Veterinary College illuminates the most common disorders in English Cocker Spaniels in the UK, aiding owners to know what to expect if they get this breed New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found the most common conditions in one the UK's most popular dog breeds, English Cocker Spaniels, include dental disease, ear infection, obesity and aggression.

Equine exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) is a syndrome involving painful, exercise induced episodes of muscle stiffness and acute myonecrosis which can result in renal failure and in severe cases, death. While it is seen in many different species from humans to dogs, horses seem to be particularly predisposed.

Parasite treatments and preventatives we put on our pets are finding their way into UK waters in concentrations that are toxic to aquatic species. Parasiticides are commonly applied as 'spot-on' treatments on dogs and cats to prevent or kill fleas or ticks, but they contain toxic chemicals that are making it into UK rivers and ponds, particularly in urban areas.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has shed light on the frequency, risk factors and linked health problems associated with periodontal disease in pet cats in the UK. These findings will help veterinary practitioners and owners better understand and predict its occurrence and identify opportunities to improve cats' dental health.

Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have found the breeds that place cats at a higher risk of developing kidney and ureter stones, namely Burmese, Persian, Ragdoll and Tonkinese breeds. The research is the first of its kind to examine all cats with upper urinary tract uroliths (stones) as one group and hopes to support vets with diagnostic and treatment plans.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) explores the role of vet-owner relationships in the experience of owners of dogs with epilepsy. The study found that clearer owner expectations for treatment outcomes and the condition's management alongside more reliable resources outside of the consult room are needed to support positive vet-owner relationships.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) explores the reasons for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture in dogs in the UK, as well as the factors influencing how it is managed clinically. The research also identifies which breeds are most at risk of CCL, with this list including popular breeds such as Rottweilers, Bichon Frise and West Highland White Terriers.

Two new studies from the RVC have examined the 2021 outbreak of feline pancytopenia - a rare condition that causes serious illness, and in some cases fatalities, in cats. Due to the rapid increase of cases at the time, the outbreak caused concern amongst cat owners and garnered significant media coverage.

A commonly-administered drug used in 94% of Thoroughbred racehorses could increase risk of sudden death, according to a new study. The research - led by the University of Glasgow and published today in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association - also found multiple other risk factors associated with sudden death, related to the circumstances of the race and individual histories of the horses.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College explores the frequency and risk factors for hypothyroidism in dogs in the UK, promoting greater awareness with earlier detection and treatment New research the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has shed light on the dog breeds most predisposed to hypothyroidism, a life-long hormonal disorder caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones.

A team of researchers at the Royal Veterinary College and the University of Manchester used data from more than 150,000 dogs in the UK to assess the risk of death from sedation and general anaesthetics. A new VetCompass study, led by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and the University of Manchester, has revealed a relatively low risk of death from sedation and general anaesthetics for dogs in the UK.

24 hour contact: 01707 666297 A new study, led by the Royal Veterinary College, and funded by the Horserace Betting Levy Board, has shed light on the influence of horseshoe and surface conditions on racehorses' hoof movements. This has implications for how racehorses' athletic performance and safety can best be supported, both in training and on the racetrack.

Sniffing or licking other dogs- genitalia - the common site of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour - can spread this unusual cancer to the nose and mouth. Although canine transmissible cancer can be diagnosed and treated fairly easily, vets in the UK may not be familiar with the signs of the disease because it is very rare here Andrea Strakova A new study has found that male dogs are four to five times more likely than female dogs to be infected with the oro-nasal form of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumour.

A team of scientists at the University of Glasgow has identified two known cases of human-to-cat COVID-19 transmission in the UK. In the study, led by the University of Glasgow and published today in the Veterinary Record, researchers describe two cases of human-to-cat SARS-CoV-2 transmission, found as part of a COVID-19 screening programme of the feline population in the UK.

New research reveals widespread contamination of English rivers with pesticides commonly used as flea treatments Researchers at the University of Sussex have found widespread contamination of English rivers with two neurotoxic pesticides commonly used in veterinary flea products: fipronil and the neonicotinoid imidacloprid.

Maine Coon demonstrates the eye narrowing technique (credit: Prof Karen McComb, University of Sussex) The new study, 'The role of cat eye narrowing movements in cat-human communication' , published online in the Nature journal Scientific Reports , has shown for the first time that it is possible to build rapport with a cat by using an eye narrowing technique with them.

The mystery of why zebras have their characteristic stripes has perplexed researchers for over a century. Over the last decade, Professor Tim Caro at the University of Bristol's School of Biological Sciences has examined and discredited many popular theories such as their use as camouflage from predators, a cooling mechanism through the formation of convection currents and a role in social interactions.

One in four people acquired their puppies before the advised age of eight weeks old, according to new findings from Dogs Trust's pioneering dog welfare study 'Generation Pup'. The 'cohort' study follows a generation of puppies over the course of their lifetime, to investigate how factors such as environment, social interaction, diet and exercise can impact their development in later life.

A team of scientists at the University of Glasgow has identified a cat in the UK that was infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Researchers from the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) in partnership with the Veterinary Diagnostic Service (VDS) of the University's School of Veterinary Medicine made the discovery as part of their joint research programme in which they have screened hundreds of samples for COVID-19 infections in the feline population in the UK.

Should we be concerned about the coronavirus spreading to cats' Not yet, says Dr Sarah Caddy in this article for The Conversation, even after a concerning report from Belgium. After reports of two dogs testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Hong Kong, the most recent news to cause alarm among animal owners is that of a cat in Belgium with apparent symptoms of the virus that causes COVID-19.