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Vets aim to develop a novel test for neck pain
Cavalier king charles spaniel
Signs of syringomyelia are often very subtle and can vary between dogs, meaning some cases may go undiagnosed.
Test could improve welfare of dogs with syringomyelia
 
Veterinary specialists at the University of Bristol are investigating a novel, pain-free method of testing for neck pain in dogs. The development of such a test could lead to earlier detection and better treatment of syringomyelia, a progressive, inherited disease of the spinal cord.

Syringomyelia can cause neck pain and affects about 70 per cent of Cavalier King Charles spaniels over the age of six.  

Dr. Nicolas Granger and Dr. Jo Murrell, leading investigators of this research, are hoping to improve the welfare of these dogs by making it easier for vets to spot signs of chronic pain related to syringomyelia. The research benefits as well from the expertise of the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) specialists Dr. Ludovic Pelligand and Prof. Holger Volk.

Signs of the condition are often very subtle and can vary between dogs, meaning some cases may go undiagnosed.

The study, which has received funding from the Dogs Trust, involves a pain-free electronic pressure device known as a von Frey aesthesiometer. This will be applied to the skin while the dog's skin sensitivity and behavioural response is monitored. Dogs' owners will also be asked to complete questionnaires.

The RVC's Professor Holger Volk referred to the study as "a landmark project to improve patient care".

Co-author Heather Williams added: "Early detection of neuropathic pain in dogs could prompt earlier investigation and treatment, and be used as a tool to monitor the progress in dogs already being treated."

Owners of Cavalier King Charles spaniels are being asked to take part in the study. Dogs that have previously had an MRI scan of the head and neck regions are eligible, as are suitable dogs of any breed that have been referred to the university's Langford Veterinary Services or the RVC.

Also welcome are Cavalier King Charles spaniel breeders who are looking to find out the syringomyelia status of their dogs to help with the selection of healthy individuals for breeding.

To take part in the research email vet-neuroresearch@bristol.ac.uk

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.