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Spotting risky head shape can improve breed health - study
Cavalier King Charles spaniels have become increasingly popular in recent years owing to their ‘exaggerated head’ with large forward-facing eyes.
Judges assess head shape of 13 Cavalier King Charles spaniels 

New research suggests that dog health could be improved if breed show judges were to use their ability to identify differences in the shape of a dog’s head.

In the study, breed show judges used a checklist devised by researchers to identify different head shapes in King Charles spaniels. The spaniels had previously been identified as risk factors for Chiari malformation and syringomyelia.

Cavalier King Charles spaniels have become increasingly popular in recent years owing to their ‘exaggerated head’ with large forward-facing eyes. This recent change in head shape is markedly different to the traditional breed standard and research shows that it increases the risk of developing Chiari malformation and syringomyelia.

The dog show judges were asked to decide if the head shape of 13 Cavalier King Charles spaniels was “moderate” (traditional) or “exaggerated” (modern). This assessment was then compared to measurements of the dogs’ heads and MRI scan results identifying the presence of syringomyelia.

The findings show that judges varied in their ability (20 per cent to 80 per cent) to match the head shape with syringomyelia status, suggesting that visual assessment was possible.

Study leader Clare Rusbridge from the University of Surrey's School of Veterinary Science said: “Breed show judges are the considered experts in assessing the shape of a dog’s head. In selecting the champions of the breed they have great influence in determining what shape of head other breeders and the pet buying public will desire.”
 
“If we are able to show what facial and head characteristics are risky for dogs’ health then we can inform breed show judges who in turn can improve the health of the breed. To this end, we plan to continue our work in conjunction with facial recognition and medical imaging experts at the Centre for Vision, Speech and Signal Processing at the University of Surrey.”

The study, Pilot study of head conformation changes over time in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel breed, is published in Vet Record. 

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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.