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New health screening scheme for dachshunds
The scheme is available for all varieties of dachshund.
Tool will assess dogs' risk of developing intervertebral disc disease

The Kennel Club hasannounced a new health screening scheme to detect intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dachshunds.

The scheme is based on the existing Dachshund Breed Council IVDD screening programme and evidence from Scandinavia, which shows the risk of IVDD links to the number of intervertebral disc calcifications identified by x-rays in dogs.

Under the scheme, participating practices can submit x-rays from dachsunds of all varieties for subsequent scoring by an IVDD scheme 'scrutineer'.

Scrutineers are neurology experts that use a pre-defined protocol to grade the dog from zero to three, depending on the number of calcifications present in the spine. The higher the number of calcifications found, the more at risk a dog is of developing clinical signs and passing the disease on to offspring.

Following the screening, breeders will be supported by guidance explaining the grade their dogs have received and the health risk of potential matings.

Screening results will be available for the Dachshund Breed Council for publication, breed records and public information. The findings will also be made available via The Kennel Club Health Test Results Finder and the Breed Record Supplement in 2022.

Bill Lambert, Health, welfare and breeder services executive at The Kennel Club, said: “The growing demand for dachshunds from the everyday puppy buyer, combined with the already recognised health problems, means that the scheme is absolutely vital and we really urge breeders to make use of this tool and take advantage of the subsidies on offer when it launches.”

IVDD is the result of a gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs that, in dachshunds,  can happen at a much earlier age compared to other breeds. The calcification of these discs means they don’t absorb shock as well and can lead to disc herniation and spinal cord compression.  

The Kennel Club is offering a £100 subsidy for the owners of dogs that participate in the scheme during 2021. For more information, visit kennelclub.org.uk

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.