Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 27th March 2023
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Ageing Canine Toolkit launched
The toolkit includes a checklist for pet owners to work through as part of a home triage.

BSAVA PetSavers toolkit aims to help vets and pet owners care for senior dogs. 

Following research undertaken by the University of Liverpool, BSAVA PetSavers has launched the Ageing Canine Toolkit (ACT). The toolkit is designed to assist veterinary surgeons and pet owners provide the best care for senior and geriatric dogs.

The BSAVA PetSavers-funded study, ‘Old Age Pets (OAP) research project’ revealed that many pet owners find it difficult to identify between ‘normal’ age-related changes, and signs that could indicate possible diseases. The ACT aims to assist pet owners identify changes that would benefit from veterinary advice and treatment.

The ACT 40 page leaflet includes information about more common health problems affecting older dogs, as well as a checklist for pet owners to work through as part of a home triage. Answers of ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ are coded using a traffic light system: green, amber and red. For answers coded amber or red, pet owners are encouraged to seek guidance from their veterinary practice.

Questions on the checklist cover some of the main reasons why senior dogs attend veterinary appointments, and are grouped into topics including ‘dental', ‘mobility', ‘weight changes’, ‘behaviour’, and ‘quality of life’. Concerns regarding ‘end of life’ are covered in a separate section.

To monitor their dog’s health, pet owners are encouraged to go through the checklist at least every six months, keeping a note of the answers for future comparison.

Professor Carri Westgarth from the University of Liverpool said: “We conducted this research project kindly funded by BSAVA PetSavers in order to help owners and veterinary professionals provide great care for our loved pets as they age.

“Our investigations uncovered common physical and behavioural signs in dogs that owners observe and for which support from the veterinary practice would be beneficial. Our simple evidence-based checklist is designed to engage owners and importantly stimulate efficient discussion with their veterinary team.”

UK veterinary practices are able to download digital copies of the ACT leaflet, as well as an accompanying poster to display in waiting rooms. Printed copies are also available to order.

A number of articles aimed to support veterinary professionals care for senior dogs can be viewed on the BSAVA website.

Image (C) BSAVA PetSavers

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.

 

Click here for more...
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.