Latest news with #RoyalVeterinaryCollege
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Warning issued as common toxic substance could 'kill dog in minutes'
Dog owners are being urged to keep their dogs away from a common toxic substance that is found in freshwater and which can make them extremely ill and even lead to death Be careful the next time you bring your dog out for a walk – a vet has warned that this common algae could kill them. Most dogs will get thirsty after walking through the park or playing a ball game – especially in the recent hot weather. This means they may end up taking a quick drink from a puddle, river or pond. But, a vet warns that this seemingly innocent act could be deadly. Dr Maryam Achoukhi, Veterinary Surgeon in partnership with the Pettifor Trust urges all dog owners to be vigilant about blue-green algae, as it can be found in British freshwaters. The algae, which are technically a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria, thrive in warm, calm and nutrient-rich environments like lakes, ponds and rivers. Part of what makes them particularly dangerous is that it's impossible to tell if a bloom is toxic just by looking at it. Dr Maryam Achoukhi explains: 'While the majority of species are harmless, a subset produces potent toxins that can cause rapid-onset neurotoxic or hepatotoxic effects.' She cautions that if your dog ingests or even makes contact with this water, it can make them extremely ill. Symptoms can appear within minutes to hours and include vomiting and diarrhoea, excessive drooling, muscle tremors and seizures and liver failure. In more severe cases, it can lead to death. Dr Achoukhi advises owners to keep their dogs away from water that appears scummy, discoloured, foamy or stagnant to protect them. To avoid this potentially devastating algae, your best bet is to bring a water bottle for your dog on a walk – which could be the difference between life and death. It's not the only issue that dog owners need to be on the look out for, either. A veterinary expert has recently cautioned owners over the prevalence of diarrhoea in their pets. According to a study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in the UK, one in every 12 dogs in the UK is diagnosed with diarrhoea-related issues each year, while certain breeds are more likely to experience episodes of 'the runs' than others. Sean McCormack, head vet at advised that while while diarrhoea is not normally considered an emergency in dogs (particularly if they are otherwise healthy), if the condition lasts beyond 24 to 48 hours, or if it appears intermittently over time, it's a good idea to contact your vet for guidance. Potential causes of diarrhoea in dogs vary, and include genetic predispositions, stress, ingesting foreign objects and even switching to a different brand of dog food.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Vet explains one sign that your dog could be seriously unwell
It's never pleasant when your pet gets sick - fortunately, a vet has shared some key ways to recognise and treat diarrhoea in dogs so your fluffy pal can get better in no time It can be difficult to decipher when your furry pals are feeling unwell – now a vet has shared key signs to look out for that your dog is suffering from diarrhoea. According to a recent study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in the UK, which examined vet records from millions of dogs nationwide, one in every 12 dogs in the UK is diagnosed with diarrhoea-related issues each year, while certain breeds are more likely to experience episodes of 'the runs' than others. Based on the findings, the six breeds most prone to diarrhoea are Maltese, Miniature Poodles, Cavapoos, German Shepherds, Yorkshire Terriers and Cockapoos. However, Sean McCormack, head vet at has advised that while genetic predisposition can increase a dog's likelihood of developing digestive issues, there are other contributing factors. These include diet, food allergies, parasites, worms or gastrointestinal inflammation. Though it can be concerning if your pet develops these issues, it's important to remember that most cases of acute diarrhoea are mild, highly treatable, and don't require a follow-up vet visit. However, if loose stools become a recurring problem, your vet may recommend diagnostic tests to uncover any underlying causes. Sean says that, generally speaking, diarrhoea is not considered an emergency, especially if your dog is otherwise acting normally. But if the condition lasts beyond 24 to 48 hours, or if it appears intermittently over time, it's a good idea to contact your vet for guidance Potential causes of diarrhoea in dogs include genetic predispositions, stress, ingesting foreign objects and even switching to a different brand of dog food. To work out what's causing the tummy upset, you can conduct different diagnostic tests. These include faecal exams, which can detect parasites, and blood work, which can help identify issues such as kidney or liver disease, infection, and assess your dog's hydration and electrolyte status. You can also use X-rays, which can detect of foreign objects or abnormalities within the digestive tract, or, if an allergy is suspected, food elimination trials to pinpoint the ingredient causing the problem. In terms of treating diarrhoea, if dog has a predisposition to digestive issues, your vet may recommend switching to a diet that is easily digestible. While these specialised veterinary diets can sometimes be pricier, they can significantly help in managing symptoms and promoting gut health for your pet. Your vet may also advise briefly withholding food (generally for 12–24 hours), which can allow for the gastrointestinal tract to settle. However, this approach is generally avoided in puppies, senior dogs, or those with pre-existing medical conditions, as may not be able to handle fasting as well. In the case of a bacterial infection, your vet may prescribe antibiotics. Although, it's crucial important that antibiotics are only used when necessary as they can also disrupt the balance of healthy gut bacteria. Equally, probiotics may be recommended to restore beneficial gut bacteria. These can be found in fortified dog foods or provided by your vet in paste form. Some of the best ways to prevent diarrhoea include keeping vaccinations up to date, stay on top of parasite treatments, avoiding feeding your dog leftovers and removing swallowable hazards.
Daily Mail
06-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Vets reveal the four breeds first–time dog owners should NOT have – so, is yours on the list?
These cute dogs are some of the nation's favourite companions. But scientists have now revealed why first–time dog owners should steer clear of four of the most popular breeds. Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary, found that short–nosed dogs are harder to train, reluctant to come when called, and overreact to guests. Although short–nosed dogs may be innately calm and bold, these benefits often fail to emerge due to a lack of proper training. That means pugs, French bulldogs, Boston terriers, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels are all bad choices for your first step into pet ownership. Despite this, the survey found that owners of these unruly pooches are typically young women who have never had a dog before. Typical owners of flat–faced dogs also tend to live alone, spend a lot of time with their dogs, and primarily choose their pet for companionship. These new owners' dogs tended to be 'spoiled', untrained, young, kept exclusively indoors, and allowed to sleep on the bed. Despite coming with a range of incurable and debilitating health issues, short–nosed (brachycephalic) dogs are still among the UK's most popular breeds. A study published by the Royal Veterinary College last year found that French Bulldogs were the most popular breed for new owners, making up seven per cent of all puppies under one year old in 2019. Likewise, even as t he popularity of pedigree breeds has declined, the number of purebred short–nosed puppies continues to rise. The Kennel Club found that the number of newly registered French bulldog puppies has increased by 34 per cent from 2010 to 2021. Owners often value these dogs for their calm, playful personalities and describe them as interactive or friendly. Earlier studies have even found that short–nosed dogs are better at making eye contact with humans and are more effective at following human gestures. But, in reality, flat–faced dogs like the French bulldog are often poorly trained and overly reactive. To see how face shape, body size, and owner characteristics might lead to these issues, the researchers examined over 5,000 purebred dogs and their owners. What are brachycephalic dogs? The word 'brachycephalic' means short or broad–headed. Examples include Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pekingese. Because of this extreme body shape, flat–faced dogs have a much higher risk of developing numerous painful illnesses and diseases. Health problems associated with brachycephaly include: Anatomical defects of the upper airway, causing breathing difficulties often associated with overheating, sleep apnoea, and regurgitation Eye disease Inability to mate or give birth naturally Repeated skin infections Dental problems The researchers collected the data of dogs from 90 breeds and surveyed their owners about their lifestyles and training habits. Sorting the dogs by head shape alone, those with flat faces were calmer and bolder than their long–nosed counterparts. These dogs are also harder to train, reluctant to return when called, and overreact to guests arriving at the house. In a further analysis, the researchers controlled for the dog's owners and body size to reveal a more complex picture. Study author Dr Borbála Turcsán says: 'We found that the low trainability of short–nosed dogs is mainly due to their small body size and lack of training – not their head shape. 'When we control for these influences, there's no difference in trainability across head shapes.' When the effects of lack of training, small size, and pampering are accounted for, it turns out that short–nosed dogs are genetically less likely to jump up on people, pull on the leash, or react excessively when guests arrive. However, they are also innately less friendly towards other dogs – a trait which is obscured by the fact that more flat–nosed dogs are young, which makes them more sociable. But if you aren't ready to train a dog thoroughly or might be prone to pampering, you won't be able to get the best out of a flat–faced dog's potential. 'Calmness, boldness, and poor recall response are all traits specific to short–headed dogs,' says Dr Turcsán. 'These behavioural traits are directly connected to head shape and remain significant even when we control for background factors.' The researchers believe these innate differences could originate from the shape of flat–nosed dogs' heads and their disabling health conditions. Study co–author Professor Enikő Kubinyi says: 'The brains of short–nosed dogs are more rounded, and their patterns of brain activity differ from those of other breeds, so it's easy to imagine that their brains regulate behaviour differently. 'It's also possible that dogs with breathing difficulties, pain, or musculoskeletal issues move less and seek comfort, which owners interpret as calm behaviour.' DOGS WERE FIRST DOMESTICATED SOME 20,000–40,000 YEARS AGO A genetic analysis of the world's oldest known dog remains revealed that dogs were domesticated in a single event by humans living in Eurasia, around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. Dr Krishna Veeramah, an assistant professor in evolution at Stony Brook University, told MailOnline: 'The process of dog domestication would have been a very complex process, involving a number of generations where signature dog traits evolved gradually. 'The current hypothesis is that the domestication of dogs likely arose passively, with a population of wolves somewhere in the world living on the outskirts of hunter-gatherer camps feeding off refuse created by the humans. 'Those wolves that were tamer and less aggressive would have been more successful at this, and while the humans did not initially gain any kind of benefit from this process, over time they would have developed some kind of symbiotic [mutually beneficial] relationship with these animals, eventually evolving into the dogs we see today.'
The Herald Scotland
03-08-2025
- Health
- The Herald Scotland
Tributes to leading figure in Glasgow's Hares and Hounds club
Died: July 2, 2025 Dr Des Gilmore, who has died aged 83, was a remarkable figure whose life blended academic excellence with a steadfast dedication to student life and community. From his early beginnings in New Zealand to his long career at Glasgow University, he left a legacy as a scientist, teacher, mentor and volunteer. His contributions spanned research, teaching, athletics and mentorship, always delivered with warmth and enthusiasm. Born and educated in New Zealand, he was modest about his considerable academic achievements. After graduating with a degree in zoology from the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, he won a government scholarship to undertake a PhD at the same university. His lifelong interest in reproductive physiology stemmed from this postgraduate research. He was awarded a post-doctoral fellowship at the Royal Veterinary College, London in 1968 where he worked on the control of ovulation by antifertility compounds. After two years, he was awarded a Ford Foundation Fellowship to move to the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. Here he worked in the laboratory of Dr MC Chang, whose work with Gregory Pincus in the 1950s famously led to the development of the oral contraceptive. In 1972 Des returned to the UK to take up a lectureship in physiology at Glasgow University where he became interested in how the hypothalamic control of pituitary function becomes established in the human foetus and the possible role of central neurotransmitters in this process. He continued with his research while taking on teaching roles delivering lectures, running courses and supervising final year BSc projects of science students and Student Selected Components of Medical Students. These student projects often led to publications in peer-reviewed journals; for example one honours project led to the publication of a short Letter to Nature indicating that male distance runners were likely to father slightly more daughters than sons! Through a chance meeting at an international conference in Berlin in 1980, Des was invited to the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in Recife to examine neurotransmitter levels in the opossum Didelphis. While this work was unproductive, a close friendship formed at the time with Professor Carlos Peres da Costa led to a return to Recife in 1989 to collaborate in research on endocrine function in the three-toed sloth. Des retired in 2006, but continued with some teaching to the School of Life Sciences Honours students in anatomy, physiology and neuroscience at Glasgow. However, his main teaching commitment since was as a facilitator in the problem-based learning classes with first- and second-year medical students, as well as running exercise-related special study modules for second, third- and fourth-year medical students. This culminated in the award of a Certificate of Excellence by Glasgow University medical students, class of 2017. Read more Tributes to Dundonian who became eminent director of the stars | The Herald 'First-class' producer at BBC Scotland and promoter of Gaelic dies | The Herald 'He never gave up': tributes to patriarch of Scottish undertakers | The Herald Upon Des's move to Glasgow in 1972, he became involved in sport at the university, specifically the Hares and Hounds running club. He served as secretary of the club and would then go on to be appointed president in 1988, a position he held until his death 37 years later. At the same time, Des was appointed by the University of Glasgow Court to sit on the Council of the Glasgow University Athletic Club, which later became Glasgow University Sports Association (the student representative sport association at the university). He held this position until 2020, and then became honorary vice president, a position which he also held until his death this month. Des was a well-known and respected Scottish Athletics Association official, and spent much of his time volunteering at events, primarily as a timekeeper. Among many other roles he was an ambassador at the events held in Glasgow during the 2012 Olympics and a volunteer at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. He was also the member of the [[University of Glasgow]] staff who, along with two students, was selected to be a Queen's Baton Bearer during the lead-up to the Games in 2014. Des Gilmore (Image: Contributed) What set Des apart from all others though was his commitment to volunteering, specifically within GUSA and Hares and Hounds. Rain, hail, sleet or snow, Des would be present at Hares and Hounds training sessions and races to assist with timekeeping, and was a much-loved and friendly face to students, staff and alumni. Additionally, Des remained on the GUSA Council until his death and would be at every meeting without fail. He also enjoyed attending the annual GUSA Ball and 1881 alumni dinner, the latter being a particular favourite where he was able to reconnect with former students and hear everything that they had been up to; he always had a wonderful recall of everyone he had met and showed a huge interest in whoever he spoke about. Both GUSA and the Hares and Hounds have been incredibly sad to hear of the death of their most fervent advocate and supporter. Des was a lovely man, who always greeted whoever he met with a beaming smile and bounds of enthusiasm. Although he was happy to find he had spent all his life in Glasgow, he kept up very close relations with his family and many friends in New Zealand, visiting them during the southern summer or winter months most years. He also delighted in finding his close relatives in Ireland, becoming devoted throughout his life to all things Irish. Des died following a short illness and was buried at his family plot in Kilkenny. A memorial service at the university will be planned in the coming months. At The Herald, we carry obituaries of notable people from the worlds of business, politics, arts and sport but sometimes we miss people who have led extraordinary lives. That's where you come in. If you know someone who deserves an obituary, please consider telling us about their lives. Contact
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Which dog do YOU think is the cutest? Vets say our preference for breeds is changing - take the test to see if you agree
From tiny Corgis to chunky Rottweilers, man's best friend comes in all different shapes and sizes. But vets now say that Brits' preferences for pooches are shifting. New research from the Royal Veterinary College shows that people favour dogs with more pronounced muzzles, less bulging eyes, and longer tails. The researchers say this shows a growing movement away from the flat faces and short limbs that were once popular for fashionable breeds. Dr Rowena Packer, senior author of the paper, told MailOnline: 'For some time, preference has appeared to be for more extreme body shapes, which have been popularised and normalised in the media. 'However, this is the first evidence that the tide may be turning and the public now prefers less extreme body shapes.' Across all breeds, participants said that the less extreme body shapes were more attractive, healthier, and made them feel happier. So, which of the dogs do you think is the cutest? Take a look at the test below to see if you agree with the results. A new study suggests that taste in dogs is shifting away from more 'extreme' body shapes and towards healthier characteristics among flat-faced dogs such as pugs The study examined how people rated three different flat-faced, or brachycephalic, dog breeds: Pugs, English Bulldogs, and French Bulldogs. Almost 500 participants were shown AI-generated images depicting less extreme, super extreme, or typical versions of the three breeds. Participants were then asked to rate the dogs in five categories - perceived attractiveness, perceived health, the happiness induced by their appearance, the ethics of breeding, and the desire for ownership. The results revealed that the least extreme versions of the breeds were rated highest across all categories. Likewise, typical versions of the breeds were rated higher in all categories than the more extreme versions. Almost all participants in the study owned dogs of varying breeds, with just over a quarter owning flat-faced breeds. Owners of flat-faced breeds were consistently more positive about all the dogs, no matter how extreme. The researchers say this is likely due to dog owners showing a preference for dogs that look like their own. What are brachycephalic dogs? The word 'brachycephalic' means short or broad-headed. Examples include Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, and Pekingese. Because of this extreme body shape, flat-faced dogs have a much higher risk of developing numerous painful illnesses and diseases. Health problems associated with brachycephaly include: Anatomical defects of the upper airway causing breathing difficulties often associated with overheating, sleep apnoea, and regurgitation Eye disease Inability to mate or give birth naturally Repeated skin infections Dental problems However, even these committed owners preferred the least extreme body shapes. This is good news for dog welfare campaigners who have been arguing for years that fashionable extreme breeding trends were leading to severe health issues. Dr Packer says: 'Extreme body shapes are created by artificial selection for genetic mutations. 'The consequent body shapes break natural biological limits for dogs and lead to a range of chronic, severe disorders that reduce quality of life and lifespan.' For example, flat faces make it harder for dogs to breathe, while short, curly tails are associated with spinal diseases and paralysis. The fact that the public is now starting to prefer more natural dogs might be a sign that campaigners' messages are starting to have an effect. Dr Paul Manktelow, Director of Veterinary Services at animal charity Blue Cross, says: 'At Blue Cross we see all too often how pets with extreme features suffer from painful conditions that often require costly surgery to treat. 'This study provides hope that it doesn't have to be this way.' Data from the Kennel Club suggests that registrations for pedigree flat-faced puppies have been falling over the last few years. However, a study published by the Royal Veterinary College last year found that French Bulldogs were the most popular breed for new owners, making up 7 per cent of all puppies under one year old in 2019. This reflects how stubborn preferences for these unhealthy breeds can be. Dr Packer's previous research found that health problems faced by flat-faced breeds, such as being unable to exercise due to skeletal issues, were normalised by their owners. One in seven flat-faced owners said 'nothing' could persuade them against getting an unhealthy dog. Likewise, many believed their dogs' 'laziness' was a highly desirable trait, despite this often being caused by breathing or musculoskeletal problems. Dr Packer says: 'Many breeders show resistance to changing the body shape of their breed. 'Given that breeders hold the power to make decisions over which types of dog are bred, and current legislation around extreme breeding is not enforced in the UK, the market is still dominated by extreme dogs, giving the public less choice to express their preferences when acquiring a puppy.' Researchers found that Britons consistently rated less extreme body shapes (dog 1 in the test samples) as more attractive, healthier, and more ethical to breed than more extreme versions In the future, Dr Packer says she would like to see standards changed to encourage less extreme breeds. These could include limits on how extreme a dog's physical traits can be, similar to laws imposed in the Netherlands. By restricting the extremes of dog breeding, the standard may shift back towards the preferences of most people and start to favour healthier shapes. 'Prioritising ethics and welfare in breeding over aesthetics is key for a happy, healthy future for dogs,' says Dr Packer. A genetic analysis of the world's oldest known dog remains revealed that dogs were domesticated in a single event by humans living in Eurasia, around 20,000 to 40,000 years ago. Dr Krishna Veeramah, an assistant professor in evolution at Stony Brook University, told MailOnline: 'The process of dog domestication would have been a very complex process, involving a number of generations where signature dog traits evolved gradually. 'The current hypothesis is that the domestication of dogs likely arose passively, with a population of wolves somewhere in the world living on the outskirts of hunter-gatherer camps feeding off refuse created by the humans. 'Those wolves that were tamer and less aggressive would have been more successful at this, and while the humans did not initially gain any kind of benefit from this process, over time they would have developed some kind of symbiotic [mutually beneficial] relationship with these animals, eventually evolving into the dogs we see today.'
