Australia
Training People How To Interact With Shelter Cats Produces Lasting Welfare Improvements
New research suggests that teaching people how to interact appropriately with cats can produce measurable and lasting welfare benefits in shelters. Researchers examined the effects of a best practice educational programme designed to improve human cat interactions. The findings support the idea that the way people approach, handle and respond to cats can play an important role in reducing stress and improving their experience while in care.
United Kingdom
Can Owners Help Their Dogs When They Are Frightened?
Researchers have examined whether support from an owner changes how dogs respond when confronted with unfamiliar and potentially frightening objects. The study looked at dogs’ immediate behavioural responses when their owners provided support. Understanding how dogs use people as a source of security could help improve the way fear and stress are managed both at home and in other environments.
UK
New Research Examines Grape & Raisin Poisoning In Dogs And Cats
A new veterinary study has examined poisoning cases involving dogs and cats that consumed grapes, raisins or related products. Grape toxicity is particularly associated with potentially serious kidney injury in dogs, but predicting which animals will become seriously ill remains difficult. Researchers analysed reported cases to better understand clinical outcomes, treatment and monitoring.
UK
Study Questions Antibiotic Use For Canine Respiratory Disease
UK veterinary research has examined antibiotic prescribing for canine infectious respiratory disease, sometimes referred to as kennel cough. Many cases are mild and resolve without antibiotics, making prescribing practices relevant to wider efforts to reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use. The research adds to the growing focus on responsible antibiotic use in companion animal medicine.
UK
Machine Learning Could Help Detect Lameness In Dogs
Researchers are exploring whether machine learning could help veterinarians identify canine lameness through analysis of the way dogs move. A preliminary gait analysis model was able to identify clinically lame dogs walking in the study dataset. Further research will be needed, but the technology could eventually provide another objective tool to support veterinary assessment of mobility and pain.
Spain
Researchers Develop Common Definition For Anaesthesia Related Deaths In Dogs & Cats
An international veterinary project has developed a framework for defining and classifying deaths associated with anaesthesia in dogs and cats. Differences in how these deaths are recorded can make it difficult to compare outcomes between veterinary practices, hospitals and research studies. Creating common definitions could improve data collection and help researchers better understand where risks occur and how they might be reduced.
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