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New heart scheme for Cavaliers
Assessments will initially be carried out in groups by cardiologists, who will then grade the dogs using a pre-defined protocol.
Grading system to reduce risk of MVD

A new heart scheme has been launched to reduce the occurrence of mitral valve disease (MVD) in Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

The scheme has been launched by the Kennel Club, in collaboration with the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VCS) and the breed clubs.

Dogs will be assessed using a grading system that advises owners if their dog is affected by heart disease, and provides guidance to breeders on how to reduce the risk of producing affected puppies.

Assessments will initially be carried out in groups by cardiologists, who will then grade the dogs using a pre-defined protocol.

Hannah Stephenson, a cardiologist at VCS said: “With heart problems being the most prevalent condition in Cavaliers - Mitral Valve Disease is a condition that we see on a daily basis - the scheme is a great step forwards in improving the health of these dogs.

“Obtaining and centralising the data through this scheme will also go a long way in protecting the health of the breed and contributing to future research.”

Bill Lambert, senior health and welfare manager at the Kennel Club, added: “Developing the scheme collaboratively with the VCS and the breed club was crucial and we look forward to working alongside breeders, who we encourage to utilise and support the scheme.

“It is these people who are making the important decisions that determine the breed’s future and our job as the Kennel Club is to support them and offer them the tools to do this in a way that will improve the breed’s health.”

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.