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: 29th February 2016
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

Canine study offers insights into treatment of human OCD
Doberman
CCD compulsions may include repetitive tail chasing, excessively grooming, and flank and blanket sucking.

Scientists identify genetic pathways that exacerbate the condition

Researchers have uncovered genetic pathways in Doberman pinschers that increase the severity of canine compulsive disorder.

Published in the International Journal of Applied Research, scientists hope the discovery will lead to better therapies for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder in humans.

Lead author Nicholas Dodman from Tufts University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, said: “Dogs naturally suffer complex diseases, including mental disorders that are similar to those in humans. Among those is canine compulsive disorder (CCD), the counterpart to human obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).”

OCD is listed by the World Health Organisation as among the 20 most disabling diseases. Estimated to affect around one to three per cent of people, the condition is often characterised by time-consuming repetitive behaviours and distressing thoughts.

CCD compulsions may include repetitive tail chasing, excessively grooming, and flank and blanket sucking. However, therapies for compulsion disorder in dogs are not as effective as they could be.

To read more about the study visit vetcommunity.com (VC login required).


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

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.