Liverpool Uni Awarded Grant
Head trauma can have a number of long term consequences that impact on quality of life. Dr Peter Smith, specialist in Veterinary Neurology at the University of Liverpool, has recently treated a dog with severe, multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies following head injuries and is concerned that many dogs suffer similar problems, without the underlying problem being identified.
Dr Smith, in charge of the study at the University of Liverpool said: “Hormone deficiencies are relatively simple problems to treat and can have a dramatic impact on quality of life. Any animal in which an abnormality is identified will be treated appropriately, coordinated with their own veterinary surgeon.
“Thanks to the grant from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, I am able to get the study off the ground and, depending on the results, we hope to undertake a more extensive investigation into the time course over which hormonal abnormalities develop, and into the relationship between trauma severity and the prevalence of abnormalities.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
