BACKGROUND: Rabbits' teeth grow continuously. Overgrown teeth are a frequent cause for veterinary consultation and can have severe welfare implications. The risk factors for overgrown teeth are incompletely understood. M...BACKGROUND: Rabbits' teeth grow continuously. Overgrown teeth are a frequent cause for veterinary consultation and can have severe welfare implications. The risk factors for overgrown teeth are incompletely understood. METHODS: Rabbits with overgrown teeth recorded in their electronic health records (EHRs) were identified from a large population of rabbits presenting to veterinary practices (2014-2023). A case‒control study was used to evaluate associations with animal-level characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 1272 narratives describing overgrown teeth in 749 individual rabbits were identified, with incisor involvement in 67.7% of the cases. The proportion of recorded tooth-shortening methods involving clipping declined from 21.4% in 2014 to 4.2% in 2021, with no cases recorded in 2022. Brachycephaly (odds ratio [OR] 1.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-2.20), increasing age (OR per 1-year increase 1.08, 95% CI 1.05-1.10) and male sex (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.45-2.23) were associated with higher odds of dental overgrowth. Neutered rabbits had lower odds of dental overgrowth (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.55-0.83). LIMITATIONS: The study relied on retrospective EHR data. Misclassification of phenotypes may have arisen from incomplete or incorrect recording in the data. CONCLUSION: Targeted education and preventative health messaging around dental overgrowth may help mitigate the associated welfare implications in pet rabbits.
BACKGROUND: Chronic pain, which affects multiple aspects of dogs' wellbeing, including quality of life (QoL), was assessed in dogs with elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, medial patella luxation, cranial cruciate ligament r...BACKGROUND: Chronic pain, which affects multiple aspects of dogs' wellbeing, including quality of life (QoL), was assessed in dogs with elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, medial patella luxation, cranial cruciate ligament rupture or osteoarthritis. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted between 2017 and 2020 in client-owned dogs diagnosed with one of five common orthopaedic presentations. Owners completed the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), Helsinki Chronic Pain Index (HCPI) and a QoL questionnaire before presentation. RESULTS: No significant differences in owner-reported QoL scores were found among the five common orthopaedic conditions (p = 0.279). There was considerable individual variation in the chronic pain measures and QoL scores across groups of dogs with different conditions. Dogs presenting with elbow dysplasia had the lowest mean reported measures of chronic pain (HCPI: 11, 1-30; CBPI: 27, 0-68), while dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture had the highest (HCPI: 16, 0-35; CBPI: 40, 0-80). LIMITATIONS: The study relied on owner assessments. Neither condition severity nor radiographic grading was standardised. CONCLUSION: A wide individual variation in QoL and clinical metrology instrument scores was identified in dogs presenting with common orthopaedic diseases, requiring tailored management approaches that address the impact of the condition on the individual dog.
BACKGROUND: The reported prevalence of feline idiopathic epilepsy (IE) and presumptive imaging diagnoses based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) varies depending on factors such as differences between primary care vers...BACKGROUND: The reported prevalence of feline idiopathic epilepsy (IE) and presumptive imaging diagnoses based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) varies depending on factors such as differences between primary care versus referral study populations. METHODS: This retrospective, imaging-based study reviewed MRI data from cats with suspected epileptic seizures. Cases were categorised as follows: no lesions detected (IE, referring to cats aged 6 months‒7 years with recurrent epileptic seizures, and epilepsy or epileptic seizure of unknown aetiology [EuA] [i.e., cats not fulfilling IE criteria]) and structural lesion(s) detected (SL). Presumptive imaging diagnoses were classified according to the following aetiologies: presumptive intra-axial/extra-axial neoplasia, inflammatory, vascular, congenital, traumatic, metabolic/toxic and degenerative. RESULTS: Of 432 MRIs, 39% revealed SL, whereas 61% showed no structural lesions (of which 47% of cases were classified as IE and 53% were classified as EuA). Among cats with SL, presumptive imaging-based diagnoses included inflammatory diseases (25%), extra-axial neoplasia (19%), metabolic/toxic aetiologies (12%), congenital disorders (10%), lesions of unknown relevance (9%), intra-axial neoplasia (7%), trauma (5%), suspected hippocampal necrosis (5%), vascular events (4%), thiamine deficiency (2%) and degenerative diseases (2%). LIMITATIONS: This imaging-based study lacked histopathological confirmation and comprehensive clinical information. CONCLUSION: Nearly two-thirds of MRIs involving cats with suspected epileptic seizures showed no structural brain abnormalities.
A bumper agenda was considered by BVA Council at its most recent meeting on 15 April, with topics including legislative reform, new policy positions and BVA's strategic plan for 2027-2029.A bumper agenda was considered by BVA Council at its most recent meeting on 15 April, with topics including legislative reform, new policy positions and BVA's strategic plan for 2027-2029.
BVA Council has approved a new policy position on the welfare of animals used in performance sports.BVA Council has approved a new policy position on the welfare of animals used in performance sports.
A varied programme of topical debates is on offer at this year's Animal Welfare Foundation Discussion Forum.A varied programme of topical debates is on offer at this year's Animal Welfare Foundation Discussion Forum.
Reviewed by John Chitty, an RCVS advanced practitioner in zoological medicine who provides a consultancy and advisory service for zoos, local authorities and vets.Reviewed by John Chitty, an RCVS advanced practitioner in zoological medicine who provides a consultancy and advisory service for zoos, local authorities and vets.
BVA head of policy and public affairs Megan Knowles-Bacon discusses the latest developments around the classification of veterinary parasiticides.BVA head of policy and public affairs Megan Knowles-Bacon discusses the latest developments around the classification of veterinary parasiticides.
From early days in a zoo to life and work in some of the world's most remote communities, Hilary Burgess reflects on a career that took shape through experience, improvisation and a willingness to say yes.From early days in a zoo to life and work in some of the world's most remote communities, Hilary Burgess reflects on a career that took shape through experience, improvisation and a willingness to say yes.
Illegal trading of wildlife takes place across multiple online platforms but, despite voluntary platform policies, Facebook reigns for this insidious trade. Here, Georgina Mills discusses a new briefing report that deman...Illegal trading of wildlife takes place across multiple online platforms but, despite voluntary platform policies, Facebook reigns for this insidious trade. Here, Georgina Mills discusses a new briefing report that demands action is taken.
Amelia Findon, director of policy and governance, explains the latest and next steps in the fight for reform of the Act.Amelia Findon, director of policy and governance, explains the latest and next steps in the fight for reform of the Act.