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Pre-owned pooches: Characterising commercial and private re-homing and re-selling systems for dogs aged > 16 weeks in the UK and implications for canine welfare

People: Rowena Packer, Dan O'Neill, Bree Merritt

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

This PhD project will explore the re-sale of dogs over 16 weeks old that are sold through online advertisements in the UK: the demographics of dogs advertised; the demographics, motivations, and experiences of their sellers and buyers; and how the UK public perceives the online re-sale of dogs compared to other rehoming options.

Morris Animal Foundation Canine Cancer Epidemiology Research Programme (In progress)

People: David Brodbelt, Dan O'Neill, Sandra Guillen, Collette Taylor

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

This project aims to explore the frequency of different cancers and factors associated with these cancers in dogs from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study cohort. Alongside this, VetCompass health data will be examined to explore cancer frequency and risk factors in both Golden Retrievers and the wider, UK primary-practice attending population. 

A solution right under our nose? Exploring health implications and public demand for brachycephalic ‘designer’ outcrosses (In Progress)

People: Lizzie Youens, Dan O'Neill, Rowena Packer

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

Do brachycephalic-outcrosses exhibit improved respiratory and ‘innate’ health characteristics compared to their extreme-brachycephalic parent-breed?

Do brachycephalic-outcrosses meet the aesthetic-preferences of people who desire extreme-brachycephalic purebreds?

Validating the VetCompass Clinical Grading Tool for Heat-related Illness in Dogs (In Progress)

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

This MRes project aims to extend an earlier body of theoretical work based on general first opinion caseloads by evaluating and validating the VetCompass Clinical Grading Tool in real-world clinical cases presenting for emergency veterinary care in the UK.

Canine health and welfare research funding in the UK: Current status and future opportunities (In Progress)

People: Alison Skipper, Dan O'Neill, Rowena Packer

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

This project, supported by four leading UK canine charities in partnership with the RVC, will explore the levels and distribution of UK canine health research funding over the last decade, and analyse the areas of research this has included. Through collaborative discussion with funders, vets, scientists, dog breeders and owners, the project will develop a joint strategy to agree priorities for future research funding decisions.

The DogWeb Survey (Complete)

People: Michelle Farrow, Rowena Packer, Dan O'Neill

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

This study aims to explore whether and how online information sourcing affects the decision-making of UK canine caregivers when deciding whether to seek veterinary care for dogs exhibiting clinical signs of disease.

Improved Stewardship to Protect Veterinary Antimicrobial Usage in UK Cats and Dogs (In Progress)

People: David Brodbelt, Dan O'Neill, Sian Frosini, Noel Kennedy, David Church

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog, Cat, Small Animal

Funded by the Petplan Charitable Trust, this project aims to identify and promote effective and practical antimicrobial stewardship interventions for widespread adoption in veterinary practice.

VetCompass eClinical Trials (In Progress)

People: Camilla Pegram, Dan O'Neill, David Brodbelt, Ruby Chang, Noel Kennedy

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

The study aims to develop innovative statistical approaches to veterinary electronic patient records to evaluate the effectiveness of clinical interventions in dogs.

BVetMed RP2 Research Projects (In Progress)

People: Dan O'Neill, David Brodbelt, Camilla Pegram

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog, Cat, Small Mammal, Exotic

All BVetMed veterinary undergraduates at the RVC are required to complete a formal piece of research (named Research Project 2 “RP2”) as part of their route towards gaining a veterinary degree. This project is a Level 7 body of work that is at the level of a master’s project. VetCompass supports students to undertake these RP2 projects at the RVC. The Kennel Club Charitable Trust has supported several VetCompass RP2s annually on topics related to canine health.

Diabetes mellitus and antibiotics – exploring the use of antibiotics as a risk factor for the disease (Complete)

People: Lucy Davison, David Brodbelt, Dan O'Neill

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

The project aims to report the incidence of canine diabetes mellitus cases diagnosed in primary care veterinary practices in the United Kingdom and to describe and explore systemic antibiotic usage prior to dogs developing diabetes mellitus.

RVC Pandemic Puppies Research Programme (In Progress)

People: Rowena Packer, Dan O'Neill, Claire Brand, Kim Stevens, Camilla Pegram, Bree Merritt

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog, Pandemic Puppies

The °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹æÂÉÂÛ̳ (RVC) is calling for respondents for its survey on puppy buying experiences both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Hot Dogs – investigating the epidemiology of canine heatstroke presenting to UK primary care veterinary practices (Complete)

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

The project, funded by Dogs Trust, aims to improve our understanding of the incidence, underlying causes and risk factors associated with heatstroke in dogs. and  at Nottingham Trent University are working in collaboration with Dr Dan O'Neill at the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹æÂÉÂÛ̳ on this project.

Canine leptospirosis: Improving diagnostics and understanding of the epidemiology of disease in UK dogs (In Progress)

People: Brian Catchpole, David Brodbelt

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

The project, co-sponsored by BBSRC and MSD, aims to improve the diagnostics of Leptospirosis in canids. 

Re-Inventing Diagnosis and Management of Canine Hyperadrenocorticism (Complete)

People: Dan O'Neill, David Brodbelt, David Church

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

This project, funded by Dechra, aims to determine better methods for the earlier detection and monitoring of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs.  More effective diagnosis and monitoring may result in improved quality of life.

Earlier Onset Urinary Incontinence in the Bitch and its Association with Neutering (Complete)

People: Camilla Pegram, Dan O'Neill, David Brodbelt

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

Funded by BSAVA PetSavers, this project aims to evaluate major risk factors for development of urinary incontinence in bitches.  In particular, it will explore the association between neutering and age at time of neutering with onset of early incontinence. 

UFAW/RVC Companion Animal Genetic Health and Welfare Research (Complete)

People: David Brodbelt, Dan O'Neill

Vet Compass Project Type: Cat, Dog, Horse

This project developed evidence-based recommendations on breed-related health and welfare problems in companion animals.

Current Usage of Antimicrobials in UK Cats and Dogs (Complete)

People: Dan O'Neill, David Church, David Brodbelt

Vet Compass Project Type: Cat, Dog

This research characterised and quantified antimicrobial use in cats and dogs attending a large group of UK veterinary practices, in order to establish companion animal antimicrobial prescribing behaviour.  

Kennel Club Charitable Trust Companion Animal Epidemiologist - Disorders of UK Companion Animals (In Progress)

People: Dan O'Neill

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog, Cat, Small Mammal, Exotic

This collaborative venture between the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹æÂÉÂÛ̳ (RVC) and the Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT) will investigate

• Canine breed-specific disorder prevalence
• Risk factors for important canine conditions
• Common disorders in other small animal species

The Effectiveness of Antimicrobials for the Treatment of Canine Pyoderma in the UK (Complete)

People: Anke Hendricks, David Brodbelt

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

This study aimed to estimate the frequency of canine pyoderma and its treatment and to evaluate risk factors for treatment relapse and failure in UK primary and referral veterinary practice.

Man’s Best Friend: Risk Factors for Canine Cancer (Complete)

People: David Brodbelt

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

This study looked at risk factors for the major canine cancers, including environmental factors which may be markers for disease in co-habiting humans.