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Clinical study proves benefits of joint supplements on canine mobility
Dr Matthew Pead and Dr John Howie at the BSAVA congress.
Dr Matthew Pead and Dr John Howie at the BSAVA congress.

Royal Veterinary College study found "significant" improvements over six week period

The Royal Veterinary College says it has found the first ever clinical proof of the effect of joint supplements on canine mobility.

The college carried out a two and a half year long clinical study.

Monitors originally developed to track wild cat movements in Africa were instead applied to measure the activity of dogs over a six week period.

One set of dogs were given the YUMOVE supplement, and another group a placebo. The group that were given YUMOVE showed statistically significant improvements , the college said.

"This study represents a major step forward in canine mobility”, said Dr Matthew Pead, lead investigator at the RVC.

“It took nine months of careful planning to ensure a robust methodology was developed to provide clear clinical results that veterinary professionals can rely on, and give confidence when recommending joint supplements to dog owners.

"Furthermore, the huge volume of objective activity data will enhance our understanding of the effect of canine osteoarthritis on mobility and activity in the dog’s day to day activities.”

The clinical study was sponsored by Lintbells, the UK based manufacturer of YUMOVE.

“We are very excited by the results of the clinical study” said Lintbells co-founder Dr John Howie.

“From the extensive feedback from owners and vets alike, we already knew the product worked.

"But we wanted to establish independent, rigorous clinical evidence for YUMOVE so that veterinary professionals could recommend the product with confidence, and dog owners knew what to expect from a clinically proven joint supplement in real-life situations.

"There is a great deal of uncertainty and confusion when it comes to joint supplements. This clinical study now provides clarity for clinician and owner alike.

"With an estimated 1.2 million dogs suffering from joint and mobility issues and only approximately 10 to 15 per cent receiving a nutritional supplement, Lintbells believes that providing an affordable, proven product that owners can rely on will uncap the significant market opportunity for veterinary professionals.”

 

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Search dog who served for 12 years dies

News Story 1
 Red, a search and rescue dog with the Staffordshire Search and Rescue Team, has died after 12 years of service.

The National Search and Rescue Dog Association (NSARDA) announced on Facebook that he had died from cancer.

The border collie joined the team in 2011 at eight weeks old. During his career, he helped in over 250 searches.

Red retired in 2022, due to his diagnosis. Despite a prognosis of six weeks to six months, he lived for 12 months. 

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Blood bank not accepting XL bully donors

Pet Blood Bank UK has said that it will no longer be accepting XL bully type dogs as blood donors in England and Wales.

The announcement comes ahead of the first stage of the XL bully ban, which begins on 31 December 2023.

The legislation will mean that, as a banned dog, XL bully types will need to wear a muzzle in all public spaces. This includes the donation centre, which the blood bank says will compromise the dogs' welfare when donating blood.

The charity will continue accepting pre-existing XL bully type donors at its donation centres in Scotland, subject to any updates in the Scottish legislation.

However, they will no longer be accepting any new donor registrations from the breed at any centres in the UK.

Pet Blood Bank UK says that, while they understand the news is 'disappointing', they hope that XL bully type owners will continue to support them by volunteering and fundraising.