AHT releases initial findings from cushing's disease study
AHT needs more responses from vets to come to any firm conclusions.
Preliminary findings from a study into cushing's disease show that some dog breeds tend to present fewer clinical signs than others.
Since launching the study in January this year, the Animal Health Trust (AHT) has been conducting a survey study of breed differences in the clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism.
Researchers collected more than 40 responses submitted from veterinary surgeons across the UK, in order to analyse trends.
Findings also showed that the frequency of most clinical signs seen in dogs affected by cushing's disease appear to be lower than previously reported in studies published decades ago. These signs include polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, abdominal distension, alopecia, panting, comedones and muscle weakness.
It is hoped findings from the study will help veterinary surgeons to diagnose canine hyperadrenocorticism. However, AHT needs further responses from vets to draw any firm conclusions.
The trust is asking vets to complete a 10-minute online questionnaire for each case diagnosed with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism.
AHT vet Michael Bennaim said: "We need members of the veterinary profession to help us increase knowledge of this disease and to promote this study to their colleagues."
All information supplied will be processed anonymously. Participants have a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher.
For further information about the study email michael.bennaim@aht.org.uk
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
