Publications by authors named "Z Belshaw"
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates when dogs are classified as "old" through analysis of veterinary clinical narratives, focusing on their welfare as they age.
- A sample of 1,000 consultations identified 832 dogs considered to be of old age, with most dogs entering this stage around 7.25 years, particularly varying by breed.
- Common health issues in older dogs included weight, musculoskeletal, dental, integumentary, and digestive conditions, suggesting a need for targeted health interventions as dogs age.
Reviewed by Zoe Belshaw, a small animal internal medicine diplomate and evidence-based veterinary medicine consultant.
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- - The growing popularity of designer-crossbreed dogs in the UK is largely due to the belief that they have improved health compared to their purebred counterparts, despite limited scientific backing for this idea.
- - A study analyzing health conditions in designer-crossbreeds (Cavapoo, Cockapoo, and Labradoodle) and their purebred parents found no significant health differences in 86.6% of cases, indicating that hybrid vigor may not be as strong as commonly thought.
- - The research highlights that owners should consider factors beyond perceived health benefits, such as breeding conditions, when choosing between designer-crossbreeds and purebreds for better canine welfare.
Perceptions of dog owners and veterinary professionals (surgeons/nurses) can influence the preventive healthcare and treatment provided to dogs, especially at the senior life-stage, when chronic diseases become more common. This study compared perceptions of healthcare of dogs as they age between dog owners and veterinary professionals. Data from two online surveys (owners: = 633, veterinary professionals: = 305) examined perceived need for veterinary visits and vaccinations.
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