BackgroundIndividual dog breeds are often reported as predisposed to specific breed-related disorders but reliable epidemiological data on disease prevalence are sparse. The Miniature Schnauzer in the UK is a popular small breed dog that is often considered as relatively healthy and long-lived, but is this really true? This study aimed to use data from the VetCompass™ Programme at the Royal Veterinary College to characterise the demography, mortality and common disorders of the general population of Miniature Schnauzers under veterinary care in the UK.ResultsThe study population of 455,557 dogs from 304 clinics in the VetCompass™ database under veterinary care during 2013 included 3857 Miniature Schnauzers (0.85%). For dogs with data available, 1771 (56.9%) were neutered and 1893 (49.2%) were females. Mean adult bodyweight overall was 9.9 kg (SD 2.2 kg) and median longevity was 11.6 years (IQR 9.3–13.1, range 0.5–17.0). The most prevalent fine-level precision disorders recorded were periodontal disease (n = 343, prevalence 17.4, 95% CI: 15.7–19.1), obesity/overweight (164, 8.3, 95% CI: 7.1–9.6), anal sac impaction (114, 5.8, 95% CI: 4.8–6.9), vomiting (100, 5.1, 95% CI% 4.1–6.1) and otitis externa (99, 5.0, 95% CI% 4.1–6.1). The most prevalent grouped-level precision disorders were dental (n = 378, prevalence: 19.2, 95% CI: 17.5–21.0), enteropathy (270, 13.7, 95% CI: 12.2–15.3), cutaneous (250, 12.7, 95% CI: 11.2–14.2) and aural (197, 10.0, 95% CI: 8.7–11.4).ConclusionsThis study provides generalisable evidence on the demography, longevity and most prevalent disorders in the Miniature Schnauzer breed in the UK. Awareness of common diseases and breed predispositions can support evidence-based policies to improve breed health, guide veterinary surgeons when producing differential diagnosis lists, and assist owners when purchasing or caring for their pets.

OBJECTIVESThe Miniature Schnauzer has increased in popularity over the last two decades, with the number of puppies being registered with the Kennel Club doubling over this period. This study aimed to describe the demography and disorders in Miniature Schnauzers attending UK primary veterinary practice. METHODSAll dogs recorded as Miniature Schnauzer and under veterinary care during 2013 were extracted from the VetCompass database of primary-care clinical records. The full clinical records of a random sample were manually examined in detail to extract data on all disorders recorded during 2013. RESULTSThe study examined 1,970 (51.1%) from the overall 3,857 Miniature Schnauzers identified. The median age was 3 years 11 months (IQR: 1year 7 months to 6 years 5 months). Overall, 63.8% of the females and 49.4% of the males were neutered.The most prevalent disorders were dental disease (n=357, 18.1%, 95% CI 16.4-19.8%), obesity (n=165, 8.4%, 95% CI 7.2-9.6%), anal sac impaction (n=116, 5.8%, 95% CI 4.8-6.8%), vomiting (n=106,5.4%, 95% CI 4.4-6.9%), otitis externa (n=101, 5.1%, 95% CI 4.2-6.1%), ear disorder (n=100, 5.1%, 95% CI 4.1-6.1%), heart murmur (n=82, 4.2%, 95% CI 3.3-5.0%), diarrhoea (n=82, 4.2%, 95% CI 3.3-5.0%) and skin mass (n=70, 3.6%, 95% CI 2.7-4.4%). STATEMENTThese results provide generalisable and up to-date evidence to inform veterinarians, breeders and dog owners on the commmon health issues affecting the Miniature Schnauzer. This study will also help to prioritise disorders for future research in Miniature Schnauzers. OBJECTIVESTo establish the efficacy of heparinised versus normal saline solution in maintaining intravenous catheter patency in dogs. METHODSProspective randomised double blinded clinical investigation. Twelve client owned dogs hospitalised for radiotherapy requiring an intravenous catheter for at least 24 hours had a 20g catheter placed in their cephalic vein. Flush solution was either 2 IU ml -1 heparin in 0.9% saline (Group HS) or 0.9% saline only (Group S) and patients requiring subsequent catheters were reassigned to the alternative solution with each successive placement. Upon removal a questionnaire was completed to capture duration of placement and reasons for removal or loss. Data were tested for normality and analysed with Mann Whitney U and Fisher's Exact tests; p<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTSThirty-five catheters (17 Group HS, 18 Group S) were placed in 12 dogs; median placement duration was 91.6 (30.4-105.6) hours. Catheter loss overall was 18% (Group HS) and 28% (Group S). Loss due to thrombus formation was 5.9% (Group HS) and 5.5% (Group S). No significant differences for catheter duration (p=0.82),