Dan's research covers a diverse range of epidemiological studies based on primary-care veterinary clinical data collected via the VetCompass Programme. His projects include studies based both at the RVC and a growing number of external collaborations both in the UK and internationally. His research focus is primarily on improved understanding of the role of breed in relation to disorder prevalence and severity. In addition, Dan is involved in projects that also explore animal behaviour, drug usage, demography, longevity and welfare as well as human translational questions. 

 

Peer-reviewed publications

Economu, L., A. Stell, D. G. O'Neill, I. Schofield, K. Stevens, and D. Brodbelt. 2021. "Incidence and risk factors for feline lymphoma in UK primary-care practice."  Journal of Small Animal Practice 62 (2):97-106. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13266.

Edmunds, Grace Louise, Matthew J Smalley, Sam Beck, Rachel J Errington, Sara Gould, Helen Winter, Dave C Brodbelt, and Dan G O'Neill. 2021. "Dog breeds and body conformations with predisposition to osteosarcoma in the UK: a case-control study."  Canine Medicine and Genetics 8 (2):1-22. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-021-00100-7.

Hall, Emily J., Anne J. Carter, Jude Bradbury, Dominic Barfield, and Dan G. O’Neill. 2021. "Proposing the VetCompass clinical grading tool for heat-related illness in dogs."  Scientific Reports 11 (1):6828. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-86235-w.

O’Neill, Dan G., Anke. Hendricks, Jennifer Anne. Phillips, Dave C. Brodbelt, David B. Church, and Anette. Loeffler. 2021. "Non-neoplastic anal sac disorders in UK dogs: Epidemiology and management aspects of a research-neglected syndrome."  Veterinary Record. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.203.

O’Neill, Dan G., Hannah James, Dave C. Brodbelt, David B. Church, and Camilla Pegram. 2021. "Prevalence of commonly diagnosed disorders in UK dogs under primary veterinary care: results and applications."  BMC Veterinary Research 17 (1):69. doi: 10.1186/s12917-021-02775-3.

Pegram, Camilla, Carol Gray, Rowena M. A. Packer, Ysabelle Richards, David B. Church, Dave C. Brodbelt, and Dan G. O’Neill. 2021. "Proportion and risk factors for death by euthanasia in dogs in the UK."  Scientific Reports 11 (1):9145. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-88342-0.

Pegram, C., E. Raffan, E. White, A. H. Ashworth, D. C. Brodbelt, D. B. Church, and D. G. O'Neill. 2021. "Frequency, breed predisposition and demographic risk factors for overweight status in dogs in the UK."  Journal of Small Animal Practice n/a (n/a). doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13325.

Pegram, Camilla, Charlotte Woolley, Dave C. Brodbelt, David B. Church, and Dan G. O'Neill. 2021. "Disorder predispositions and protections of Labrador Retrievers in the UK."  Scientific Reports 11 (1):13988. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-93379-2.

Schofield, Imogen, David C. Brodbelt, Noel Kennedy, Stijn J. M. Niessen, David B. Church, Rebecca F. Geddes, and Dan G. O'Neill. 2021. "Machine-learning based prediction of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs attending UK primary-care veterinary practice."  Scientific Reports 11 (1):9035. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-88440-z.

Schofield, I., V. Woolhead, A. Johnson, D. C. Brodbelt, D. B. Church, and D. G. O'Neill. 2021. "Hypoadrenocorticism in dogs under UK primary veterinary care: frequency, clinical approaches and risk factors."  Journal of Small Animal Practice 62 (5):343-350. doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13285.

Taylor, C., D. C. Brodbelt, B. Dobson, B. Catchpole, D. G. O'Neill, and K. B. Stevens. 2021. "Spatio-temporal distribution and agroecological factors associated with canine leptospirosis in Great Britain."  Preventive Veterinary Medicine 193:105407. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105407.

 

2020

O'Neill, DG; Pegram, C; Crocker, P; Brodbelt, DC; Church, DB; Packer, RMA
Unravelling the health status of brachycephalic dogs in the UK using multivariable analysis
Scientific Reports, 10 (2020)

Anderson, K.L., Zulch, H., O'Neill, D.G., Meeson, R.L. and Collins, L.M. (2020) 'Risk Factors for Canine Osteoarthritis and Its Predisposing Arthropathies: A Systematic Review', Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7(220), available: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00220.

Elkholly, D.A., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B., Pelligand, L., Mwacalimba, K., Wright, A.K. and O'Neill, D.G. (2020) 'Side Effects to Systemic Glucocorticoid Therapy in Dogs Under Primary Veterinary Care in the UK', Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7(515), available: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00515.

Erlen, A., Potschka, H., Volk, H.A., Sauter-Louis, C. and O'Neill, D.G. (2020) 'Seizures in dogs under primary veterinary care in the United Kingdom: Etiology, diagnostic testing, and clinical management', Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34(6), 2525-2535, available: http://dx.doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15911.

Hall, E.J., Carter, A.J. and O'Neill, D.G. (2020) 'Dogs Don’t Die Just in Hot Cars—Exertional Heat-Related Illness (Heatstroke) Is a Greater Threat to UK Dogs', Animals, 10(8), 1324.

Hall, E.J., Carter, A.J. and O'Neill, D.G. (2020) 'Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016', Scientific Reports, 10(1), 9128, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-66015-8.

Heeley, A.M., O'Neill, D.G., Davison, L.J., Church, D.B., Corless, E.K. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2020) 'Diabetes mellitus in dogs attending UK primary-care practices: frequency, risk factors and survival', Canine Medicine and Genetics, 7(1), 6, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-020-00087-7.

Kathrani, A., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C., Pegram, C. and O'Neill, D.G. (2020) 'The use of hydrolysed diets for vomiting and/or diarrhoea in cats in primary veterinary practice', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 61(12), 723-731, available: http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13214.

Long, S., Carveth, H., Chang, Y.-M., O'Neill, D. and Bond, R. (2020) 'Isolation of dermatophytes from dogs and cats in the South of England between 1991 and 2017', Veterinary Record, vetrec-2020-105957, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.105957.

O'Neill, D.G., Brodbelt, D.C., Hodge, R., Church, D.B. and Meeson, R.L. (2020) 'Epidemiology and clinical management of elbow joint disease in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK', Canine Medicine and Genetics, 7(1), 1, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-020-0080-5.

O'Neill, D.G., Packer, R.M.A., Lobb, M., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and Pegram, C. (2020) 'Demography and commonly recorded clinical conditions of Chihuahuas under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2016', BMC Veterinary Research, 16(1), 42, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-2258-1.

O'Neill, D.G., Phillipps, S.A., Egan, J.R., Brodbelt, D., Church, D.B. and Volk, H.A. (2020) 'Epidemiology of recurrent seizure disorders and epilepsy in cats under primary veterinary care in the United Kingdom', Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, n/a(n/a), available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15881.

Packer, R.M.A., O'Neill, D.G., Fletcher, F. and Farnworth, M.J. (2020) 'Come for the looks, stay for the personality? A mixed methods investigation of reacquisition and owner recommendation of Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs', PLoS One, 15(8), e0237276, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0237276.

Pegram, C., Wonham, K., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B. and O'Neill, D.G. (2020) 'Staffordshire Bull Terriers in the UK: their disorder predispositions and protections', Canine Medicine and Genetics, 7(1), 13, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-020-00092-w.

Pegram, C.L., Bonnett, B.N., Skarp, H., Arnott, G., James, H., Hedhammar, Å., Leroy, G., Llewellyn-Zaidi, A., Seath, I.J. and O'Neill, D.G. (2020) 'Moving from information and collaboration to action: report from the 4th international dog health workshop, Windsor in May 2019', Canine Medicine and Genetics, 7(1), 4, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-020-00083-x.

Pegram, C.L., Rutherford, L., Corah, C., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and O'Neill, D.G. (2020) 'Clinical management of lipomas in dogs under primary care in the UK', Veterinary Record, vetrec-2019-105804, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.105804.

Radulescu, S.M., Humm, K., Eramanis, L.M., Volk, H.A., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D. and O'Neill, D.G. (2020) 'Vestibular disease in dogs under UK primary veterinary care: Epidemiology and clinical management', Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34(5), 1993-2004, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15869.

Sanchez Villamil, C., Phillips, A.S.J., Pegram, C.L., O'Neill, D.G. and Meeson, R.L. (2020) 'Impact of breed on canine humeral condylar fracture configuration, surgical management, and outcome', Veterinary Surgery, 49(4), 639-647, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/vsu.13432.

Schofield, I., Brodbelt, D.C., Niessen, S.J.M., Church, D.B., Geddes, R.F., Kennedy, N. and O'Neill, D.G. (2020) 'Development and internal validation of a prediction tool to aid the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome in dogs attending primary-care practice', Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 34(6), 2306-2318, available: http://dx.doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15851.

Tompson, A.C., Chandler, C.I.R., Mateus, A.L.P., O'Neill, D.G., Chang, Y.-M. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2020) 'What drives antimicrobial prescribing for companion animals? A mixed-methods study of UK veterinary clinics', Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 183, 105117, available: http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105117.

 

2019

Conroy, M., Brodbelt, D.C., O'Neill, D., Chang, Y.-M. and Elliott, J. (2019) 'Chronic kidney disease in cats attending primary care practice in the UK: a VetCompass study', Veterinary Record, 184(17), 526, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.105100.

Conroy, M., O'Neill, D., Boag, A., Church, D. and Brodbelt, D. (2019) 'Epidemiology of road traffic accidents in cats attending emergency-care practices in the UK', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 60(March), 146-152, available: http://dx.doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12941.

Elkholly, D.A., O'Neill, D., Wright, A.K., Mwacalimba, K., Nolan, L.S., Pavlock, A., Pelligand, L., Church, D. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2019) 'Systemic glucocorticoid usage in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK: prevalence and risk factors', Veterinary Record, vetrec-2018-105220, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.105220.

Hall, J.L., Owen, L., Riddell, A., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and O'Neill, D.G. (2019) 'Urinary incontinence in male dogs under primary veterinary care in England: prevalence and risk factors', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 60(February), 86-95, available: http://dx.doi.org/doi:10.1111/jsap.12951.

Kennedy, N., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B. and O'Neill, D.G. (2019) 'Detecting false-positive disease references in veterinary clinical notes without manual annotations', npj Digital Medicine, 2(1), 33, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41746-019-0108-y.

O'Neill, D.G., Ballantyne, Z.F., Hendricks, A., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and Pegram, C. (2019) 'West Highland White Terriers under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2016: demography, mortality and disorders', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 6(1), 7, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-019-0075-2.

O'Neill, D.G., Butcher, C., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and Gough, A.G. (2019) 'Miniature Schnauzers under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2013: demography, mortality and disorders', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 6(1), 1, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-019-0069-0.

O'Neill, D.G., Craven, H.C., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B. and Hedley, J. (2019) 'Morbidity and mortality of domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) under primary veterinary care in England', Veterinary Record, 186(451), available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.105592.

O'Neill, D.G., O’Sullivan, A.M., Manson, E.A., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., Boag, A.K. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2019) 'Canine dystocia in 50 UK first-opinion emergency care veterinary practices: clinical management and outcomes', Veterinary Record, 184, 409, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.104944.

O'Neill, D.G., Romans, C., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B., Cerná, P. and Gunn-Moore, D.A. (2019) 'Persian cats under first opinion veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders', Scientific Reports, 9(1), 12952, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-49317-4.

O'Neill, D.G., Rooney, N.J., Brock, C., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and Pegram, C. (2019) 'Greyhounds under general veterinary care in the UK during 2016: demography and common disorders', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 6(1), 4, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-019-0072-5.

O'Neill, D.G., Skipper, A.M., Kadhim, J., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and Packer, R.M.A. (2019) 'Disorders of Bulldogs under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2013', PLoS One, 14(6), e0217928, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217928.

O'Neill, D.G., Turgoose, E., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and Hendricks, A. (2019) 'Juvenile-onset and adult-onset demodicosis in dogs in the UK: prevalence and breed associations', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 61(1), 32-41, available: http://dx.doi.org/https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13067.

Packer, R.M.A., O'Neill, D.G., Fletcher, F. and Farnworth, M.J. (2019) 'Great expectations, inconvenient truths, and the paradoxes of the dog-owner relationship for owners of brachycephalic dogs', PLoS One, 14(7), e0219918, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0219918.

Pegram, C., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B., Hall, J., Owen, L., Chang, Y.-M. and O'Neill, D.G. (2019) 'Associations between neutering and early-onset urinary incontinence in UK bitches under primary veterinary care', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 60, 723-733, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13072.

Pegram, C., O'Neill, D.G., Church, D.B., Hall, J., Owen, L. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2019) 'Spaying and urinary incontinence in bitches under UK primary veterinary care: a case–control study', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 60(7), 395-403, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13014.

Pittaway, C., Schofield, I., Dobson, J., O'Neill, D.G. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2019) 'Incidence and risk factors for the diagnosis of lymphoma in dogs in UK primary-care practice', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 0(https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jsap.13054), available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13054.

Schofield, I., Brodbelt, D.C., Wilson, A.R.L., Niessen, S., Church, D. and O'Neill, D. (2019) 'Survival analysis of 219 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism attending primary care practice in England', Veterinary Record, vetrec-2018-105159, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.105159.

Schofield, I., O'Neill, D.G., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B., Geddes, R.F. and Niessen, S.J.M. (2019) 'Development and evaluation of a health-related quality-of-life tool for dogs with Cushing's syndrome', Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 0(0), available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15639.

Schofield, I., Stevens, K.B., Pittaway, C., O'Neill, D.G., Fecht, D., Dobson, J.M. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2019) 'Geographic distribution and environmental risk factors of lymphoma in dogs under primary-care in the UK', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 60(12), 746-754, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsap.13075.

Summers, J.F., O'Neill, D.G., Church, D., Collins, L., Sargan, D. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2019) 'Health-related welfare prioritisation of canine disorders using electronic health records in primary care practice in the UK', BMC Veterinary Research, 15(1), 163, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12917-019-1902-0.

Van Meervenne, S., Volk, H.A., Verhoeven, P.S., Van Ham, L. and O'Neill, D.G. (2019) 'Associations between neutering and idiopathic epilepsy in Labrador retrievers and Border collies under primary veterinary care in the UK', The Veterinary Journal, 105354, available: http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.105354.

 

2018

Anderson, K.L., O'Neill, D.G., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B., Meeson, R.L., Sargan, D., Summers, J.F., Zulch, H. and Collins, L.M. (2018) 'Prevalence, duration and risk factors for appendicular osteoarthritis in a UK dog population under primary veterinary care', Scientific Reports, 8(1), 5641, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-23940-z.

Boyd, C., Jarvis, S., McGreevy, P.D., Heath, S., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and O'Neill, D.G. (2018) 'Mortality resulting from undesirable behaviours in dogs aged under three years attending primary-care veterinary practices in England', Animal Welfare, 27(3), 251-262, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.7120/09627286.27.3.251.

Erlen, A., Potschka, H., Volk, H.A., Sauter-Louis, C. and O'Neill, D.G. (2018) 'Seizure occurrence in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK: prevalence and risk factors', Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 32(5), 1665-1676, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.15290.

Harris, G.L., Brodbelt, D., Church, D., Humm, K., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and O'Neill, D. (2018) 'Epidemiology, clinical management, and outcomes of dogs involved in road traffic accidents in the United Kingdom (2009–2014)', Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 28(2), 140-148, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/vec.12704.

Hoffman, J.M., Creevy, K.E., Franks, A., O'Neill, D.G. and Promislow, D.E.L. (2018) 'The companion dog as a model for human aging and mortality', Aging cell, 17(3), e12737; 1-13, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/acel.12737.

Hoffman, J.M., O'Neill, D.G., Creevy, K.E. and Austad, S.N. (2018) 'Do Female Dogs Age Differently Than Male Dogs?', The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 73(2), 150-156, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glx061.

Lewis, T.W., Wiles, B.M., Llewellyn-Zaidi, A.M., Evans, K.M. and O'Neill, D.G. (2018) 'Longevity and mortality in Kennel Club registered dog breeds in the UK in 2014', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 5(1), 10, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-018-0066-8.

McGreevy, P.D., Wilson, B.J., Mansfield, C.S., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B., Dhand, N., Soares Magalhães, R.J. and O'Neill, D.G. (2018) 'Labrador retrievers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 5(1), 8, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-018-0064-x.

O'Neill, D.G., Baral, L., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and Packer, R.M.A. (2018) 'Demography and disorders of the French Bulldog population under primary veterinary care in the UK in 2013', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 5(1), 3, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-018-0057-9.

O'Neill, D.G., Corah, C.H., Church, D.B., Brodbelt, D.C. and Rutherford, L. (2018) 'Lipoma in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK: prevalence and breed associations', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 5(1), 9, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-018-0065-9.

Stevens, K.B., O'Neill, D., Jepson, R., Holm, L.P., Walker, D.J. and Cardwell, J.M. (2018) 'Signalment risk factors for cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy (Alabama rot) in dogs in the UK', Veterinary Record.

 

2017

McDonald, J.L., Cleasby, I.R., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B. and O'Neill, D.G. (2017) 'Mortality due to trauma in cats attending veterinary practices in central and south-east England', Journal of Small Animal Practice, DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12716, n/a-n/a, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12716.

O'Neill, D., Coulson, N.R., Church, D.B. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2017) 'Demography and disorders of German Shepherd Dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 4(1), 7, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-017-0046-4.

O'Neill, D., Lee, M.M., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B. and Sanchez, R.F. (2017) 'Corneal ulcerative disease in dogs under primary veterinary care in England: epidemiology and clinical management', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 4(1), 5, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-017-0045-5.

O'Neill, D.G., Case, J., Boag, A.K., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2017) 'Gastric dilation-volvulus in dogs attending UK emergency-care veterinary practices: prevalence, risk factors and survival', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 58(11), 629-638, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12723.

O'Neill, D.G., Darwent, E.C., Church, D.B. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2017) 'Border Terriers under primary veterinary care in England: demography and disorders', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 4(1), 15, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-017-0055-3.

O'Neill, D.G., Keijser, S.F.A., Hedhammar, Å., Kisko, C., Leroy, G., Llewellyn-Zaidi, A., Malm, S., Olson, P.N., Packer, R.M.A., Rousselot, J.F., Seath, I.J., Stull, J.W. and Bonnett, B.N. (2017) 'Moving from information and collaboration to action: report from the 3rd International Dog Health Workshop, Paris in April 2017', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 4(1), 16, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-017-0054-4.

O'Neill, D.G., O'Sullivan, A.M., Manson, E.A., Church, D.B., Boag, A.K., McGreevy, P.D. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2017) 'Canine dystocia in 50 UK first-opinion emergency-care veterinary practices: prevalence and risk factors', Veterinary Record, 181(4), available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.104108.

O'Neill, D.G., Riddell, A., Church, D.B., Owen, L., Brodbelt, D.C. and Hall, J.L. (2017) 'Urinary incontinence in bitches under primary veterinary care in England: prevalence and risk factors', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 58(12), 685-693, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12731

O'Neill, D.G., Seah, W.Y., Church, D.B. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2017) 'Rottweilers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 4(1), 13, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-017-0051-7.

Wiles, B.M., Llewellyn-Zaidi, A.M., Evans, K.M., O'Neill, D.G. and Lewis, T.W. (2017) 'Large-scale survey to estimate the prevalence of disorders for 192 Kennel Club registered breeds', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 4(1), 8, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-017-0047-3.

Buckland, E.L., O'Neill, D., Summers, J., Mateus, A., Church, D., Redmond, L. and Brodbelt, D. (2016) 'Characterisation of antimicrobial usage in cats and dogs attending UK primary care companion animal veterinary practices', Veterinary Record, 179(19), 489, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.103830.

 

2016

Creevy, K.E., Austad, S.N., Hoffman, J.M., O'Neill, D.G. and Promislow, D.E.L. (2016) 'The Companion Dog as a Model for the Longevity Dividend' in Olshansky, S. J., Kirkland, J. L. and Martin, G. M., eds., Aging: The Longevity Dividend, Cold Spring Harbor, New York: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 107-120.

Jin, K., Hoffman, J.M., Creevy, K.E., O'Neill, D.G. and Promislow, D.E.L. (2016) 'Multiple morbidities in companion dogs: a novel model for investigating age-related disease', Pathobiology of Aging and Age-related Diseases, 6, 1-9, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/pba.v6.33276.

Muellner, P., Muellner, U., Gates, M.C., Pearce, T., Ahlstrom, C., O'Neill, D., Brodbelt, D. and Cave, N.J. (2016) 'Evidence in practice – a pilot study leveraging companion animal and equine health data from primary care veterinary clinics in New Zealand', Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 3(116), available: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2016.00116.

O'Neill, D.G. (2016) 'Challenging conventional wisdom with vigour', The Veterinary Journal, 216, 79-80, available: http://dx.doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2016.07.005.

O'Neill, D.G., Darwent, E.C., Church, D.B. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2016) 'Demography and health of Pugs under primary veterinary care in England', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 3(1), 1-12, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-016-0035-z

O'Neill, D.G., Gostelow, R., Orme, C., Church, D.B., Niessen, S.J.M., Verheyen, K. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2016) 'Epidemiology of diabetes mellitus among 193,435 cats attending primary-care veterinary practices in England', Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 30(4), 964-972, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14365.

O'Neill, D.G., Meeson, R.L., Sheridan, A., Church, D.B. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2016) 'The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 3(1), 1-12, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-016-0034-0.

O'Neill, D.G. and Packer, R.M.A. (2016) 'The first canine behavior and genetics conference: Summary and recommendations for future directions in canine behavioral science', Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, available: http://dx.doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2016.02.006.

O'Neill, D.G., Scudder, C., Faire, J.M., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2016) 'Epidemiology of hyperadrenocorticism among 210,824 dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in the UK from 2009 to 2014', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 57(7), 365-373, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12523.

Packer, R.M.A., Seath, I.J., O'Neill, D.G., De Decker, S. and Volk, H.A. (2016) 'DachsLife 2015: an investigation of lifestyle associations with the risk of intervertebral disc disease in Dachshunds', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 3(1), 8, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40575-016-0039-8.

Sanchis-Mora, S., Pelligand, L., Thomas, C.L., Volk, H.A., Abeyesinghe, S.M., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B., Thomson, P.C., McGreevy, P.D. and O'Neill, D.G. (2016) 'Dogs attending primary-care practice in England with clinical signs suggestive of Chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia', Veterinary Record, 179(17), 436, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.103651.

 

2015

Mattin, M.J., Boswood, A., Church, D.B., López-Alvarez, J., McGreevy, P.D., O'Neill, D.G., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2015) 'Prevalence of and risk factors for degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England', Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 29(3), 847-854, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12591.

Mattin, M.J., Boswood, A., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., O'Neill, D.G., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2015) 'Degenerative mitral valve disease: Survival of dogs attending primary-care practice in England', Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 122(4), 436-442, available: http://dx.doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.05.007.

O'Neill, D.G., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2015) 'Longevity and mortality of cats attending primary care veterinary practices in England', Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 17(2), 125-133, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1098612x14536176.

O'Neill, D.G., Jackson, C., Guy, J.H., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2015) 'Epidemiological associations between brachycephaly and upper respiratory tract disorders in dogs attending veterinary practices in England', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2(1), 10.

Shoop, S., Marlow, S., Church, D., English, K., McGreevy, P., Stell, A., Thomson, P., O'Neill, D. and Brodbelt, D. (2015) 'Prevalence and risk factors for mast cell tumours in dogs in England', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2(1), 1.

Summers, J., O'Neill, D., Church, D., Thomson, P., McGreevy, P. and Brodbelt, D. (2015) 'Prevalence of disorders recorded in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels attending primary-care veterinary practices in England', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2(1), 4.

Taylor-Brown, F.E., Meeson, R.L., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and O'Neill, D.G. (2015) 'Epidemiology of cranial cruciate ligament disease diagnosis in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England', Veterinary Surgery, 44(6), 777-783, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/vsu.12349.

 

2014

Mattin, M., O'Neill, D., Church, D., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D. (2014) 'An epidemiological study of diabetes mellitus in dogs attending first opinion practice in the UK', Veterinary Record, 174(14), 349, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.101950.

O'Neill, D., Church, D., McGreevy, P., Thomson, P. and Brodbelt, D. (2014) 'Approaches to canine health surveillance', Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 1(1), 2.

O'Neill, D.G., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2014) 'Prevalence of disorders recorded in cats attending primary-care veterinary practices in England', The Veterinary Journal, 202(2), 286-291, available: http://dx.doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.08.004.

O'Neill, D.G., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2014) 'Prevalence of disorders recorded in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England', PLoS One, 9(3), 1-16, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0090501.

Stephens, M.J., O'Neill, D.G., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2014) 'Feline hyperthyroidism reported in primary-care veterinary practices in England: prevalence, associated factors and spatial distribution', Veterinary Record, 175(18), 458, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.102431.

 

2013

Kearsley-Fleet, L., O'Neill, D.G., Volk, H.A., Church, D.B. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2013) 'Prevalence and risk factors for canine epilepsy of unknown origin in the UK', Veterinary Record, 172(13), 338, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.101133.

O'Neill, D.G., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2013) 'Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England', The Veterinary Journal, 198(3), 638-643, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.020.

O'Neill, D.G., Elliott, J., Church, D.B., McGreevy, P.D., Thomson, P.C. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2013) 'Chronic kidney disease in dogs in UK veterinary practices: prevalence, risk factors, and survival', Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 27(4), 814-821, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jvim.12090.

 

2012

O'Neill, D.G., Hendricks, A., Summers, J. and Brodbelt, D.C. (2012) 'Primary care veterinary usage of systemic glucocorticoids in cats and dogs in three UK practices', Journal of Small Animal Practice, 53(4), 217-222, available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2011.01190.x.

 

 

Books

Rowena Packer & Dan O'Neill. 2021. Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Companion Animals A Complete Guide for Veterinary and Animal Professionals. CRC press – Taylor & Francis group

Gough, A., A. Thomas, and D. O'Neill. 2018. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. 3rd ed. Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley-Blackwell.

Adby, S., and D.G. O'Neill. 2004. Hamsters in Sickness and Health. Milverton, Somerset: Capall Bann Publishing.

 

Book chapters

Creevy, Kate E., Steven N. Austad, Jessica M. Hoffman, Dan G. O'Neill, and Daniel E.L. Promislow. 2016. "The Companion Dog as a Model for the Longevity Dividend." In Aging: The Longevity Dividend, edited by S.J. Olshansky, J.L. Kirkland and G.M. Martin, 107-120. Cold Spring Harbor, New York: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

 

 

Dan contributes to teaching on a wide range of epidemiology modules for RVC veterinary undergraduates, residents, veterinary nurses, as well as MSc and PhD students. He also provides epidemiological and statistical advice to individual students. He supervises many undergraduate and post-graduate student projects including chapters within several PhD studies. He has lectured widely at conferences in the UK, Europe and also in the US.

• JSAP Associate Editor
• Chairperson and founding member of the UK Brachycephalic Dog Working Group
• Board member and founding member of the International Collaborative on Extreme Conformations in Dogs
• Canine and Feline Sector Group - Extreme Conformations Subgroup
• RCVS Knowledge Quality Improvement Group
• RVC Welfare and Ethics Committee
• Founding member and trustee of Dog Breeding Reform Group
• Member of RCVS, BVA, BSAVA, UFAW and SVEPM

• A solution right under our nose? Exploring health implications and public demand for brachycephalic ‘designer’ outcrosses

  

  Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs continue to grow in popularity internationally despite their well-documented health challenges. This study explores two questions: (1) Do brachycephalic-outcrosses exhibit improved respiratory and ‘innate’ health characteristics compared to their extreme-brachycephalic parent-breed?; (2) Do brachycephalic-outcrosses meet the aesthetic preferences of people who desire extreme-brachycephalic purebreds?

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  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?

• 

  Antimicrobial usage in farm animal veterinary practice in the UK: A mixed-methods approach (In Progress)

  People: David Brodbelt, Dan O'Neill, Richard Booth

  Vet Compass Project Type: Farm Animal

  The aims of this study are to estimate current antimicrobial usage in Farm Veterinary Practice and investigate the intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors associated with farm veterinarian decision-making when prescribing antimicrobials as well as exploring the drivers behind farmers' decision when using antimicrobials.

• 

  Are lop-eared rabbits more predisposed to dental and ear diseases than erect-eared rabbits? (Complete)

  People: Maria Jackson, Charlotte Burn, David Brodbelt, Joanna Hedley, Dan O'Neill

  Vet Compass Project Type: Rabbit

  We aim to deepen understanding of the animal welfare impacts of dental and ear disease in rabbits, and to identify breed related risk factors for these. We plan to use the new information to improve rabbit welfare by raising awareness of any dental and ear health implications from selecting for rabbit with extreme morphology.  

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• Canine leptospirosis: improving diagnostics and understanding epidemiology in UK dogs

  

  This project aims to explore the epidemiology of canine leptospirosis in the UK by identifying spatial patterns of disease, diagnosis risk factors and incidence of disease. Alongside this work is being undertaken to explore vaccine usage and vaccine adverse events. Additionally, a novel serological assay with potentialp DIVA ability is being explored.

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  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.  

• 

  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.

• 

  Disease Surveillance in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Chow Chows in the UK (Complete)

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

  Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

  This project explored the frequency of disorders recorded in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Chow Chows attending primary-care veterinary practices in the UK. The project also looked at the feasibility of linking Kennel Club pedigree data with VetCompass data.

• Do lop-eared rabbits have more dental and aural disease than erect-eared rabbits?

  

  Initial evidence has shown that rabbits with artificially selected extreme morphological traits of lop ears and brachycephaly experience reduced welfare through a higher prevalence of painful ear and teeth problems, a cause for concern as lops and dwarves are the most popular pet rabbit breeds in the UK. This study aims to determine the prevalence of these diseases in UK pet rabbits using VetCompass data that represents approximately 30% of UK practices. 

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  Dogs Trust Canine Welfare Grant Project: Evidence-Based Prioritisation of Canine Inherited Diseases (Complete)

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

  Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

  This study aims to create an evidence-based prioritisation list of inherited health disorders to underpin reforms of canine health and welfare.

• Earlier Onset Urinary Incontinence in the Bitch and its Association with Neutering

  

  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.

  The project will provide relevant and reliable evidence that can support a more universal approach from veterinary surgeons and provide advice to dog owners regarding neutering.

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• 

  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. 

• 

  Epidemiology of Disorders Reported in Cats and Dogs Attending General Practice in England (Complete)

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

  Vet Compass Project Type: Cat, Dog

  This project reports on the most common disorders of dogs and cats attending veterinary practice in the UK, their longevity and mortality, and risk factors for chronic kidney disease in dogs.

• Hot Dogs - investigating the epidemiology and recognition of heat-related illness in dogs presenting to UK veterinary practices.

  

  This project began by exploring risk factors for heat-related illness in UK dogs and has been extended to develop and evaluate a novel clinical grading tool that aims to improve recognition and management of this potentially fatal condition.

  Understanding the risk factors for heat-related illness is an important step in developing improved mitigation strategies to help protect canine welfare in the face of advancing climate change. 

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• Improved Stewardship to Protect Veterinary Antimicrobial Usage in UK Cats and Dogs

  

  This study aims to identify and promote effective antimicrobial stewardship interventions in UK first-opinion companion animal practice. Our objectives are to benchmark current antimicrobial usage in dogs and cats, develop and implement a range of antimicrobial stewardship interventions, evaluate the impact of these interventions, and promote widespread adoption of the most effective interventions across the UK.

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• 

  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.

• 

  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 Royal Veterinary College (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
• 

  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. 

• Online canine-health information sourcing by UK canine caregivers: threat or opportunity for animal welfare? (The DogWeb Survey)

  

  The project involves an interactive survey, consisting of realistic dog health scenarios. The aim is to explore UK dog owners' decision-making around their dog's health.

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• 

  RCVS VetCompass Equine Pandemic Project (Complete)

  People: Sarah Allen, Dan O'Neill, Jackie Cardwell, Kristien Verheyen, David Brodbelt

  Vet Compass Project Type: Horse

  The COVID-19 pandemic presents a serious challenge for the customer-facing veterinary profession.  To ensure minimal disruption to essential veterinary services, new COVID-mitigated working protocols were quickly implemented, however, little is known about the impact of the pandemic on equine veterinary care in the UK.  The aim of this project was to describe equine veterinary activity before and during the pandemic and explore the contribution of telemedicine to case management. 

• 

  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.

• 

  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 Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is calling for respondents for its survey on puppy buying experiences both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  Use of Systemic Antimicrobials in UK Equine Practice (Complete)

  People: Kristien Verheyen, Dan O'Neill, David Brodbelt

  Vet Compass Project Type: Horse

  The project aims to investigate the use of systemic antimicrobials in UK equine practice using anonymised veterinary electronic patient record data.

• 

  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.

• VetCompass eClinical Trials (VETs) – Generating Interventional Evidence from Observational Data

  

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

  This project aims to develop and apply novel causal inference methods that evaluate real world interventions via routinely collected veterinary EPRs. These methods will be applied to VetCompass data to provide real world inference for some key interventions.

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• VetCompass Project

  

  VetCompass is a welfare-focussed epidemiological research project that shares anonymised clinical data from veterinary practices to investigate the frequency and nature of companion animal health problems.

  Modern veterinary medicine has access to increasingly effective tools for diagnosis and treatment; yet many animals still continue to suffer from disorders that might be reduced or avoided if risks were better understood and measured. 

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