Projects

Pre-owned pooches: Characterising commercial and private re-homing and re-selling systems for dogs aged > 16 weeks in the UK and implications for canine welfare (In progress)

People: Rowena Packer, Dan O'Neill, Bree Merritt

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

This PhD project will explore the re-sale of dogs over 16 weeks old that are sold through online advertisements in the UK: the demographics of dogs advertised; the demographics, motivations, and experiences of their sellers and buyers; and how the UK public perceives the online re-sale of dogs compared to other rehoming options.

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. 

Canine health and welfare research funding in the UK: Current status and future opportunities (Complete)

People: Dan O'Neill, Rowena Packer

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

This project, supported by four leading UK canine charities in partnership with the RVC, explored the levels and distribution of UK canine health research funding over the last decade, and analysed the areas of research this has included. Through collaborative discussion with funders, vets, scientists, dog breeders and owners, the project developed a joint strategy to agree priorities for future research funding decisions.

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. 

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

People: 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

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.

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.

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