Scottish veterinary crisis

THE veterinary sector in Scotland is facing a workforce crisis.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has published an action plan to tackle the problem, insisting that changes must be made to avert serious problems.

According to the organisation, the Scottish veterinary sector is struggling to cope with increased pet ownership during the Covid pandemic, the impact of Brexit on the workforce and the long ­ standing problem of a sector with a poor work ­ life balance.

Spokespeople warn of increasing danger of burn ­ out among workers, with fewer qualified vets and greater workloads.

In addition, pet owners are said to be becoming increasingly demanding, leading to many workers reporting growing cases of abuse and the threat of physical violence.

Scotland currently has two vet schools in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with a third set to open in Aberdeen later this year. The aim of the new vet school is reportedly to get students into practice early so they can experience life as a work ­

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Basset Hounds’ DNA

THE UK’s Kennel Club has now approved a new official DNA test reporting scheme for Lafora’s disease.

Lafora’s disease is an inherited form of epilepsy. Affected dogs usually begin to show signs (jerking or fits) from around five years old and gradually become worse over time, eventually leading to ataxia (not being able to walk in a straight line), blindness and dementia.

While it can afflict any breed of canine, it seems to be most often found in the Miniature Wirehaired Dachshund, Basset Hound and Beagle breeds, with the Beagle breed seeming to suffer more severe cases of it.

The disease is described as autosomal­recessive. This means that a dog must inherit two copies of an abnormal gene (one from its mother and one from its father) before its health is affected.

From August 2018, in the UK it is mandatory the dog’s microchip (or tattoo) is recorded along with either the dog’s registered name or registered number on any DNA certificates. Any test results issued after that date that do not carry these identifying features will not be accepted.

ing vet earlier in their studies.

The plan is also to move away from all vets being straight ­ A students and encouraging a holistic approach to the profession, sourcing students from the highlands, islands and rural areas.

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