Vets, pets, owners and researchers are set to collaborate on a new project to investigate companion animal health problems and identify risk factors for common disorders in our favourite pets.
The University of Queensland is part of a national collaboration that is working with the Royal Veterinary College, London, to introduce the UK’s successful VetCompass project to Australia.
VetCompass is a software application that collates de-identified clinical records from veterinary practices into a central database that can be used to rank the welfare impact of different disorders and prioritise future disease-prevention strategies.
UQ representative on the VetCompass project Dr Ricardo Magalhaes said VetCompass UK had provided data about common disorders affecting cats and dogs, as well as life expectancy for different breeds, and the Australian project would expand on this.
“The VetCompass Australia project will benefit government and not-for-profit organisations by providing information that supports disorder prioritisation, focussed veterinary clinical research, advice on breed standards reform and regulation to improve animal welfare,” he said.
“All Australian vet clinics are encouraged to sign up to VetCompass to contribute to a holistic view of Australian pet health.
“The de-identified information is drawn from the standard practice clinical records, with no additional input needed from vets.
“All pet owners are encouraged to ask their vet to opt into the system, which will enable pet-specific information from their practice to be included in the national resource.”
University of Sydney Professor McGreevy, who launched VetCompass UK, brings VetCompass to Australia in partnership with all seven veterinary schools at the University of Sydney, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, Murdoch University, Charles Sturt University and James Cook University.
“Funding for dog and cat research is notoriously scarce and that’s why the case for a sustainable system that monitors the welfare, health and treatment of the nation’s pets is truly compelling,” Professor McGreevy said.
The Australian project will expand the research to include horses, as well as cats and dogs, and eventually all companion animals in Australia.
Further information about VetCompass in Australia can be found at vetcompass.com.au.
Vets can register their interest in signing-up by emailing vetcompass@sydney.edu.au
Pet owners can discover more about companion animal issues from VetCompass UK and access top tips regarding common disorders affecting dogs, common disorders affecting cats, canine life expectancy and feline life expectancy.
