Face processing abnormalities identified in autism dog model
A new study has revealed that Beagle dogs carrying mutations in the Shank3 gene—a high-risk gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—exhibit face processing abnormalities similar to those observed in human ASD patients.
UK dog owners prefer crossbreeds and imports to domestic pedigree breeds
The UK pedigree dog population shrank by a yearly decline of 0.9% between 1990 and 2021, according to research published in Companion Animal Genetics and Health. The study highlights a rise in the populations of crossbreeds and imported pedigree dogs since 1990, but finds that only 13.7% of registered domestic pedigree dogs were used for breeding between 2005 and 2015.
Blends of child and best friend, with power imbalance: How dogs fit into our social networks
Many people view their dog as a family member, friend, or kid, but does the relationship with them really resemble these human relationships? Researchers from ELTE Eötvös Loránd University now set out to explore the precise role dogs play in human social networks by comparing human-dog relationships with human-human relationships using 13 relationship scales.
She Didn’t See Anyone Who Looked Like Her in Vet Med—So She Became the One to Watch
When Hiba Ali dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, she didn’t have a blueprint to follow. She didn’t know anyone in her community who had taken that path. She didn’t see herself reflected in the textbooks, the classrooms, or the professionals in white coats. But she knew one thing for sure—her love for animals and her calling to care for them was undeniable.
From Dog Lover to Veterinary Neurology Expert: Dr. Philip Cohen's Wild Journey
For Dr. Philip Cohen, veterinary medicine is more than a career—it’s a lifelong calling, driven by a passion that started when he was just a kid. Growing up surrounded by animals, especially dogs, he knew early on that becoming a veterinarian was his destiny. But little did he know, his path would lead him into the fascinating—and often challenging—world of veterinary neurology, where complex, life-altering cases await him every day.
The Canine Brain’s Secret Shield: How the Blood-Brain Barrier Protects – and When It Fails
The brain is one of the most vital organs in the body, and in dogs, it relies on an invisible yet powerful line of defense: the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This microscopic shield keeps harmful substances out while allowing essential nutrients to flow in, preserving the delicate balance of the central nervous system. But what happens when this protective barrier is compromised? A recent review by Dimitri Bassalo, Stephen G. Matthews, and Enrrico Bloise explores the crucial role of the BBB in canine health and disease, revealing its strengths, weaknesses, and the profound impact it has on neurological conditions in dogs.