A volunteer's experience of the latest RVC IVDD Research Project

Mandy Dance has written with a short summary of her experience of participating in the RVC's latest research into IVDD, which we publicised previously.Today involved all the dogs, from Pringle at 14 down to Astral at almost 1 and the other 4 in between. The criteria were that they were to be healthy with no neurological problems or previous back problems. They must be able to be handled by strangers and be happy to be put through their paces on various equipment ranging from a treadmill, a wobble board and a stair case.The dogs are fitted with sensors on their necks, backs and thighs and these are fitted to a computer in order for data to be collected.

Prior to all this the dogs are inspected for health and heart, weighed and measured and generally given a full health check.

Apparently [we are not in with them when the tests are being run, hence the sound temperaments] Riley was top of the class for all exercises closely followed by Rova and the girls all had varying degrees of obedience. Pringle refused the stairs even when offered biscuits as she just couldn’t see the point of them although she managed the rest of it really well, which given her age is good I think.

Rowena Packer and Myfanwy Hill, the RVC researchers, said everyone has excellent strong sound movement and once they have done their calibrations they will let me know their findings.

It was a really interesting day and something worthwhile to offer back to Dachshunds, and we are looking forward to doing the other study in July and will let you know more about that when it happens.

The Research:

The Royal Veterinary College is recruiting dachshunds for a study of how they move over a series of natural obstacles they encounter in day to day life, and on a treadmill. They are looking for miniature dachshunds of a variety of back lengths, including those that conform to Kennel Club and FCI breed standards to take part in the study. The study is very simple; the researchers just secure small sensors to the dogs' bodies that are easily removed without damaging the coat or skin. Only one visit to the RVC's Hertfordshire campus will be required to take part.

Who can be involved?

• • Miniature dachshunds

  • Those with both longer and shorter back lengths

  • Dogs with NO history of neurological disease

  • Dogs with NO history of orthopaedic disease

  • Dogs who are fit and healthy

If you’re interested in taking part in the study please contact Myfanwy Hill at: myhill@rvc.ac.uk