National Survey Calls On First-opinion Vets To Help Shape The Future Of Chronic GI Care
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Posted
2nd November, 2026 14h21
Carus Animal Health is collaborating with researchers from the University of Nottingham on a national survey to build a clearer picture of how chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disease in dogs and cats is investigated and managed in first-opinion practice, and what shapes clinical decision-making. The survey is open until 11 January 2027 at: https://bit.ly/GIQuest-Nott-Survey-PR
The research, led by Dr Vicky Strong, with input from Professor Mark Dunning, Clinical Associate Professor in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the University of Nottingham and Zoe Belshaw, European and RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine, will explore current diagnostic and management approaches and the practical barriers vets encounter in chronic GI cases.
While chronic GI disease is a familiar presentation in small animal practice, diagnostic pathways are rarely straightforward. Owner circumstances, patient factors and the availability of diagnostic options can all influence clinical decisions. The survey aims to better understand how vets navigate these challenges and identify areas where future resources could be most useful in practice.
Dr Vicky Strong said: “Chronic GI cases can be frustrating and difficult to manage. Whilst guidelines exist, the realities of practice are such that they might be difficult to follow. By better understanding vets' current approaches and the challenges they face, we hope to identify opportunities to improve support for vets and the management of these cases.”
Lucy Williams BVSc MRCVS, Marketing and Veterinary Technical Services Manager at Carus Animal Health, added: “First-opinion vets make complex GI decisions every day, balancing the needs of the individual patient with the wider clinical picture. Every response helps build evidence that could benefit the profession and make a real difference in the consult room.”
The survey is open to UK-registered veterinary surgeons working mainly in primary care practice who have managed at least one dog or cat with chronic GI disease in the past 12 months. Participants can also opt into a prize draw to win one of five £100 gift cards (T&Cs apply: Terms-and-Conditions-Nottingham-Survey-and-Clinical-Experience-Project.pdf).
In addition to the research initiative, Carus Animal Health, which manufactures the GIQuest point-of-care faecal calprotectin test, has launched a free digital GIQuest Practice Support Pack. It includes clinical guides, a chronic GI workflow poster, case studies, owner leaflets and ready-to-use materials covering diagnostic decision-making, treatment monitoring and owner communication.
Veterinary surgeons can share their experience and contribute to the research at: https://bit.ly/GIQuest-Nott-Survey-PR
The free GIQuest Practice Support Pack is available to download at https://content.carusanimalhealth.com/giquest-practice-support-pack.
To find out more about GIQuest and access other clinical resources, visit carusanimalhealth.com/giquest or contact Carus Animal Health at [email protected].
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