Veterinary research gets clearer with first plain language summary for dogs

Taylor & Francis has taken a significant step in veterinary publishing by releasing its first Plain Language Summary of Publication (PLSP). The summary, titled Discovery of a SLAMF1 gene change that increases dogs' risk of developing canine atopic dermatitis: a plain language summary, appeared in Veterinary Quarterly. This marks the first time such a summary has been used in veterinary research. The publisher first introduced PLSPs to its medical journals in 2023. These summaries use simple, jargon-free language alongside graphics to make complex research accessible. They are open access, peer-reviewed, and written by at least one author from the original study.

The new veterinary PLSP explains a key discovery about a chronic skin condition affecting up to 30% of dogs in some groups. By breaking down the science, it helps breeders, owners, and other non-specialists understand the findings.

Plain language summaries have already become standard in human medicine, changing how research is shared. Their introduction in veterinary publishing offers a fresh way to present science across fields like animal welfare, disease, and nutrition. This first veterinary PLSP broadens the reach of important research. It ensures that findings on canine health are clear and available to a wider audience. The move aligns veterinary publishing with best practices already established in human medicine.