Veterinary journal publishes first plain-language research summary
The summary explains a canine dermatitis genetics paper for clinicians, breeders, owners and other readers outside specialist research.
By Priya Raghavan · Science Reporter
3 min read
A veterinary journal has published what Taylor & Francis says is the first Plain Language Summary of Publication in veterinary research, extending a format already used in medical publishing. The summary is meant to make animal-health findings easier for clinicians, breeders, owners and other non-specialists to read and use.
The open-access summary appears in Veterinary Quarterly and covers research on a change in the SLAMF1 gene linked to higher risk of canine atopic dermatitis. Taylor & Francis said the skin condition is chronic and affects up to 30% of dogs in some populations.
Plain Language Summaries of Publication, or PLSPs, are standalone summaries tied to peer-reviewed research articles. Taylor & Francis said they are peer reviewed, written with involvement from at least one author of the original paper, and use clear wording plus graphics to explain the findings.
The veterinary summary is titled “Discovery of a SLAMF1 gene change that increases dogs’ risk of developing canine atopic dermatitis: a plain language summary.” The underlying paper is by Oliver P. Forman and colleagues and has the DOI 10.1080/01652176.2026.2670342.
Format moves from human medicine to veterinary science
Taylor & Francis introduced PLSPs in its medical journals in 2023. The publisher said plain-language summaries have become common in human medicine as a way to broaden access to research beyond specialists.
The move into veterinary publishing involved contributors from human and veterinary medicine, medical communications and publishing, according to Taylor & Francis. The groups named in the announcement include Mars Petcare, Amica Scientific and Taylor & Francis.
Veterinary research covers animal welfare, disease, nutrition and public health, Taylor & Francis said. The publisher said clearer summaries can help veterinary clinicians, technicians, nurses, allied professionals and pet owners use evidence-based information when making decisions about animal care.
For the canine dermatitis research, Taylor & Francis said the plain-language version could help readers understand findings that may relate to diagnostics, breeding strategies and treatment development. The publisher also said the format can make the work faster to absorb for veterinary professionals while opening it to readers without specialist training.
Supporters point to wider access
Katherine Bowen, publications lead at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute at Mars Petcare, said the first veterinary PLSP was more than a publishing milestone and described it as a shift toward more inclusive science communication. She said the summaries could support better-informed decisions across veterinary care and benefit the animals receiving that care.
Rachel Jenkins, head of plain-language summaries at Taylor & Francis, said the expansion into veterinary medicine reflects the publisher’s effort to make research accessible across health and science. Jenkins said she expects veterinary PLSPs to help both veterinary professionals and pet owners engage with new research and apply it.
Taylor & Francis framed the publication as a first step for plain-language research communication in veterinary journals. The publisher said the approach is intended to connect technical research findings with practical understanding for a wider group of readers.
This story draws on original reporting from Phys.org.