Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Noel Fitzpatrick receives a Guinness World Record
Noel Fitzpatrick receiving his award
Noel says he is "thrilled" that the work carried out at Fitzpatrick Referrals has been recognised by the Guinness World Records.
Award presented for world-first operation on Oscar the cat

World-renowned vet Noel Fitzpatrick has been presented with a Guinness World Record for his pioneering operation on Oscar the cat - the world's first animal to receive two bionic leg implants.

Oscar lost both his hind feet in an accident with a combine harvester in 2009. He was flown from his home in Jersey to Fitzpatrick Referrals, where he was given intraosseous transcutaneous amputation prosthetics, that allow skin to adhere to metal, and a pair of unique plastic feet enabling him to walk again.

Noel was presented with the world record at London Pet Show last week by Craig Glenday, editor-in-chief of the Guinness World Records. It recognises the extraordinary efforts of Noel and his team at Fitzpatrick Referrals.

Commenting on the award, Noel said: "The Guinness Book of Records was the first book I ever had, so receiving this award is a real honour!

"I’m very humbled, you’re only as good as your next operation – you only ever think about providing hope to pets and their owners and doing your best.

"To be able to help them through the toughest times and see pets like Oscar make a full recovery is the most rewarding feeling and I’m thrilled that the work we carry out at Fitzpatrick Referrals has been recognised by Guinness World Records."

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.