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Vets urged not to carry out amputations on hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are the second most common species admitted to WAF's centre and a fifth of these animals have suffered limb injuries.
Experts say wild hedgehogs face a ‘bleak future’ with three legs 

Vets are being warned not to carry out limb amputations on injured hedgehogs, as they are unlikely to survive in the wild.

The Wildlife Aid Foundation (WAF) issued the warning following a recent case, in which a vet amputated a hedgehog’s leg in a well-meaning attempt to save the animal’s life.

WAF recommends that limbs are repaired where possible, or if this cannot be achieved, the most humane course of action is euthanasia.

Hedgehogs are the second most common species admitted to the charity’s centre and a fifth of these animals have suffered limb injuries, such as fractures, luxations or amputations. While these mammals respond well to medical and surgical treatment, in some cases the injury may be too severe.

WAF founder Simon Cowell said: “Vets may believe they are doing the right thing by amputating broken and damaged limbs because hedgehogs are hardy enough to survive such procedures, but once the animal is back in the wild it needs to be able to dig for food and scratch and groom effectively.

“Hedgehogs pick up a lot of ticks and lice and over the years we have seen many cases where hedgehogs with missing and injured limbs get completely infested. The bites become infected and they die very slow and painful deaths.

“As hedgehogs released back into the wild after amputation are likely to suffer and unlikely to survive, the kindest course of action if a limb cannot be saved is to euthanise.”

Cases such as these underline the importance of vets and wildlife rescues joining together to share knowledge, he added. WAF encourages vets to contact them or another reputable wildlife rehabilitation centre with any doubts about the appropriate treatment for wildlife. 

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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.