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Hurricane poses problems for pets
Image: Hurricane Harvey
Rescue efforts continue in Texas as thousands of people face the effects of Hurricane Harvey
Vivid stories are emerging from the havoc of Hurricane Harvey

As rescue efforts continue in Texas as thousands of people face the effects of Hurricane Harvey, heart-warming and heart-breaking accounts are emerging about their pets and other animals caught up in the storm.

Many ‘good Samaritans’ have helped their neighbours rescue their pets using their boats; while pictures are appearing across the media of people carrying their pets to safety – some across their shoulders and some using bags, blankets and boxes to shelter.

On the other hand, Texas officials have warned owners against leaving pets and livestock tied up, repeatedly. “I promise you, that I will hold anyone accountable that unlawfully restrains their dog in extreme weather conditions,” said Roman Forest police chief, Stephen Carlisle, in a statement. “Dogs are your family members too.”

As a motorist stopped for gas in Runge, Texas, while heading to the border to pick up his own pups, a dog he nicknamed ‘Harvey’ hopped into his Jeep to escape the storm. The motorist posted a series of tweets and videos on social media, asking for people to share in hopes of finding the dog’s rightful owner. The dog didn’t have a microchip, but fortunately he was able to locate the owner of ‘Cash’ – the dog’s real name – and he posted a video of his safe return.

In another incident, a resident in Sinton, Texas, spotted a young dog carrying a bag of food in its mouth as it made for shelter. She took a picture that quickly went viral with more than 34,000 shares and 16,000 likes. The pup’s owner subsequently confirmed that ‘Otis’ made it home safe and sound.

It was not just domesticated animals that were spooked by the storm. According to the New York Post, a taxi driver in Missouri City, Texas, was shocked to find a Cooper’s hawk camping inside his cab on Friday. The bird had flown in through an open window, apparently terrified of the low pressure and high winds of the storm.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is offering advice to all animal owners in Texas and co-ordinating rescue responses and funding.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.