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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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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.