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Veterinary staff help Ruby shed the pounds
Head veterinary nurse, Lindsay Atkinson, holding Ruby before her weight loss
Morbidly obese Jack Russell loses one third of body weight

With the help of the PDSA's veterinary nurses and surgeons, five-year-old Jack Russell terrier Ruby has managed to lose a third of her body weight, winning the charity's annual slimming competition.

In May this year, 16 dogs, cats and rabbits began a tailored six-month diet and exercise programme, overseen by the PDSA's veterinary team.

Four years ago, this year's weight-loss champion, Ruby, was taken to an animal shelter after she was found underweight and roaming the streets in Sunderland.

Back in May, Ruby was morbidly obese at 9.1kg - more than 50 per cent overweight.
When her current owner, Angela Martin, adopted Ruby, she admits the family "spoilt her rotten" and lavished treats and affection on her.

Angela says: "When Ruby first came to us, we all felt really sorry for her as she’d had such a tough start to life. So to compensate, we used to give her a little treat here and there. The trouble was, the whole family was giving her ‘a little treat’ and over time, she started to get really big."

Ruby after losing one-third of her body weight

Back in May, Ruby was morbidly obese at 9.1kg - more than 50 per cent overweight. Thanks to the Pet Fit Club, she is now a much healthier 6.2kg and has shed a massive 17cm from her waist.

Senior veterinary surgeon for the PDSA, Elaine Pendlebury, said: "Angela and her family have worked really hard and have shown that it’s never too late to make a positive change.

"With help from PDSA and lots of determination they have completely changed Ruby’s life. The weight loss means she will feel much fitter and happier, and her life expectancy is likely to be longer now than she has shed the excess weight."

Commenting on Ruby's success, Angela added: "We are absolutely delighted with the results and can’t thank PDSA enough for helping Ruby to slim down. Winning the competition is wonderful, but the real prize is seeing Ruby enjoying a new lease of life tearing around the garden and playing with her toys."

The PDSA team helped this year's finalists to lose a total of 57kg. Though this will vastly improve the animals' health, happiness and quality of life, it's not all about weight loss.

Lindsay Atkinson, head veterinary nurse at the Sunderland PDSA PetAid Hospital, says: "One of our main aims with this competition is to raise awareness of this serious welfare issue among the general public."

To find out more about this year's competition, see the Pet Fit Club video.

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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
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.