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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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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.