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Tails of survival
Six finalists have been chosen for the PDSA Pet Survivor Awards 2013. 

Six pets with incredible stories of survival have been chosen as finalists for the PDSA Pet Survivor Awards 2013. Veterinary charity PDSA has been searching for animals who have beaten the odds and overcome serious illness and injury over the last year. The charity has been overwhelmed with amazing stories, but a panel of judges, including Atomic Kitten Liz McClarnon and TV vet Steve Leonard, had the task of selecting six finalists.
 
Steve Leonard said “Reading these stories made me very proud of my profession and grateful to work alongside some dedicated animal enthusiasts. Animals so often surprise us with their stoicism and tenacity, and there are so many lessons we could learn from them.”
 
A stray kitten called Robbie is among the finalists. He made a full recovery after suffering extensive burns when the sofa he was sheltering under was set alight. Appeals in local media funded over £10,000 worth of treatment at Broadway Vets in Herne Bay.
 
A Blue Merle Border Collie called Pip is also a finalist. Pip made an incredible recovery after being horrifically crushed when she fell asleep in the shade under a tractor wheel, which then moved forwards.
 
Others shortlisted include a Saluki/Lurcher cross who survived on the Yorkshire Dales for over 3 weeks with a broken leg and no food or water, a Border Collie who was hit by a train, a rabbit who survived a fox attack and a Bengal cat who was found collapsed after she was missing for five weeks in this year's February frosts.
 
The winner will be decided by public vote. To vote, text ‘vote’ followed by the chosen pet's name to 70099. Each text will result in a £1 donation to PDSA, plus the cost of your usual network message rate. Voting is open until the midnight on the 15th December, and the winner will be announced on the 22nd December.
 
For more information on the PDSA Pet Survivor Awards 2013 and the six finalists click here.
 
Image: Border Collie Pip will soon be starting sheepdog training. Inset, just after the operation to fix her pelvis. Courtesy of PDSA.  
 
 
 

 

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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.