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Euthanasia leaflet gives guidance to pet owners
Chairman of the AWF Tiffany Hemming.
Chairman of the AWF Tiffany Hemming.

Sympathetic leaflet aims to demystify euthanasia

It is undoubtedly one of the most difficult decisions a pet owner will have to make; when to end your animal's suffering and have them euthanised.

A sympathetic guidance leaflet, that addresses the emotions owners may go through in making their decision, has now been produced by the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF).

"Saying goodbye – the ultimate kindness’" is written by veterinary surgeons to help pet owners understand why euthanasia may be the most caring thing they can do for their pet and what choices they have.

It also demystifies what happens during euthanasia and what happens next.


Chairman of the AWF Tiffany Hemming, said: "As vets we often see pet owners struggle with letting their pet go when really it can be the kindest thing for the animal to be put to sleep. 
 


“Guilt may be the strongest emotion owners feel when making this decision and we wanted to guide owners through this difficult time in a sensitive way and encourage them to ask questions and work with the vet to help them come to terms with the end of their pet’s life.”
 


A copy of the leaflet can be downloaded here

 

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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.