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Elderly dog finds new home after losing 24 teeth
graham
"He's such a happy little dog now we've got him home and we're totally in love with him".

Newlyweds adopt 12-year-old dog instead of going on their honeymoon

A newly-married couple have chosen to adopt an elderly dog instead of going on their honeymoon. Twelve-year-old mutt Graham was so neglected he had to have 24 teeth removed, but his life has since been turned around.

After he was found dodging traffic on a busy main road in Essex, Graham was taken to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, where vet Steve Gosling quickly fell for his sweet and gentle nature.

Steve said he was appalled by the skinny dog's condition. As well as the worst case of tooth decay Steve had ever seen, Graham was suffering from a skin condition that caused most of his fur to fall out. He also has a heart murmur.

Under sedation, Steve removed 24 of Graham's rotten teeth, leaving him with only 11.

Despite his health problems and advanced age, newlyweds Stephanie and Luke Chadwick from Putney decided to adopt him after seeing him on Battersea's website.

Stephanie said: "We'd just got married and instead of going on honeymoon we decided to go to Battersea and get a dog. Graham's age and his health problems meant he wouldn't be the first dog most people might choose, but we thought it would be nice if we could give him his retirement home.

"He's such a happy little dog now we've got him home and we're totally in love with him".

Steve said Stephanie and Luke are the perfect owners for Graham. He said: "Graham is an elderly gentleman with a host of health problems, and sometimes it's not easy to rehome an unwell dog…

"I'm so pleased [Stephanie and Luke] came to meet him - but if they hadn't, Graham would have been coming home with me".

Image courtesy of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

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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.