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Researchers discover why crocodiles gallop
Crocodile
Crocodiles and alligators are anatomically similar.

Crocodiles have longer fibres in the limb muscles

A study into why alligators do not appear to use galloping gaits, while the anatomically similar crocodile does, has been carried out by a team of researchers at the Royal Veterinary College.

Led by members of the Structure and Motion Lab, the research was conducted on the limbs of both crocodiles and alligators to ascertain why there is a difference in their behaviour and movement.

Specimens from six different species of alligator and crocodile were examined. The team analysed how the muscles were structured within the limb and the internal arrangement of fibres within the muscles.

The team discovered that, as a rule, crocodiles have longer fibres in the limb muscles, which offer more rotation and range in the limb. However, the cross section of fibres within the muscles of alligators was bigger than crocodiles, indicating greater force could be generated.

The discovery indicates that the range of movement is significant in enabling crocodiles to gallop, while the larger cross section of fibres in alligator limbs could explain their more explosive, forceful movement.

Comparative architectural properties of limb muscles in Crocodylidae and Alligatoridae and their relevance to divergent use of asymmetrical gaits in extant Crocodylia, has been published in the Journal of Anatomy 225: 569-582

Image (C) Leigh Bedford 

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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...
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RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."