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Escaped pet mistaken for a bear
coati
Members of the public reported sightings of a "small bear-like animal" in February.

Coatimundi returned home after two months on the run

A runaway exotic pet has been mistaken for a small bear, causing quite a stir among the residents of a small town in Buckinghamshire.

Sightings of a "small bear-like animal" were reported in and around the Marlow area during early February. It was eventually established that the creature was in fact a coatimundi that had escaped from a nearby home two months previously.

Three gardens in particular appear to have been favoured destinations for the coati. RSPCA officers say they had to use a humane trap (usually used for capturing injured animals) to catch the wily creature.

Animal collection officer Dennis Lovell said: "Thanks to the help of the nearby householders we were able to keep an eye on the trap and as soon as he was in there I was able to go down, collect him and return him to his owners.

"Considering he had been on the run for around two months he was in a very good condition and it was lovely to be able to reunite him with his owners."

Coatis originate in South America and, like many exotic pets, can be challenging to look after.

Image © RSPCA

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.