Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 29th January 2018
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Blue Cross seeks hero pets for 2018 medal
Romeo was awarded the Blue Cross Medal in 2017.
Medal recognises the amazing way pets change lives

Animal lovers are being urged to nominate their pet heroes for the Blue Cross Medal 2018.

Up to now, the Blue Cross Medal was aimed at working or assistance pets, or those that have saved lives in dramatic ways. This year, the charity is opening up the medal to the everyday pet heroes - from cats who are there to listen and guinea pigs that give children confidence.

Sally de la Bedoyere, Blue Cross chief executive, said: “With the Blue Cross Medal we want to honour the amazing things pets do for us and how they change our lives. If you know a pet that has made an incredible rescue and saved a life, or if someone’s cat, horse or rabbit is their hero just by being a friend, helping them through life’s challenges, then we want to hear from you.”

The winner of the 2017 Blue Cross medal was five-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross, Romeo. Romeo was nominated by his owner because he spends much of his time visiting residents in care homes and stroke patients. He also donates blood to the Royal Veterinary College, saving countless lives and transforming the stereotype of the breed.

Recognising animals and people for extraordinary acts is a long-held tradition of the Blue Cross. The charity gave veterinary care to horses during the First World War and, in 1917, awarded Major Methuen of the King's Royal Rifles for the rescue of horses under shellfire on the battlefield in France.

In 1940 the medal was expanded to recognise animal bravery. A dog named La Cloche was the first recipient of this award, for saving his owner after a torpedo hit their ship.

To find out more about the awards and to nominate a pet, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/medal. The closing date for entries is 4 February 2018.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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.