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Fire survivor bulldog entered into pet awards
Leo was treated for burns to his stomach, testicles and legs.

Two-year-old Leo defied expectations to recover from extensive burns

A bulldog that sustained horrific burns after being caught up in a fire has been entered into the PDSA’s Pet Survivor Awards.

Two-year-old Leo from Bournemouth was lying under his owner’s caravan when it burst into flames. Thankfully a family friend saw the smoke from half a mile away and hurried to his rescue.

Leo was rushed to the PDSA Pet Hospital in Bournemouth where he was treated for extensive burns to his stomach, testicles and legs. Many of the injuries were so severe that vets warned he could take months to recover.

Initially, Leo required appointments every two days to change the dressings and clean the wounds as they healed. His owner said that he also suffered severe trauma from the incident and that he would often have nights of disturbed sleep.

After weeks of treatment and TLC, Leo defied expectations and made a complete recovery. He has now become one of the first entrants for the PDSA’s Pet Survivor Awards, which champion animals that survive serious injury or illness against the odds.

The awards are open to any pet treated by a vet in the UK for a life-threatening illness or injury between 1 January 2017 and 31 August 2018.

PDSA Vet Olivia Anderson-Nathan said: “Every day, dedicated vet teams save lives and help get our beloved pets back on their paws after serious injury and illness. The PDSA Pet Survivor Awards recognise those extraordinary stories which capture a pet’s fighting spirit, their owner’s dedication and the expertise and skills of the vets and vet nurses involved.

“We welcome entries about death-defying stories of bravery and determination, to recognise the important place our pets have in our lives.”

Pet owners wishing to nominate their pet can do so at www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurvivor

Image (C) PDSA

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com