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High chair saves Labrador with rare condition
Since using his new chair, Buck has managed to keep all his food down.

Buck’s life was in danger as a result of ‘mega-oesophagus’ 

A young Labrador with the life-threatening condition ‘mega-oesophagus’ has been saved thanks to a special high chair, which was designed and built by a vet and product design lecturer.

Seventeen-month-old Buck struggles to swallow enough food as a result of his condition. He weighed just half what he should at his age when he arrived at Team Edward Labrador Rescue in the East Midlands.

Specially-made chairs can help dogs with this rare condition, by sitting them upright when they eat, but none could be sourced in time for Buck.

Fortunately, a social media post prompted vet Emma Drinkall and her fiancé Nick Rowan, a product design lecturer, to create a high chair for Buck in less than 48 hours. The pair will continue to adapt the chair as Buck gains weight and grows in future.

Buck’s condition means that most of the food he consumes gets stuck in pouches in the oesophagus or is regurgitated. Dogs with this condition are at risk of developing very serious - and potentially fatal - chest infections.

Since using his new chair, however, Buck has managed to keep all his food down. He is now on a high calorie puppy diet to help him put on weight and gain strength.

University of Nottingham vet, Emma Drinkall, said: “We saw Buck’s story on social media, and I knew we just had to do something if he was going to have a chance. Luckily Nick and I have the combined expertise and experience to build the chair quickly.

“There is currently no surgery available for dogs with this condition, and as Buck is already receiving the medications that can help, the one other thing that could help him keep his food down is gravity itself. Being upright while feeding will help the food drip through the sphincter that controls access to his stomach.”

Wendy Hopewell, who runs the Team Edward charity, added: “It was just the most fabulous sight to see Buck eating in the chair and happy to be in it. To see how he sat in it straight away and get stuck in was incredible, it just pulls at your heartstrings.”

Buck image © Emma Drinkall
X-ray image © Team Edward

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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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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.