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Pets in running for national survivor award
Milo the Pomeranian was bred by cruel puppy farmers leaving him blind and almost paralysed.
Six finalists battled against the odds to make miraculous recoveries

A puppy farm victim left almost paralysed and a duck that survived a fox attack are among six ‘miracle pets’ in the running for the PDSA’s Pet Survivor of the Year award.

Entries were received from across the UK for the award, which pays recognition pets who have survived against the odds and made miraculous recoveries. The six finalists were selected by a judging panel including television presenter Michaela Strachan, vet and television presenter Judy Puddifoot and Love Island star Lady McDermott.

Michaela Strachan said: “All of these stories of survival against the odds are so heart-warming. Choosing just six finalists was really tough. The pets’ fight for life and their owners love, support and incredible devotion is truly remarkable.”
 
Judy Puddifoot added: “It was an honour to judge such amazing stories, many of whom went through extensive vet treatment following incredibly traumatic experiences. I wish I could’ve given all the pets a prize!”
 
The finalists include a dog who pulled through an aggressive type of spleen cancer, an elderly feline who developed septic peritonitis, and a fox terrier who suffered a ferocious attack by a larger dog. They also include Woody, a five-month-old kitten, who arrived home with a missing tail and deep slash to his abdomen.

PDSA veterinary nurse Nina Downing said: “All of this year’s finalists represent exactly what our Pet Survivor competition is all about. Their incredible stories show what an important place our pets hold within our families. Everyone involved with their care have demonstrated true devotion to help support these pets fight for their life.”

The public can vote for their favourite pet survivor and watch the pet’s inspiring stories at pdsa.org.uk/petsurvivor.

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

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.