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Liverpool PDSA vet team join world's biggest dog walk
The team has already walked 440 miles, visiting areas such as Yorkshire's Three Peaks and The Lake District.

Virtual event aims to raise vital funds for animal charities

The team of veterinary staff from the PDSA Pet Hospital in Huyton, Liverpool are taking part in the World Big Dog Walk, aiming to walk 874 miles in order to raise crucial funds for animals in need.

The World Big Dog Walk event is taking place throughout September, and will see pet owners, animal lovers and celebrities from across the UK walking or running in support of charities such as PDSA.

This year’s Big Dog Walk is more important than ever, as the impact of COVID-19 pandemic has led to huge financial losses for so many charities and organisations. PDSA reports losing around £3 million a month in income, which is why the team at Huyton have decided to join in with the challenge.

Helen Allwood has worked at the Huyton PDSA for eight years. Her aim for the Big Dog Walk was to raise awareness of the amazing work that PDSA does, while also helping everyone involved get outdoors and exercise; something which she believes can provide a big boost for our wellbeing.

Ms Allwood said: “Working as a vet on the frontline during the pandemic has been incredibly intense. We’ve seen a huge number of pets in need of emergency treatment and I’m proud of how the whole team have pulled together to ensure we can still be there for pets in need.

“Our fundraising target was £431 which is the number of pets we helped via phone consultations each week during August. We’ve already smashed this, and I am so proud to be part of this amazing team and I know we will pull together to smash our target and raise lots of money.”

For more information and to sign up for the big dog walk visit www.pdsa.org.uk/worldbigdogwalk

Images (c) PDSA.

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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...
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.