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Cat food recalled over link to pancytopenia
"We have seen now ten cats with severe pancytopenia in the last four weeks" - Dr Barbara Glanemann, RVC.
Concerned owners are being urged to seek veterinary assistance.

Pets at Home, Applaws and Sainsbury’s are recalling a number of dry cat food products over a possible link to a rare and fatal disease of felines.

Owners that have bought the products, manufactured by Fold Hill Foods, are being urged to stop feeding them to their cats and to return them to the store in which they were purchased. 

The Food Standards Agency and Fold Hill Foods state the products could be linked to a spike in cases of pancytopenia, as reported by the RVC earlier this month.

Dr Barbara Glanemann, a senior lecturer in transfusion medicine and Emergency Critical Care at the RVC, said: “Typically, we may see one case of this per year, but we have seen now ten cats with severe pancytopenia in the last four weeks. 

“Most have had severe generalised bone marrow hypo- to aplasia. Some cats have presented at the same time from the same household. Given the rarity of this condition, the clustering of these cases is concerning.”

A full list of the affected products is available on the Fold Hill Foods website. The Food Standards Agency said notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling these products to explain why the products are being recalled. 

It has also advised cat owners concerned about the health of their pet to seek immediate advice from their vet. 

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.