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Sugar glider discovered in a London nightclub
The sugar glider was rescued from the nightclub, and transferred to a specialist keeper.

The lost party animal was rescued by the RSPCA. 

A lost sugar glider became a party animal on Sunday 23 January, when it was discovered in a nightclub in South Kensington!

The little marsupial shocked nightclub staff when they discovered him inside the club in the middle of the afternoon, and took him to the vet, who contacted the RSPCA. 

Mike Beaman, RSPCA rescuer who collected the sugar glider, said: “This little guy was found inside a nightclub in the middle of the afternoon. Either he was a little early to the party or somehow he has escaped and is a lost pet.

“This sugar glider wasn’t too friendly but had clearly been kept as a pet. They are cute animals and it’s easy to see why people might be tempted to buy sugar gliders as pets but we would urge them to reconsider; these animals need very specialist care and we don’t believe they are suitable as pets.

“Unfortunately, we do see these sorts of animals escaping or being given up from time-to-time when their owners realise how difficult it is to meet their needs in a household environment.”

The sugar glider has been transferred to a specialist keeper in Peterborough, and the RSPCA are warning the public about the complex needs of exotic pets, reminding them that the needs of sugar gliders are so difficult to meet in a household environment that the creatures do not make suitable pets.

Mike added: “They are nocturnal animals who need to be allowed to sleep during the day and to be awake and active at night. They must be fed an appropriate diet and be provided with UVB light in captivity, to prevent metabolic bone disease.

“They are arboreal, meaning they spend their lives up in the trees, and can glide for 50m or more, which would be extremely difficult to provide for in a typical home. 

“They’re also incredibly sociable so should never be kept on their own, and can live for over 10 years.”

 

Image (C) RSPCA

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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.