Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 4th August 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Retired Police dog pulls through after emergency surgery
Pictured: Flint with his handler, Karen Crossley.

Ministry of Defence PD Flint kept nuclear submarines safe. 

Retired Ministry of Defence Police Dog Flint, an 11-year-old Belgian Malinois, has pulled through after a life-saving operation.

Flint, who comes from a line of police dogs, was matched with his handler Karen Crossley at nine weeks old in December 2010, and spend six years keeping nuclear submarines safe and secure.

Karen explained: “He spent his whole working life at Devonport where we patrolled the dock areas where the nuclear submarines underwent repairs and refits, and the seawalls where the naval ships would berth.”

After his retirement in 2018, Flint stayed with Karen, and enjoyed his life as a pet. However, this June, Flint began acting strangely, waking up suddenly and running outside. Karen noticed that his back was hunched and that he was attempting to vomit.

Noticing that Flint's stomach was starting to bloat, Karen rushed him to the veterinary clinic. The vet confirmed that Flint has a twisted stomach, and that an emergency operation was necessary.

Flint had already gone into shock, and even though the operation was a risk at his age, it was essential – but a touch-and-go situation, with great uncertainty if he would survive it.

Thankfully Flint survived and began to recover. Karen said: “We don’t know why it happened but I understand that when they’re laying down gas can build up and cause their stomach to twist.

“I’m just so relieved that he made it through and that we got to bring him home.”

With the emergency vet bill of £2,000, retired police dogs are unable to be insured due to their working past. 

UK-based charity the Thin Blue Paw Foundation stepped in to cover the cost of Flint's treatment. The organisation provides financial assistance and support to people who take on retired police dogs, owing to the dogs' uninsurability due to their active and strenuous past. 

“He deserves to have the best life now he’s retired and I’m committed to making sure he gets that,” Karen added.

“But I couldn’t do it without the Thin Blue Paw Foundation and I’m so grateful to them for their support and for saving Flint’s life.”

 

Image (C) The Thin Blue Paw Foundation

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

Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.