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.
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

RSPCA removes 5kg of matted fur from rescue dog
Barney's fur was so matted it covered his eyes and affected his eating and drinking.
“He looked like a completely different dog after his extensive grooming!”

A dog has had 5 kilograms of matted fur removed after arriving at an RSPCA rescue centre in Surrey.

Barney, an old English sheepdog, hadn’t been exercised, socialised or groomed for five years when the RSPCA officer saw him for the first time. His fur was so matted that it covered his eyes and affected his eating and drinking. 

Because he was so matted, Barney had to be sedated by the veterinary surgeon for clipping. A total of five kilograms of matted fur was removed from the dog.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Chloe Wilson said: “He looked like a completely different dog after his extensive grooming!”

The charity says that the matted fur has not caused any health problems for Barney, and he is now ready for rehoming. 

Sue Walters, from the RSPCA’s Millbrook Animal Centre said: “When Barney came into us, he was so shut down and scared, but our team gave him lots of time to trust them and now he has come on leaps and bounds. He now really enjoys his walks with the people he knows and trusts.” 

The RSPCA is looking to find Barney a home with owners that have experience of old English sheepdogs, and the grooming requirements that they require on a regular basis. 

Ms Walters added: “Barney needs a home that will go slow with him and give him time to settle and adjust to a new family and home environment. He needs an understanding home where his new family realise that it may take a bit of time for him to bond with them. Barney does like other dogs, and would benefit from living with a neutered dog, depending on introductions. 

“Barney has been through a hard time and he is becoming such a loving dog and really does deserve the best.”

Image (C) RSPCA

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

Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Dechra launches checklist for veterinary sustainability

Global animal health specialist Dechra has announced the world's first Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist (VGTC) to help make surgery more sustainable.

Endorsed by leading veterinary organisations, including the BEVA, BVNA and RCVS Knowledge, the checklist is designed to reduce the environmental footprint of veterinary care, while supporting better animal health outcomes.

The checklist was launched at the World Congress of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia in Paris and will be followed by an internal training and awareness campaign. For more information, visit dechra.com