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Medical Detection Dogs issues call for puppy socialisers
The puppies will be trained to detect diseases like Parkinson's and bowel cancer. 

Volunteers will help raise a new litter of golden retriever Labrador cross puppies.

UK charity Medical Detection Dogs is appealing for volunteers to help raise its new litter of assistance puppies.

The four golden retriever Labrador cross puppies were born on 19 July and will one day, be trained to detect serious illnesses such as bowel cancer and Parkinson’s disease, much faster and less invasively than other methods. 

The dogs may also go on to provide life-changing support as Medical Alert Assistance Dogs.

Medical Detection Dogs is specifically looking for volunteers to assist with the puppies’ basic daily training, and gradually increase their exposure to public environments.
                             
Chris Allen, head of dog supply and training at Medical Detection Dogs, said: “The arrival of this new litter is a joyful milestone for us, but it comes with a pressing challenge. To continue our groundbreaking work in the fight against life-threatening diseases, we urgently need more volunteer puppy socialisers to step forward. 

“Their role is absolutely critical; without them these dogs cannot gain the vital foundations they need to one day save lives as disease detection and assistance dogs”.

Volunteers should ideally be based within an hour of Medical Detection Dogs hubs in Milton Keynes, Essex or Perth. 

Socialisers should also be at home regularly with their puppy, provide them with their daily nutritional needs, follow positive training methods, and introduce them to a wide variety of everyday environments.

Image (C) Medical Detection Dogs.

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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.  

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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.