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Dentist Helps Broken Beak
Cyrano's beak before the team started work.
A bald eagle from Alaska in the USA has had his beak fixed with a filling from the dentist.
 

Cyrano the eagle was rescued and taken to the Bird Treatment & Learning Center after being found with a missing upper beak, wet and infested with lice.

After close inspection the team believe the bird may have got his upper beak wrapped in fishing line which slowly tightened and cut into the beak. Vets worried that further wear may have caused the beak to completely break off, which would have undoubtedly would have resulted in death in the wild.

After much deliberation, the vets enlisted the help of a dentist, Dr Kirk Johnson. With much development, the team developed a ‘spacer’ to fill the gap in the beak that is made out of the same material used to make temporary crowns for humans.  Unfortunately the beak will never be strong enough to allow the eagle to be released back into the wild, but the team are hopeful that it will become more structurally sound on its own.  

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.