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Botox for St Bernards?
Boyce pre-op
Meet the St Bernard who needed a facelift. 

Boyce the St Bernard has joined an elite number of dogs in Britain to have gone under the knife.

But far from reasons of vanity, Boyce was in desperate need of a facelift to cure his blindness.

Poor Boyce suffered from excess folds of skin which deprived him of sight. The condition, often seen in Shar Peis, rarely affects St Bernards as severely as it has done Boyce.

Paula Boyden, veterinary director of the Dogs Trust, explained: "Prior to his facelift, Boyce would have suffered terribly with sore eyes caused by the constant rubbing of skin folds on his eyeballs."

The operation involved removing a section of skin on the top of Boyce's head, so his skin could be 'lifted' and stitched back together, restoring his vision. Having recovered from his first facelift, Boyce now faces a second to reshape his eyelids. This will improve his eyesight further and reduce pain and discomfort.

Adam Levy, the manager of Dogs Trust Canterbury, where Boyce is being cared for, said: "He's a tough lad who bounces back quickly and is receiving lots of love and care from our dedicated canine carers. Despite his veterinary ordeal, Boyce is a happy chappy."

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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.