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Passive Smoking Problematic for Pets
A professor from Glasgow University has highlighted the effect of passive smoking on pets.

The Professor of Small Animal Medicine and Oncology at the University of Glasgow's Small Animal Hospital will address the effect of second-hand smoke on animals in a seminar hosted by the NHS.

Professor Clare Knottenbelt will speak about the research and mounting evidence which shows how damaging second-hand smoke is to the health of pets at a seminar on the 26th October, held by NHS Ayrshire & Arran.

Professor Knottenbelt said: "We are all aware of the risks to our health of smoking. As well as the risk to the smoker, there is the danger of second-hand smoke to others, including chldren, but pets are also at risk too."

She drew attention to several published studies which have shown increased risk of lymphoma and oral cancer in cats, and an increased risk of lung, nasal and sinus cancer in dogs.

Professor Knottenbelt added: "While veterinary medicine is advancing all the time and we have the ability to treat some cancers in pets, it is expensive and provides no guarantees of long-term survival."

"The best way of avoiding damage to your pet's health is not to smoke around them - or better still, to give up."

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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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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.