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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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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.