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Human heart surgeons set to operate on young dog
Facebook campaign hoped to fund operation

A labrador with a rare heart malformation may undergo human heart surgery following a Facebook campaign to save his life.

Nine-month-old Lycka was referred to the Montsouris hospital - for humans - in Paris, after vet surgeons said the operation to repair his ruptured artery was too difficult.

Surgeons at the hospital agreed to perform the operation for free, in order to save the young dog from being put to sleep. However, the operating costs for specialist equipment still amount to €3,000 (£2,400).

Lycka's owner, Christian Collin, who adopted the dog when it was abandoned at three months old, is unable to afford the bill, so the French Society for the Protection of Animals (SPA) said it would cover 70 per cent of the costs.

The SPA launched a Facebook campaign for the remaining money, which it is confident will be raised in time for Lycka's operation date, December 20.

Orianne Vatin, a spokesperson for SPA, said: "This operation is not usually done on animals. So surgeons for humans will operate Lycka… The only technique that can save him uses cutting-edge technology and so is very costly."

Donations can be made via Lycka's Facebook page.

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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.