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Ocular dermoid op gives dog a second chance
Charities work together to relieve dog of eye defect

A basset hound born with ocular dermoid on her left eye has recovered from the condition with the help of two animal charities.

One-year-old Bella was taken to Wood Green because her owners were unable to afford the specialist surgery required to treat the condition, which is caused by an overgrowth of normal tissue in an abnormal location.

Though ocular dermoid does not usually impair eyesight, it may cause irritation and secondary conditions to the eye - in Bella's case, recurring conjunctivitis.

Wood Green immediately contacted Europe's largest team on ophthalmology specialists at the Animal Health Trust (AHT), who agreed to perform the delicate eye surgery.

Claudia Hartley, head of small animal ophthalmology at AHT, said: "I'm so glad we were able to help such a deserving dog who has been suffering with this growth since birth.

"Bella has a lovely nature, but dermoid was clearly having a negative effect on her overall health and wellbeing. She recovered quickly from the surgery to remove the dermoid. The relief Bella felt after the operation was obvious straight away, as her spirits seemed to be immediately lifted."

After receiving the surgery, Bella was able to move in with new owners in time for Christmas.

"Bella came to us through no fault of her own, or her owners - she needed specialist surgery to correct the abnormal birth defect on her eye which sadly, they just couldn’t afford," said Helen Keen, Wood Green's head nurse.

“Her owners did the right thing by bringing her to us; both charities have been able to pool resources and get Bella the help she needed to correct her defect. The change in her after having the operation was incredible, and we were so pleased to be able to rehome her in time for Christmas.”

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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.