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Homemade construction helps piglet walk
Image: Chris P Bacon
Piglet gets second chance thanks to wheelchair

A piglet that was born with a congenital defect, leaving him unable to use his back legs, has been given a homemade wheelchair to help him get around.

The 10-day-old piglet was brought to Eastside Veterinary Hospital in Clermont, Florida, to be put down, because his owner felt he would have a poor quality of life being unable to walk. However, vet Len Lucero, said he would keep the piglet alive as long as he could, if the owner would agree let him take the animal home.

Dr Lucero was given permission to take the otherwise healthy piglet, named Chris P Bacon, back to his family to see how he could give the animal a better life. After a long play together, he decided to construct hind support for Chris P Bacon out of K'Nex – his children's building set.

Though Dr Lucero said the animal didn't like the two-wheel harness at first, he has already adjusted to it, adding that the Walkin' Wheels organisation has donated a sturdier wheelchair for when Chris P Bacon gets bigger.

"Chris weighs two pounds so he is too small now but should grow into [the donated wheelchair] before long. For now we'll have to stick with K'Nex," he commented.

Click here to watch a video of the Chris P Bacon getting about using his wheels, which has received more than 180,000 views since it was posted on January 26.

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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.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.