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Pets in running for national survivor award
Milo the Pomeranian was bred by cruel puppy farmers leaving him blind and almost paralysed.
Six finalists battled against the odds to make miraculous recoveries

A puppy farm victim left almost paralysed and a duck that survived a fox attack are among six ‘miracle pets’ in the running for the PDSA’s Pet Survivor of the Year award.

Entries were received from across the UK for the award, which pays recognition pets who have survived against the odds and made miraculous recoveries. The six finalists were selected by a judging panel including television presenter Michaela Strachan, vet and television presenter Judy Puddifoot and Love Island star Lady McDermott.

Michaela Strachan said: “All of these stories of survival against the odds are so heart-warming. Choosing just six finalists was really tough. The pets’ fight for life and their owners love, support and incredible devotion is truly remarkable.”
 
Judy Puddifoot added: “It was an honour to judge such amazing stories, many of whom went through extensive vet treatment following incredibly traumatic experiences. I wish I could’ve given all the pets a prize!”
 
The finalists include a dog who pulled through an aggressive type of spleen cancer, an elderly feline who developed septic peritonitis, and a fox terrier who suffered a ferocious attack by a larger dog. They also include Woody, a five-month-old kitten, who arrived home with a missing tail and deep slash to his abdomen.

PDSA veterinary nurse Nina Downing said: “All of this year’s finalists represent exactly what our Pet Survivor competition is all about. Their incredible stories show what an important place our pets hold within our families. Everyone involved with their care have demonstrated true devotion to help support these pets fight for their life.”

The public can vote for their favourite pet survivor and watch the pet’s inspiring stories at pdsa.org.uk/petsurvivor.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."