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Charity funds emergency surgery for retired police dog
“I can’t thank the Thin Blue Paw enough for what it’s done for Neo and for our family” – Rob James.
Neo was taken to the vets suffering from gastric torsion.

A retired police dog is recovering from life-saving surgery after a charity stepped in to cover the costs.

Neo, who served with Humberside Police, was taken ill at home in Hornsea, East Yorkshire, on 8 September. The German shepherd started making strange noises, had a hard stomach, and was trying to be sick.

Owner Rob James was called home from his work as a police officer by his partner and headed straight to the vets where a friend had driven the dog.

On his way to the practice, PC James contacted the Thin Blue Paw Foundation, a charity which provides help for serving and retired police dogs in the UK. Retired police dogs do not receive any financial support from the force they worked for after they retire.

The veterinary team at the practice found that Neo had gastric torsion and needed immediate surgery. The charity agreed to cover the full cost of Neo’s surgery and the operation was a success.

PC James said: “Neo is doing really well after his surgery. I find myself thinking a lot about how life might have turned out if the Foundation hadn’t stepped in to help with the costs of this surgery – I'm so pleased he’s been given a chance.

“I can’t thank the Thin Blue Paw enough for what it’s done for Neo and for our family. I will forever be thankful for what you’ve done.”

Thin Blue Paw Foundation trustee Kieran Stanbridge added: “Poor Neo was seriously ill when Rob called us on the way to the vets and he wasn’t sure how he’d cover the costs of the emergency treatment. We knew we needed to help and we agreed to cover the full costs.

“We’re so pleased we were able to step in at Neo and Rob’s time of need, and that Neo is now back at home with his family recovering well.”

Image © Thin Blue Paw Foundation

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Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.