Lorry driver reunited with dog from roadside rescue
A dog found abandoned by the side of a road has been reunited with the lorry driver who saved her life.
Ivy and two other cockerpoos were discovered by Marcus near a lay-by in Colchester, Essex, in December 2023.
He took the puppies to Moreton Hall Veterinary Centre, a Stowe Veterinary Group practice, where they were treated for mange and malnutrition.
The trio then received 24-hour care at sister practice Stowe Veterinary Centre before being fostered by veterinary surgeon and practice principal, Martin Barrow.
Now, nearly three years later, all three dogs have found safe and loving homes. Ivy continues to live happily with Martin and his wife, Lesley, a head dog groomer and veterinary nurse.
On Thursday (28 May), Ivy and Marcus were reunited at The Suffolk Show, an annual event celebrating the county’s farming and agricultural heritage.
“It was wonderful to meet Marcus again,” said Martin. “Despite being close to death when Marcus discovered [Ivy] by the side of the road, she is now a loving and affectionate part of the family.”
Image (C) Stowe Veterinary Group.
Finalists revealed for Young Vet of the Year 2026
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has announced its three finalists for this year’s Young Vet of the Year 2026.
The award, which is sponsored by Zoetis, is in its ninth year and celebrates inspirational early-career vets who have already made an impact. The winner will be announced at the BVA Awards.
This year’s nominees are Jade Urquhart-Gilmore, Anna Hewison and Rachael White.
It is the second year that Dr Urquhart-Gilmore has been shortlisted for the award, in recognition of the exceptional care she gives. Having graduated in 2021 from the Royal Veterinary College, she is now lead veterinary surgeon at Crofts Veterinary Practice in Surrey.
After suffering a brain injury in 2025, Dr Urquhart-Gilmore also advocates for chronic illness, neurodivergence and disability support in the workplace.
Dr Urquhart-Gilmore said: "During the acute recovery from my traumatic brain injury, the fear of losing my place in the incredible veterinary community became a real concern. But the support I received from the profession, and the love I have for veterinary, has become one of the biggest assets during my recovery."
Dr Anna Hewison, a 2022 University of Nottingham graduate, is a farm veterinary surgeon at Shepton Vets, Somerset. She has been nominated for her high standards of care, commitment to self-development and mentoring her colleagues.
Dr Hewison runs the practice’s Youngstock Club, developing the programme to encourage a closer relationship between veterinary surgeons, technicians and farmers.
She said: “I was honoured and humbled to be nominated for this award–and I can’t believe I’ve been named as a finalist! Congratulations to everyone who was nominated as well as all the hard-working vets providing care to animals of all shapes and sizes."
Rachael White, who graduated from the University of Bristol in 2019, has been nominated for her clinical and surgical progress as well as her attention to detail when planning and performing procedures.
Her colleagues at Emerson’s Green Veterinary Surgery also praise her clinical excellence and leadership at a young age.
Dr White said: "I am humbled to have been nominated for this award, let alone become a finalist! My main passion lies with surgery and I'm currently pursuing a surgical certificate."
The BVA Awards Dinner will take place as part of BVA Live on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
Image © BVA
Hair-loss treatment poisoning cats, charity says
Cats Protection has issued a warning after a number of cat poisonings were linked to hair-loss treatments.
The charity has seen more than 20 reported cases of such poisonings due to the topical treatment, although the actual number is expected to be higher.
Minoxidil is the active ingredient in the over-the-counter treatment for thinning hair. While it is safe for humans, it can have a devastating effect on cats if ingested.
The charity says that direct ingestion from the medicine bottle or its applicator is uncommon, with most poisonings resulting from everyday, unintended contact with owners.
Cats may instead lick minoxidil directly from their owner’s skin or consume residue that has been transferred onto their fur during grooming. They may also encounter traces of minoxidil left on bedding or clothing.
Even very small amounts of the ingredient, including drops or spills, can cause life-threatening illness.
Cats Protection warns that minoxidil can cause profound hypotension in cats. Reported effects have included pulmonary oedema or pleural effusion, respiratory distress, weakness and collapse.
Symptomatic cats have often required intensive care, with some deteriorating rapidly.
Sarah Merrett, head of Cat Welfare Engagement, said: “Topical products should be applied away from pets, hands washed thoroughly afterwards and treatments allowed to dry fully before contact with animals.
“Cats should be kept away from bedding that may have been contaminated and all medications kept securely out of reach. Anyone unsure about the safety of a product should seek advice and, if an owner suspects their cat has licked or touched any human topical medication, they should immediately contact their vet.”
However, minoxidil is not the only treatment the charity has warned against. Cats Protection says that any product that remains on human skin could be ingested by a pet cat.
Among the medicines of concern are anti-inflammatory gels (such as ibuprofen), Hormone Replacement Therapy gels and other dermal medications. Other medicines include psoriasis creams, ointments with potent forms of vitamin D and anticancer treatments such as 5-fluorouracil.
Many of these can be lethal even in minute quantities.
Sarah added: “Given the frequency with which GPs prescribe or recommend dermal treatments, a brief reminder to patients with pets could help prevent avoidable and distressing toxicities,”
Image © New Africa/Shutterstock
Plowright Prize 2026 winner announced
The award celebrates efforts to combat infectious animal diseases.
The winner of the 2026 Plowright Prize has been announced as Katie Hampson, Professor of Disease Ecology and Public Health at the University of Glasgow.
Awarded every two years by veterinary charity RCVS Knowledge, the £100,000 prize celebrates individuals in Europe or the Commonwealth for their contribution to the control, management or eradication of infectious animal diseases.
Judges praised Professor Hampson for her landmark research aimed at ending dog-mediated rabies. Throughout her career, she has pioneered a contact-tracing study tracking rabies transmission in a population of 80,000 dogs and built a “One Health” community active in rabies surveillance and control.
Professor Hampson’s work has also involved training students and early-career scientists across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Her research contributed to the ‘zero-by-30’ strategy and informed Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s inclusion of rabies in its 2021-2025 investment strategy.
Commenting on her achievement, Professor Hampson said she will use the funding to accelerate progress towards rabies elimination.
“I am truly delighted to be awarded the Plowright Prize. I am excited about being able to leverage the award to support communities directly affected by rabies and to mobilise action on dog vaccination,” she said.
“I hope the prize will accelerate progress towards rabies elimination. The funding will support operationalisation of transboundary One Health plans to sustain and expand rabies-free zones through scaling best practices in East Africa and Southeast Asia.”
The Plowright Prize is funded from the estate of Walter Plowright, the veterinary scientist whose development of a vaccine against rinderpest provided the key to eliminating the disease.
Judges comprise representatives from leading organisations and societies working in veterinary care and animal health, food and agriculture, and microbiology.
Katie Mantell, chief executive officer at RCVS Knowledge, said: “This year we saw a large number of impressive nominations, but our judging panel unanimously agreed that Professor Katie Hampson’s nomination stood out for the extraordinary influence her work has had on rabies advocacy and inspiring future generations, with her former students and mentees now leading rabies control efforts across the world.”
Image (C) RVC.
Articles by
Steph Cook
R Eddie Clutton
Clinical director
Siuna A Reid
Exotics specialist
Stephenie Malone
Specialist employment solicitor
Karen Wild
Clinical animal behaviourist
Claire Hodgson
Equine clinician
Kerry Doolin
Emergency and critical care clinician
Hilary Orpet
Senior lecturer and veterinary nurse
Clara Ashcroft
Marketing and communications writer and journalist
Jemma Fry
Veterinary physiotherapist and hydrotherapist
Stephanie Williams
Diagnostic radiographer
Norman Johnston
Dental and oral surgery specialist
Kieran Borgeat
Specialist in veterinary cardiology
Claire Hargrave
Animal behaviourist and lecturer
Emma Purnell
Veterinary nurse
John Hill
Bee enthusiast and experienced veterinary surgeon
John Matthews
Veterinary surgeon with a specific interest in goat care
Hayley Walters
Welfare and anaesthesia veterinary nurse
Helen Ballantyne
Human and veterinary nurse
Rob Tillyard
Specialising in veterinary practice management systems
Jane Ellison
Senior information scientist at the Veterinary Poisons Information Service
Alice Allbrook
James Yeates
Chief veterinary officer of the RSPCA
Joanne Webster
Head RVN, specialist in veterinary nurse training
Clinical Abstracts and blogs
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City birds collect human items to impress females, study finds
Bowerbirds are using glass and plastic to decorate their nests.
New research has found that male bowerbirds, a species native to Australia and Papua New Guinea, are using human items like plastic and banknotes to win over females.
Bowerbirds are renowned for their unique courtship behaviours. To attract a mate, males build intricate tunnels, or bowers, out of sticks and brightly coloured objects. They then sing and perform complex dance moves to impress visiting females.
While rural birds typically use leaves, fruit, and seeds to add colour to their bowers, a new study by the University of Exeter has found that city birds are adapting to their urban environments.
Researchers compared items collected by bowerbirds in Townsville City and a rural area, both in Queensland, Australia. They found that city birds gathered larger, more colourful decorations than rural birds did, with the most common items being green glass and gold wire.
Study author Dr Laura Kelley said the findings serve as a “reminder of how human activity is changing the natural world in unanticipated ways,” adding, “We don’t yet know whether this has any negative or positive impact on them”.
Caitlin Evans from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at the University of Exeter explained the mating ritual:
“Bowers are built exclusively to attract a mate, and males choose decorations that contrast against their own plumage and the bower itself. Once a female arrives and stands in the bower, males throw an object into their view and then display the plumage on the back of their head, then throw another object – and so on.
She added: “Our findings show that bowerbirds in a city use a wide range of items scavenged from humans. Glass, plastic and wire were common choices, but we also found items including a pair of handcuffs, medicine jars at bowers near a hospital, and fluorescent mouth guards from a site near an Australian Rules football ground.”
The study, Urbanisation alters courtship signals in male great bowerbirds, is published in Royal Society Open Science.
Image (C) Imogen Warren/Shutterstock.com
Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.
The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress.
Image ©Hryshchyshen Serhii/Shutterstock.com
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry
It will cover current regulation and monitoring.
The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).
Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.
The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.
Image (C) Claudine Van Massenhove/Shutterstock.com.
SPVS launches 2026 Salary Survey
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) hopes to provide an ‘essential benchmark’ for the veterinary profession with this year’s Salary Survey Questionnaire.
Its annual survey has been created to build a detailed picture of remuneration in the veterinary sector. It will capture data on basic salaries, bonuses, dividends and overtime, as well as benefit such as accommodation, company vehicles, car allowances and pension contributions.
The survey hopes to represent professionals working in both clinical and non-clinical roles, with the organisation highlighting the importance of competitive and attractive remuneration packages amid economic pressures and continued challenges.
SPVS has invited responses from people across the veterinary sector. This includes veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, practice managers, support staff and those in non-clinical roles.
All responses will be treated with strict anonymity and complete confidentiality.
The key to the survey’s results will be its breadth of data, and so participants are encouraged to share the questionnaire far and wide. As an additional incentive, participants will also have the opportunity to enter an exclusive prize draw to win a portable speaker.
Findings from the survey will be published within a summary report, made freely available to participants who provide their email address at the end of the survey. SPVS members will have access to a full report, which includes detailed analysis and expert commentary.
For more information or to complete the survey, visit its website.
Image © New Africa/Shutterstock.com
Genome tools could support rhino conservation
A genomic monitoring project is expected to improve the population of the critically endangered eastern black rhino.
The tools will support conservationists in managing the genetic diversity of black rhinos more affordably.
The project will utilise detailed DNA data from blood samples taken from black rhinos across Kenya. This will be used to create an imputation panel, which predicts the missing genetic information from other animals.
This will make it cheaper and faster for researchers to assess relatedness, genetic diversity and population structure across the country’s eastern black rhino subpopulations.
As part of the project, the team will also create a new genome assembly for the eastern black rhino. This detailed DNA reference map will be an essential tool for conservationists to monitor and protect the species’ genetic health through long-term management.
The project will be led by researchers from the Roslin Institute, which will also support bioinformatics training for staff at Kenya’s Wildlife Research and Training Institute. This will help them to build their capacity to carry out future genomic monitoring in-country.
Taking place over the course of two years, the project will be carried out in collaboration with the Wildlife Research and Training Institute and Kenya Wildlife Service.
Dr Melissa Marr, the lead scientist on the project, said: “Genomic tools can’t solve every conservation challenge, but they can help managers make better-informed decisions.
“By making genetic monitoring cheaper and easier to repeat, this project supports healthier, more diverse rhino populations as numbers continue to recover.”
Due to large scale poaching, the eastern black rhinoceros in Kenya were once reduced to small, scattered populations. Conservationists have improved these numbers, with many animals living in separate sanctuary subpopulations.
However, this puts animals at risk of in-breeding. Genetic information, therefore, is key for conservation experts to support healthier and more diverse groups.
Image © Michael Deckert/Shutterstock
Calculator to optimise pig and broiler feed
An online calculator has been launched to support the assessment of beta-mannan levels in pig and broiler diets.
The free tool, produced by Elanco, will support more informed decisions for feed formulations, which could lead to improved animal productivity and health.
Beta-mannans are found in many raw materials, such as soya, sunflower and cereals. Elanco says they are often overlooked regarding their impact on animal performance.
The organisations says that beta-mannans mimic the structure of pathogenic organs, causing them to trigger an unnecessary response in the animal’s immune system. This is known as a Feed-Induced Immune Response (FIIR).
The FIIR diverts nutrients and energy away from productive functions. This causes inflammation within the gut, reduces nutrient absorption, lowers feed conversion and increases the risk of secondary infections.
Dr Tom Dutton, a technical consultant for Elanco, says that even a minimal amount of beta-mannans (0.20 per cent) is enough to trigger an FIIR. He says that improving visibility of beta-mannan levels will allow for a more targeted approach to feed formulation.
This could mean including the energy-sparing enzyme beta-mannanase in diets to break down the beta-mannans and reduce their impact.
He said: "The new calculator can be used to assess beta-mannan risk at any stage of the diet. By using ingredient percentages entered by the user, it estimates beta-mannan levels in the ration and identifies if the inclusion of Hemicell XT would be beneficial,”
“Identifying and taking action to counter beta-mannans in diets is an important step in improving feed efficiency, supporting gut function, and helping animals perform to their full potential.”
The calculator is available for free on the Elanco website.
Image © Elanco
Rare antelope species rediscovered in Kenyan forest
Mountain bongo sighting suggests species is re-emerging.
New trail camera photographs have unexpectedly shown the wild mountain bongo in a Kenyan forest.
The antelope, which had previously been detected in four isolated areas, was believed to have shrunk to just a tiny range in the Aberdare mountains in Kenya.
However, new footage now places antelopes at a forest fragment near Massai Mau, roughly 200km from the Aberdares population.
This latest discovery follows a hi-tech survey of the animal, which was carried out in 2025 by Chester Zoo. The zoo took guidance from the Mountain Bongo Project (MBP) and had support from the Mountain Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC) and Kenya Wildlife Service.
The survey, performed using artificial intelligence, found just 28 individual mountain bongos in the Aberdares stronghold. Rangers from MBP have similarly confirmed there to be less than 40 bongos in Aberdares.
A mature male captured in a photograph is believed to be one identified by Tommaso Sandri, of Chester Zoo, in 2018. Dr Sandri theorised that, since this bongo had been hidden for years, other bongos may also be in the area.
Further pictures proved this theory, with markings analysis confirming these to show an additional young male and young female.
Dr Sandri said: “This is huge news. Unlike Aberdares, Maasai Mau is not a national park, and the reappearance of bongo may focus organisations on increasing broader protections.
“It’s a testament to the persistence of the MBP rangers who work in incredibly difficult and isolated conditions to monitor and protect this antelope.”
Bongo conservationists, led by experts from Chester Zoo, are developing a new action plan to coordinate bongo safeguarding work. The plan will be published soon.
There are currently 900 bongos in zoos and sanctuaries. Some conservation plans anticipate reintroducing mountain bongos into the wild to preserve genetic diversity.
A recent translocation of four European-born male mountain bongos, co-ordinated by Chester Zoo, has reinforced the sanctuary population in Kenya.
Dr Sandri added: “I believe the world would be poorer for their loss. Their presence makes the forest more magical. This is a problem caused by people, and we need people to fix it.
“Without everyone sharing their expertise and resources, the bongo could be lost.”
Image © Chester Zoo
Nominations open for 2026 BVNA Awards
The awards recognise the skilled care that individual RVNs and SVNs provide.
The BVNA is inviting nominations for its 2026 Awards, which recognise outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond to support their patients and colleagues.
Registered veterinary nurses (RVNs), student veterinary nurses (SVNs) and all other members of the veterinary team are invited to put forward the “exceptional individuals” who make up the veterinary nursing and wider veterinary professions. Finalists will be invited to attend a prize-giving ceremony during BVNA Congress 2026.
BVNA President Sarah Holliday commented: “The BVNA Awards recognise the skilled care that individual RVNs and SVNs provide, and the unwavering compassion and empathy that they demonstrate every day.
“We know that veterinary nurses are not only powerful advocates for animal welfare, but also the wellbeing of the people around them. We’re also thrilled to include an awards category for members of the wider veterinary team, who provide such valuable support to their veterinary nursing colleagues.”
This year, awards will be presented in memory of key individuals from the association’s history, including:
The Jean Turner Award – RVN of the Year
The Des Thompson Award – Veterinary Team Member of the Year
The Jennifer Townson Award – SVN of the Year.
There will also be a VNJ Writer of the Year Award celebrating articles that have encouraged discussions, positive change, or improved clinical standards in practice.
Sarah added: “Simply being put forwards for an award also provides much-deserved recognition to all of our nominees, so we would really encourage colleagues, friends and family to nominate an individual you feel should be celebrated. We’re looking forward to showcasing the special individuals within the veterinary profession and welcoming the worthy finalists and winners to BVNA Congress.”
For more information and to submit a nomination, visit the BVNA website.
Image (C) BVNA.
Not all baby birds need help, RSPCA warns
The RSPCA has warned the general public to take expert advice before attempting to ‘rescue’ abandoned baby birds.
The charity has reported a 22 per cent rise in its nestling intake in March and April 2026. This is despite many of these birds not requiring any intervention.
With admissions continuing to rise, the RSPCA is now preparing for a further peak in June.
In June 2025, 748 birds were admitted to the RSPCA after being brought into rescue centres. This formed part of a nine per cent increase overall in young birds brought to the RSPCA in 2025, reaching a total of 2,477 birds.
The RSPCA is urging animal lovers to consult its advice before intervening.
Nestlings, which appear to have no or few feathers, should be renested as soon as possible without disturbing other nesting birds. Any that are injured should be taken to the vet.
Meanwhile fledglings, which do have feathers, should not be disturbed. The RSPCA says that it is normal for a fledgling to leave the nest to practise flying, with the parents nearby.
Both nestlings and fledglings should only be taken to the vet if they are visibly injured.
Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert at the RSPCA, said: “We know there are so many kind-hearted wildlife lovers who want to do their bit to help, especially if a baby bird has been found out of their nest, but it’s really important that they take a moment to check whether that little bird actually needs help.
“Finding a feathered baby bird out of the nest is completely normal and - unless they’re sick or injured - it’s in their best interest to leave them be, and keep any pets well away. The parents are often nearby, keeping a close watch.
“If you do find a baby bird out of their nest, and you’re worried, the best thing to do is to follow advice on our website.”
Image © RSPCA
Research reveals three-legged dogs' movement strategies
Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College have examined the two different movement strategies of three-legged dogs.
Using a 3D motion capture system and force plates in RVC’s Structure and Motion Laboratory, the team analysed how these dogs adapted their bodies to move at different speeds.
The study involved twelve dogs recruited from across the UK through the RVC’s social media channels. This included six dogs with forelimb amputations and six with hindlimb amputation.
When travelling at higher speeds, the three-legged dogs used a ‘gallop-like’ gait to propel themselves. This was similar to the movement of four-legged dogs.
However, when moving at a slower speed, there were two different movement strategies employed by the dogs.
The first movement strategy was simply a slowed down version of the gallop. Meanwhile the second strategy involved the pair of remaining limbs moving in a walking-style pattern. The single remaining limb contacted the ground more than once during each stride.
When analysing how force was applied to the limbs, researchers discovered that forelimb amputee dogs placed around 50 per cent of their bodyweight on their remaining front limb. Hindlimb amputee dogs, however, distributed their weight more evenly among the three remaining limbs.
While there have been many research projects into the movement of two-legged and four-legged dogs, there is less known about the adaptation to moving on three limbs. This is despite limb amputation being a relatively common procedure in dogs, often following severe injury or cancer.
By improving their understanding of how three-legged dogs move, researchers hope to provide a foundation for future work into rehabilitation and mobility support for canine amputees.
Zoe Davies, lead author of the study, said: "The focus of my postdoctoral research was in two-legged and four-legged locomotion, but I was inspired to look at three-legged locomotion when I started sharing an office with a canine amputee. The great thing about research is that you can often end up pursuing avenues you didn’t anticipate at the start.”
The study can be found in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.
Image © Jorn Cheney
Feather insights could reduce transmission of Marek's disease
“It’s important to have multiple strategies available” - Prof. Andrea Wilson.
Breeding poultry according to their capacity to shed virus from feathers could help improve protection against Marek’s disease, according to new research.
Scientists at the Roslin Institute found that while genetic resistance protects birds from infection, only vaccination significantly reduced the amount of virus released into the environment.
While this confirms previous findings, researchers note that current vaccine developments and breeding programmes focus on genes linked to survival and tumour resistance in individual birds. This means that traits linked to reduced virus spread within flocks are often overlooked.
Researchers suggest that measuring the “feather viral load” in birds could better inform breeding programmes and support the development of new vaccines.
Professor Andrea Wilson, chair in infectious disease genetics and mathematical modelling, said: “Vaccines have a limited shelf life, and we know from history that Marek’s disease virus periodically evolves to become more harmful.
“That means we are likely approaching a point in time where increased disease pressure could emerge, so it’s important to have multiple strategies available – breeding to limit viral shedding gives poultry producers another tool in the toolbox”.
Image (C) N_Design/Shutterstock.com
Ammonia levels in urine could signify chronic kidney disease
A new study from North Carolina State University has suggested that ammonia levels in urine could serve as a marker for chronic kidney disease in dogs.
Researchers believe that dogs with a lower urine ammonia-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) could be experiencing a faster progression of kidney disease and higher fatality rates.
For humans, chronic kidney disease is linked to an inability to excrete acids like ammonia through urine. This can lead to metabolic acidosis, which is a potentially life-threatening build-up of acid in the body.
However, researchers felt there was not enough research into the link between reduced ammonia excretion and accelerated kidney disease in dogs.
The team enrolled 50 dogs (22 female, 28 male) that were being seen for management or monitoring of International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 2-4 chronic kidney disease. Each dog underwent initial blood and urine sampling to establish baselines and were seen four more times over the next 12 months.
Researchers concluded that dogs which had a UACR below 2.0 at enrolment were three times more likely to die of renal failure. They also had more rapid disease progression and experienced shorter survival times than dogs with higher UACR values.
This could mean that UACR could be used as an earlier marker of acid dysregulation than more traditional measures, including serum bicarbonate concentrations.
In the study, dogs had normal serum bicarbonate concentrations, but abnormalities in UACR levels. Altered urinary ammonia excretion could be more noticeable than changes detected in blood tests.
Autumn Harris, associate professor of nephrology-urology at NC State and first author of the study, said: “These findings indicate that UACR might serve as a clinically useful and non-invasive biomarker to identify dogs at risk of progression of their kidney disease who might benefit from early, targeted alkaline therapeutic intervention.
“Additionally, UACR could be used to help determine the prognosis for dogs with chronic kidney disease, allowing for interventions that could improve quality of life in these animals.”
The full study can be found in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Image © Unai Huizi/Shutterstock.com
Dogs Trust unveils major welfare strategy
The charity warns of a “tipping point" as dogs require longer, more specialised support.
A major new dog welfare strategy focusing on rehoming, prevention and international work has been launched by Dogs Trust.
The charity says the shift comes in response to an increase in the length of time dogs are staying in its care, alongside a growing need for more specialist behavioural interventions.
So far this year, Dogs Trust has rehomed 3,423 dogs — a figure roughly the same as last year. However, the charity warned that canine welfare is reaching a "tipping point" as dogs remain in its care for longer.
According to Dogs Trust, there has been a noticeable shift in the reasons why so many dogs are coming into its care. An increasing number of dogs are arriving with behavioural issues, requiring longer and more specialised care.
At the same time, owners are facing growing pressures, including shifting post-pandemic working patterns and the rising cost of living.
Among the most common reasons for handover are owners no longer being able to cope, unwanted behaviours and changes in health, housing or working patterns.
Chief executive Owen Sharp stressed that many owners are struggling long before they reach out to rescue centres.
“We cannot simply rehome our way out of this,” he said. “Our focus now is on being there earlier, preventing dogs from reaching crisis point, and helping more dogs both here in the UK and around the world.”
Under the new strategy, the charity aims to provide more expert support for dogs in care, greater help for owners, and earlier intervention. By 2027, Dogs Trust aims to increase its re-homing rate by 27 per cent and provide support to some three million dogs globally every year.
The strategy is being officially launched at St James’s Palace, by kind permission of Dogs Trust’s Patron, His Majesty The King. The event will mark a major moment in the charity’s 135-year history.
Image (C) JLugonStudio/Shutterstock.com
Nominees revealed for new BVA awards
The organisation will present three new awards in June.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has revealed the nominees vying for top prizes at this year’s BVA Awards Dinner.
The organisation is set to present ten awards, including three brand new categories, at its BVA Awards Dinner at BVA Live on Thursday, 11 June.
There are seven veterinary workplaces shortlisted for the BVA Wellbeing Awards. This accolade recognises workplaces which excel at enhancing team wellbeing, measured against the Good Veterinary Workplaces Voluntary Code.
The shortlist includes three independently-owned veterinary practices that have been praised for their commitment to their teams. These practices are Thrums Vets (North-East Scotland), Bold Vets (St Helens) and Seaham Vets (County Durham).
The other nominees are LVG-owned practices Chapelfield Vets (Norwich), Vets for Pets Rugby, Vets for Pets Kirkaldy and telemedicine company SonoPath.
The BVA Veterinary Mentor Award recognises inspirational mentors which have gone above and beyond to support and guide others in the veterinary profession. This year’s finalists are Lorna Clark (vet and owner of Pinfold Vets), Sharon Ann King (vet and lecturer at Aberystwyth University) and Dr Yaiza Forcada Atienza (specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine).
The BVA Veterinary Leader Award will go to an inspirational leader in the veterinary profession. The award recognises leaders who drive positive change, foster innovation and make a lasting difference.
The finalists are Dr Esther Skelly-Smith (equine vet and practice principal at Shanaghan Veterinary Services), Paul Horwood (farm vet and head of Farm and Exports at IVC Evidensia) and Dr Ceri Owen (regional clinical lead at CVS Vets).
The BVA One Health and Sustainability Award celebrates veterinary-led initiative which champion and raise awareness for the One Health approach. It is awarded in memory of former BVA president Dr Simon Doherty, who was a campion of sustainability and One Health.
The finalists are Dr Laura Higham (director at Vet Sustain), Dr Rob Howe (farm vet and leader of BCVA’s sustainability working group) and the Pembrokeshire TB Project.
The other awards to be presented are:
• BVA Outstanding Service Award
• BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal)
• BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award (J. Trevor Blackburn Award)
• Vet Record Impact Award
• WVS Global Veterinary Challenge, in association with BVA.
Rob Williams, BVA president, said: “Vet teams have a profound impact both on the lives of individual animals and people, but also on society at large.
“The BVA Awards enable us to take a moment out of our busy schedules to recognise these achievements and celebrate the fantastic work of our community.
“This year’s award finalists stand out as shining examples of the very best of the veterinary profession and it’s going to be very difficult to choose winners for each award.”
Image © BVA
Report raises concerns about dog breeding rules
The findings of a new report have sparked concerns about the effectiveness of the existing dog breeding laws being enforced by local authorities across the UK.
Conducted by Naturewatch Foundation and the Legal Advisory Group on Extreme Conformation in Dogs (LAGECDogs), the research has examined whether these legal laws are efficient at protecting the health and welfare of dogs.
The report has been based on Freedom of Information requests, sent to 326 local authorities in England and Scotland. Naturewatch says that, across 2,390 licensed dog breeders operating in 2025, records of non-compliance remained rare.
In England, between 2018 and 2025, 31 cases of non-compliance were reported by local authorities. This included 17 licence refusals, six licence variations, two suspensions and two prosecutions.
In Scotland, meanwhile, there were no cases of non-compliance reported.
Naturewatch has highlighted discrepancies between the rate of non-compliance reports and the continued popularity of poorly-bred dogs. It says dogs are continuing to be bred to have extreme physical characteristics with serious health and welfare concerns.
The organisation also suggests that there might be significant variations in how authorities are assessing compliance. While some councils described particularly comprehensive inspections, others provided only general descriptions with no clear explanation of compliance in practice.
The report warns that some welfare concerns, including individual dogs from breeding licences, may also be unrecorded as a breach in regulations.
Naturewatch has now called for improved protection for dogs and puppies, with more training and guidance required from inspectors and licensing officers.
This includes clearer guidance for breeders and inspectors improved training and support for licensing officers and clearer guidance on the role of veterinary surgeons during inspections. It recommends a greater emphasis on ‘holistic welfare assessments’ during inspections.
Naturewatch also suggests that further research into the welfare assessments currently carried out by authorities could be needed. It says that, while its report only examines the uses of existing rules, it may still propose more substantive legal changes.
Natalie Harney, campaign manager at Naturewatch Foundation and co-author of the report, said: "The findings of this report confirm, as many have long suspected, that legal rules designed to prevent harmful breeding decisions are not being used to their full potential.
“This evidence can now be used to better support local authorities and licensees, and inform future dog breeding policy development, with the overall aim of improving the health and welfare of dogs.”
The full report can be found here.
Image © Shutterstock/ Sylvie Pabion Martin
Guest speaker for Royal College Day announced
Sir David Spiegelhalter OBE is a renowned statistician and author.
One of the most well-known experts on risk and data has been announced as the guest speaker for Royal College Day 2026.
Professor Sir David Spiegelhalter OBE will deliver his talk titled Communicating evidence and uncertainty in a trustworthy way, during the afternoon session on Friday, 3 July.
An Emeritus Professor of Statistics at the University of Cambridge, Sir David is internationally renowned for his work on medical statistics and the public understanding of risk.
RCVS president Professor Tim Parkin FRCVS, who selected Sir David for this year’s event, said: “I am delighted to have finally managed to encourage Sir David to speak on my invitation - this is not the first time I have tried!
“His ability to make statistics relatable is something I have strived to do for my whole career. Understanding how important it is to be really clear about what the message is that you are trying to get across, how to do so without complexity but at the same time ensuring sufficient detail are presented is his real skill.
“As someone who has tried to influence policy making throughout my career, hearing Sir David talk about doing so in a world of uncertainty has enabled me to better communicate risk to those who are able to take action when provided that information in readily digestible formats.
“I know there will be something interesting and entertaining for everyone who attends - it will not be the same as a statistics lecture at veterinary school.”
Image (C) RCVS.
Land policies should address disease risk, study warns
New model assesses how woodland-planting subsidies might affect deer populations.
The potential spread of infection amongst wildlife and livestock should be considered when expanding woodland, new research suggests.
The study by the Roslin Institute suggests that careful planning is vital when designing environmental policies, such as woodland management schemes, to control the risk of disease transmission.
Researchers developed an economic data model to explore how woodland-planting subsidies might affect deer populations, landscapes, and the proximity of wildlife to cattle farms.
Focusing on south-west Scotland, the team modelled a range of woodland expansion scenarios and found that connectivity between deer habitat and cattle grazing could increase by up to 35 per cent, possibly accelerating disease transmission.
Published in the Journal of Environmental Management, the study specifically examined the possible implications for the spread of bovine tuberculosis. However, the researchers note that the model could be applied to any infectious disease that passes between livestock and wildlife.
Dr Chris Banks, a core scientist at The Roslin Institute, said: “Woodland expansion brings many benefits, including biodiversity gains and carbon sequestration, but it is important to understand any unintended consequences for livestock disease risk.
“Our work suggests there is value in considering where woodland is planted, so that environmental goals can be achieved while minimising the potential for increased contact between wildlife and farmed cattle.”
Image (C) Alex Konon/Shutterstock.com
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Over 1,000 toys at Tower Bridge highlight pet separations
Animal charity Woodgreen Pets Charity has revealed the motive behind a large scale visual stunt at Tower Bridge last week.
More than 1,000 pet toys, including balls, ropes and plush toys, were left on the banks of the Thames on Thursday, 21 May 2026 next to busy Tower Bridge.
The charity explains that the 1,330 toys represented an estimated 26,565 dogs and cats which could have stayed with their owners, if there had been the right support. Each individual toy symbolised 20 pets.
The visual stunt forms part of Woodgreen’s campaign to redefine ‘rescue’, with the goal of focusing more on preventing unnecessary separations in the first place.
It follows research, surveying 1,000 British pet owners in 2026, which revealed that a third of UK pet owners had given up a pet at some point. Of these pet owners, 74 per cent of pet owners did not want to give up their pet.
Nearly half of pet owners were unaware of charities that offer support to help them keep their pets.
Woodgreen is one such charity offering support to pet owners to help them to stay with their pets during hardships.
One owner they helped is 72-year-old Lynne, from Cambridgeshire. Lynne and her husband, Graham, adopted Patterdale terrier Doug during the COVID pandemic.
However, when Graham passed away in 2024, Doug began to suffer dramatic behavioural changes.
Faced with grief and a challenging dog, Lynne reluctantly visit Woodgreen’s website to give Doug up. However, seeing that the charity offered support for her circumstances, she reached out for help.
Lynne was connected with Wendy, a behaviourist, to challenge Doug’s behavioural issues. Wendy produced a rigid training programme and a new diet for Doug, while providing Lynne with sympathy during difficult times.
Thanks to Wendy’s intervention, Lynne was able to keep Doug for a further two years before he passed away in April 2026.
Chris Bennett, head of community engagement at Woodgreen, said: “No one should have to part from a pet they love. We want to help people understand that there are more ways to rescue and rehoming doesn’t always have to be the answer.
“The 1,000+ toys at Tower Bridge symbolise the thousands of pets that didn’t have to be separated from their families last year, if only they’d had the support they needed. That’s why we work with pet owners in their homes, providing help and advice so that pets stay where they belong: safe, loved and at home. This is how we rescue.”
Image © Woodgreen Pets Charity
Scientists find genetic links between feline and human cancer
Researchers have discovered surprising genetic links between feline cancer and cancer affecting humans and dogs.
In what has been described as a ‘landmark’ study, scientists have discovered similarities which could inform future cancer treatment for pets and humans.
The international project saw researchers analyse nearly 500 cat tumours, with 13 different tumour types, from five countries. There was a particular interest in One Health implications, with a focus on the orthologs of human genes related to cancer.
Researchers examined the genetic mutations which were involved in the development of tumours, identifying many of the same cancer-driving genes in human and dog cancers.
Most significantly, researchers have made discoveries about the mutations linked with aggressive mammary cancers in cats.
The gene which was most frequently in these tumours was FBXW7. Mutations of this gene appeared in nearly half of the tumours studied.
This finding was similar to that of human breast cancer, where mutations of FBXW7 are linked with poorer outcomes.
This was not the only type of cancer to have links between feline and human patients. Researchers also identified similarities in cancers affecting the blood, bones, lungs, skin, gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system.
This has now raised further questions about the causes of these cancers. Since cats often share the same environments as owners, researchers theorise that some cancer risks might stem from common environmental exposures.
Researchers were also encouraged after finding some chemotherapy drugs worked better in cat mammary tumours which carried a mutated FBXW7 gene. While it was only seen in tissue samples, the discovery could mean new treatment possibilities for animals and humans.
Dr Sven Rottenberg, co-senior author at the University of Bern, said: "Having access to such a large set of donated tissues allowed us to assess drug responses across tumour types, in a way that hasn't been possible at this scale before."
The findings are expected to have significant clinical benefits for both cats and humans.
Treatments that are currently used for humans may eventually be tested for feline cancers. Meanwhile information from cancer trials involving domestic cats may guide future human clinical research.
Dr Louise Van Der Weyden, a senior author from Wellcome Sanger Institute, said: "We can now begin to take the next steps forwards towards precision feline oncology, to catch up with the diagnostic and therapeutic options that are available for dogs with cancer, and ultimately one day, humans."
The full study can be found in the journal Science.
Image © rai106/Shutterstock.com