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No fighting like cat and dog
Video of unlikely friendship goes viral

A lion and a dachshund have become internet sensations after footage of the pair together was posted to the video sharing website, YouTube.

Joe Schreibvogel, the entertainment director at Garold Wayne Interactive Zoological Park in the US state of Oklahoma, took the lion home with him as a cub, after it was diagnosed with a rare bone disease.

Bonedigger, who is mildly disabled as a result of his condition, grew up alongside Mr Schreibvogel's litter of dachshund puppies – only to form a particularly close friendship with one named Milo.

Five years later, the 36 stone (500 pound) lion and pack of dachshunds now live together at the zoo, after a recent tornado struck the area and it became a refuge for both domestic and exotic animals.

Bonedigger and Milo can still be seen enjoying each other's company in the enclosure, as the footage shows!

Click here to view the video.

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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.