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Trouble bru-ing for mischievous Dachshund
Darcey

Dog gets jaw stuck in fizzy drinks can.

Miniature Dachshund Darcey was rushed to PDSA’s Glasgow pet hospital after getting her jaw stuck in a can of Irn Bru.

Darcey’s owner Janette Gallacher was holding a family gathering at her home in the city when the trouble began. The party soon lost its sparkle when Darcey managed to get her paws on an empty drinks can which then became lodged in her mouth.

After Darcey began to bleed her owner tried to gently remove the can, but to no avail. She was then rushed to the PDSA pet hospital as an emergency where vets came to her aid.

Susie Hermit, a vet from the hospital, admitted it was one of the most unusual cases she had ever come across at her site. She explained: ““We could see that Darcey was bleeding and was in lots of distress. The can was so firmly wedged that we had to sedate her in order to remove it to prevent any further damage and make sure that Darcey wasn’t too uncomfortable when we took the can off her jaw.

“She was very lucky that no permanent damage was done, as the inside of the can was very sharp and it could have caused substantial damage to the lining of her mouth and her tongue.”

After her ordeal, Darcey has now gone on to make a full recovery. Janette said she is extremely grateful for the care her beloved dog received from the vets at PDSA.
 
She said: “Darcey is back to her usual cheerful self now. When I told friends about it they couldn’t believe it. It was very worrying at the time.
 
“We’re very careful when we bring out the Irn Bru now.”

 

Image credit: PDSA

 

 

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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.