Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Vets and VNs form choir for sick and injured pets
The Blue Cross choir has been entertaining listeners on BBC Radio Humberside and was planning a performance in Cleethorpes.

The Blue Cross ensemble sings to lift spirits on difficult days.

Animal charity Blue Cross has formed a choir to raise money for sick and injured pets this Christmas.

Vets, vet nurses, staff and volunteers of the Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Grimsby set up the choir to ease stress and lift spirits on difficult days in the veterinary world.

Not long ago, the team performed on BBC Radio Humberside, and they look forward to singing to more people as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Most recently, the group has been singing together during lunch breaks in preparation for a performance in Cleethorpes to raise funds for animals in need, whose owners may not be able to afford private veterinary care. 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions meant the event had to be cancelled, but that hasn’t stifled the group’s enthusiasm.

“We started our Blue Cross choir with staff and volunteers singing along together to lift our spirits on difficult days within the veterinary world and found that we actually really enjoy it,” commented Natalie Everett, deputy nurse manager at Blue Cross in Grimsby. 

“We’ve been practising Christmas Carols, and we thought we would take the plunge and make our first public appearance and raise some vital pounds towards the sick and injured pets we care for and helping their loving owners who would otherwise not be able to afford vet care for their pets.” 

Although the event could not go ahead, pet lovers can still help the animals at Grimsby by donating via the Blue Cross website. The group has also put together a festive veterinary rendition of the 12 Days of Christmas, which you can watch below.

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

Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."