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RSPCA removes 5kg of matted fur from rescue dog
Barney's fur was so matted it covered his eyes and affected his eating and drinking.
“He looked like a completely different dog after his extensive grooming!”

A dog has had 5 kilograms of matted fur removed after arriving at an RSPCA rescue centre in Surrey.

Barney, an old English sheepdog, hadn’t been exercised, socialised or groomed for five years when the RSPCA officer saw him for the first time. His fur was so matted that it covered his eyes and affected his eating and drinking. 

Because he was so matted, Barney had to be sedated by the veterinary surgeon for clipping. A total of five kilograms of matted fur was removed from the dog.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Chloe Wilson said: “He looked like a completely different dog after his extensive grooming!”

The charity says that the matted fur has not caused any health problems for Barney, and he is now ready for rehoming. 

Sue Walters, from the RSPCA’s Millbrook Animal Centre said: “When Barney came into us, he was so shut down and scared, but our team gave him lots of time to trust them and now he has come on leaps and bounds. He now really enjoys his walks with the people he knows and trusts.” 

The RSPCA is looking to find Barney a home with owners that have experience of old English sheepdogs, and the grooming requirements that they require on a regular basis. 

Ms Walters added: “Barney needs a home that will go slow with him and give him time to settle and adjust to a new family and home environment. He needs an understanding home where his new family realise that it may take a bit of time for him to bond with them. Barney does like other dogs, and would benefit from living with a neutered dog, depending on introductions. 

“Barney has been through a hard time and he is becoming such a loving dog and really does deserve the best.”

Image (C) RSPCA

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Webinar to explore AMR in vet dentistry

News Story 1
 The WSAVA has invited veterinary professionals to a webinar on responsible antibiotic usage in dentistry.

On 19 November 2025, at 1am, Dr J Scott Weese and Dr Brooke Niemiec will share the latest advice for antimicrobial use. They will present research on oral bacterology, and explain how attendees can choose appropriate antibiotics.

The session will cover pre-, intra- and post-operative guidelines, with recommendations for various pathologies.

The webinar is designed to support veterinary professionals to make informed decisions and tackle antimicrobial resistance.

Attendees can register here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.