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Fundraiser launched for dog with ‘severe back deformity’
Herbert's deformity causes him difficulty with standing, laying down, walking and playing.
Herbert was rescued by RSPCA last month.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has launched a fundraiser, after it rescued an eleven-month-old crossbreed with a ‘severe back deformity’.

Herbert will need high quality veterinary care, including specialist scans and treatments, to enable the team to plan for his recovery.

He was brought into Martlesham Animal Centre, run by the charity’s Suffolk Central branch, a few weeks ago suffering from significant pain and discomfort.

His deformed back caused him difficulty with standing, laying down, walking and playing. He was also malnourished when he arrived, with little muscle covering his body and a severe curve to his spine.

The RSPCA Central Suffolk team has already worked hard to improve Herbert’s prospects. He has been given necessary pain relief and gentle physio to aid with his back issues.

Herbert has already gained 3kg in just a week at the centre.

Kennel assistants have been working to build up his muscles and strength, but believe that he still has some way to go on his road to recovery. Herbert is now awaiting specialist scans and tests, which will inform his future treatment plans.

As the costs for Herbert’s treatments and scans continue to build, the team are now appealing for donations to support his recovery.

It has begun a fundraiser, Help for Herbert, which will contribute towards the costs of his future scans and treatment. The team’s current target is £1,500 for Herbert’s CT scan and advanced imaging.

The generous donations of RSPCA’s supporters means the fundraiser has already reached over £1,200.

The charity has seen an increase in pets that are requiring specialist treatment for a range of health problems. It believes that the cost of living crisis has made it particularly challenging for pet owners to afford necessary treatment for unexpected conditions.

Emma Thresh, senior kennel assistant at Martlesham Animal Centre, said: “Pets are a huge responsibility and they can be a big financial commitment.

“We’d urge pet owners to ensure they have insurance and keep up-to-date with routine veterinary check-ups and preventative treatments, such as flea and worming treatments, as this will be more affordable in the long-term.”

To donate to Herbert’s recovery, visit his fundraising page here.

Image © RSPCA

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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

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 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 

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DAERA to reduce BVD 'grace period'

DAERA has reminded herd keepers of an upcoming reduction to the 'grace period' to avoid BVD herd restrictions.

From 1 May 2025, herd keepers will have seven days to cull any BVD positive or inconclusive animals to avoid restrictions being applied to their herd.

It follows legislation introduced on 1 February, as DAERA introduces herd movement restrictions through a phased approach. Herd keepers originally had 28 days to cull BVD positive or inconclusive animals.

DAERA says that, providing herd keepers use the seven-day grace period, no herds should be restricted within the first year of these measures.

Additional measures, which will target herds with animals over 30 days old that haven't been tested for BVD, will be introduced from 1 June 2025.

More information is available on the DAERA website.