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Loo surprise as snake found in bathroom
Image Lou
Lou
Scottish SPCA appeals for owner of 'Lou'

An Ayrshire resident has discovered a young male corn snake lurking in a vent in his bathroom, the Scottish SPCA has announced.

A resident of Grant Place in Kilmarnock made the discovery on Thursday, January 2, and alerted the animal welfare charity.

The 20-inch long snake has since been named Lou and is being cared for at the SPCA's Glasgow Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre.

Animal Rescue Officer Tricia Smith, said: "I think it's safe to say the man who found Lou got quite a fright. He was in the bathroom when he heard a strange noise coming from inside the vent.

Image Lou

"When he went to investigate, Lou came out of the vent and wrapped himself around the toilet roll holder, where he stayed until I arrived. Lou is around a year old and he's a feisty wee snake. He was flicking his tail as I tried to contain him but he's calmed down now.

"It's likely Lou has strayed from home but unfortunately no neighbours recognised him or knew who he might belong to. Hopefully someone will come forward following our appeal but if we're not able to reunite Lou with his owner we'll find him a new home."

The charity is asking anyone who recognises Lou to contact their helpline on 03000 999 999.

Images courtesy of the Scottish SPCA.

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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
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."