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Secret life of dogs documentary returns
Image beagle standing by window
Bristol vet school academics appear on Channel 4 show

Academics from the University of Bristol featured on an update to the Channel 4 documentary, Dogs: Their Secret Lives, which looks and separation anxiety and keeping dogs happy in the 21st century.

Dr Rachel Casey and Dr Emily Blackwell from the university's School of Veterinary Sciences appeared on the programme during the first episode back in November 2013, when they discussed separation-related behaviours.

The Bristol academics recruited 40 dogs for a study to find out how many UK dogs are affected by separation problems due to being left at home alone by their owners.

During the study the dogs, which were randomly selected and included a range of breeds and ages, were filmed while they were home alone to find out what they did while their owners were gone. Saliva samples were also taken for analysis of cortisol - a stress indicator.

Following the success of the first episode, the lecturers in canine behaviour and welfare, Dr Casey and Dr Blackwell, took part in a second episode for channel 4, which included an update about the dogs that were recruited as case studies.

In order to find out more about the extent of separation problems in dogs across the UK, the university is asking owners to complete a questionnaire about their dog's behaviour.

To complete the survey, visit the Channel 4 website.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.