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World record for tallest cow ever
Blosom with her owner Patty
Blosom towered over her owner at more than 6ft tall.

Holstein cow measured over 6ft tall

Much-loved cow Blosom has been recognised as the tallest cow ever in the Guinness World Records, after sadly passing away earlier this year.

Blosom towered over her owner Patty Meads-Hanson at a staggering height of 190cm - more than 6ft tall.

Patty had owned the female Holstein cow since she was just eight weeks old. Remarkably, Patty says she was born to two normal-sized cows but she just kept growing and growing.

Blosom was officially measured by Guinness World Records in May last year. Footage was taken of her wandering around open, lush green farmland at her home in Orangeville, Illinois.

“The funny thing about Blosom was how unaffected she was by all the attention that seemed to surround her," said Patty. "As long as she had her oats, and daily chin rubs and ear scratches, life was good."

Blosom sadly passed away at the age of 13 in May of this year due to an irreparable leg injury.

Patty said she treated Blosom like any other pet and loved spending time with her in the field.

"I will cherish our memories forever... I am excited for the world to meet Blosom soon in the [Guinness World Record] 2016 edition, but I know it will be very bitter-sweet."

Guinness World Records editor-in-chief, Craig Glenday said he was "devastated" to hear of Blosom's death. "She was such a friendly and gorgeous animal and her owner equally as wonderful and took such great care of her.

"She is definitely one of the standout highlights in our upcoming book and we hope the world enjoys seeing the pictures of her."

Image © Guinness World Record

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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."