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Heroic terrier saves owner’s life
Battersea
Iain, Jane and Dexter.

Raised alarm after owner suffered anaphylactic shock  
 
A six-year-old terrier has gone from rescue dog to superdog after helping to save his new owner’s life.

Dexter the Patterdale Terrier was rehomed to Jane and Iain in Barnehurst, Kent, after spending almost at month at Battersea Brands Hatch.

While out running one morning, Iain was stung by a bee, which resulted in him going into anaphylactic shock and collapsing. This severe allergic reaction is very serious and can often prove fatal.

Luckily, Dexter was with Iain at the time and was able to draw attention to his owner's plight by barking and running frantically back and forth until another dog walker found them.

The dog walker called for an ambulance and, following some time in hospital, Iain has thankfully made a full recovery.

Iain Rowland said: “Jane and I are so proud of Dexter and we have a lot to thank him for. He played a critical part in raising the alarm by finding help and stayed by my side until the ambulance turned up.

"He has more than demonstrated his loyalty to us and we are so glad we decided to come to Battersea Brands Hatch to rehome another rescue dog, Dexter is now the third dog that we have rehomed from Battersea since 1995. Our Dexter says that every home should have a dog, as they may just save your life!”
 
Michelle Bevan, rehoming and welfare manager of Battersea Brands Hatch, said: “We were absolutely delighted to hear Dexter’s story after getting to know him whilst he was in our care and we were relieved to hear that Iain has made a full recovery.
 
“We rehome around 400 dogs every year and love to hear how they are settling into their new homes but were especially pleased to hear about Dexter’s brave behaviour. This is an amazing example of what rescue dogs can be like and we would urge people to consider coming to our centre to give the rest of our courageous canines the second chance in life they all deserve.” 

Image (C) Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

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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. 

Click here for more...
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.