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Dog’s teeth glued together after chewing on a flyer
Oscar was given a general anaesthetic so that vets could remove the “paper mâché-like” substance.
Jack Russell was rushed to vets for emergency treatment

A dog found himself in a sticky situation after chewing on a glossy leaflet that left his teeth glued together.

Ten-year-old Oscar had to be rushed to the vets for emergency treatment after he was unable to open his mouth. The Jack Russell was given a general anaesthetic so that vets could remove the “papier mâché-like” substance which had coated his jaws.

“Oscar was brought into us in an extremely distressed state. Chewing the leaflet had turned into a sticky wallpaper-like substance inside his mouth, which had glued his teeth together,” explained PDSA vet Rachel Smith.

“Once he was anaesthetised, we used our dentistry equipment to remove it from his mouth. Thankfully he made a good recovery and he was able to go home the same day.”

Owner Pat Finnerty said she had gone shopping with her daughter, and returned home around an hour later to find Oscar in an extremely anxious state.

“I brought him back a treat and he wanted to eat it, but he couldn’t open his mouth and there was all this saliva everywhere,” she said. “When I looked closer at his mouth, I could see that he couldn’t open his jaw but I didn’t know what it was.

“I then noticed a chewed up leaflet that must have been posted through the letterbox and realised what had happened.”

They contacted the PDSA and were advised to take Oscar to the Charity’s Blackpool Pet Hospital for emergency treatment. Pat said that she was hugely grateful for Oscar’s treatment and now takes extra care to prevent him from playing with the mail.

“He hasn’t learned his lesson and, given the chance, he still tries to get the post. I now take extra care to shut the door between the lounge and the front door when I go out. Oscar means the world to us, so I don’t want him getting into trouble again!”

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SPVS and FIVP launch VSA survey

News Story 1
 SPVS and FIVP have collaborated to launch a short survey about the proposed reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act.

The survey will ensure that each organisation's submission accurately represents the experiences of practising veterinary professionals. It will also explore awareness, use and perceived value of the roles undertaken by the RCVS.

It takes around 5-10 minutes to complete, and all responses are anonymous. The survey can be completed here until Thursday, 19 March 2026. 

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.