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PDSA warns owners of diabetes signs in dogs
"Diabetes is an extremely serious condition that, without treatment, can be fatal"- Dr Tamara Drewett
The guidance comes ahead of Diabetes Awareness Month.

The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) has released advice for pet owners on the warning signs of diabetes in dogs, after they discovered the condition in a Dachshund.

The guidance has been published ahead of Diabetes Awareness Month in November, and details the symptoms of the potentially fatal condition in pets, as well as recommending how to manage the disease.

PDSA says that dog owners should look out for increased thirst and hunger in their pets, as well as more urination. Dogs suffering from diabetes may also exhibit low energy, and have lost weight.

Owners are advised to contact their veterinary practice promptly if they notice any of these symptoms, so that their dog gets the correct treatment as soon as possible.

PDSA is urging dog owners to stay aware of the signs of diabetes, after treating a seven-year-old Dachshund for the condition.

Roma the Dachshund was brought into the PDSA Pet Hospital in Brighton after her owner, Sonny White, realised that she was starting to lose weight. She was also drinking more water, without it seeming to satisfy her thirst.

She had a urine and blood test administered at the animal hospital, where it was discovered that she had diabetes. Roma now requires two insulin injections per day, and has regular check-ups to manage the condition.

PDSA veterinary surgeon Tamara Drewett, who treated Roma, said: “Diabetes is a condition that develops when a dog can’t produce enough insulin to control their blood sugar level, causing it to become dangerously high. It’s usually caused when the body attacks and destroys its own insulin-producing cells (mistaking them for something else).

“Diabetes is an extremely serious condition that, without treatment, can be fatal.

“Thankfully, Sonny brought Roma to PDSA Brighton Pet Hospital as soon as he noticed her weight loss and excessive thirst – tell-tale signs of diabetes – and she’s been started on the appropriate medication.”

Image © PDSA 

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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...
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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."