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BSAVA issues new guide to heartworm
Most cases involve dogs that have been abroad.
Cases of Dirofilaria immitis are increasing in the UK.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has produced a new Scientific Information Document on Dirofilaria immitis (commonly known as heartworm).

The document provides veterinary professionals in small animal practice with information about the transmission, diagnosis, treatment and management, and prevention of the condition.

The number of heartworm cases is increasing in the UK, although it is not currently endemic. Most cases involve dogs that have spent time abroad in regions such as southern and eastern Europe.

The document is available online alongside other Scientific Information Documents in the BSAVA Library.

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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."