Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th May 2010
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
An Unexpected Patient
Vet dentist Peter Fordyce recently had an unexpected patient in the form of a 30kg (66lb) puma, when he was called in to help the big cat who was suffering from toothache.

Demelza, the 12-year-old puma from Shepreth Wildlife park, had recently been undergoing treatment for gum disease and resident vets at the park hoped the removal of a carnassial would be the last of the problem. However, when the puma continued to suffer from toothache and an abnormality in the eye, staff at the park decided to call in some specialists.  

Although Dr Dordyce, from the University of Cambridge Veterinary School, usually operates on cats, he was called in to help Demelza along with other specialists from Cambridge. He operated on the big cat for two hours and successfully removed five teeth. Reports indicate that Demelza is now recovering well and has shown a significant improvement in her behaviour and feeding patterns. 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

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."