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Former vet students awarded honorary degrees
Gwendolen and Philip
Honorary graduates Gwendolen Collinson Stokes and Philip Ayrton-Grime with University of Liverpool deputy vice-chancellor, Patrick Hackett.

University of Liverpool celebrates graduates of yesteryear

Two former University of Liverpool students have been awarded honorary degrees from the university, over 65 years after they completed their studies.

The Honorary Bachelor of Veterinary Science degrees (BVSc) were bestowed to Gwendolen Collinson Stokes and Philip Ayrton Grime, who studied to become members of the RCVS prior to 1951, but did not take the exams for the BVSc degree.

At the time, the BVSc degree was not required for a career in veterinary medicine, so many students just took the MRCVS exams to allow them to become practising vets.

After graduating from Liverpool, both Philip and Gwendolen went on to have successful veterinary careers. Philip spent many years in Windsor as the Queen's personal vet and was awarded the Commander of the Victorian Order award in recognition of his contribution.

The graduation ceremony was held at the university's Leahurst Campus which has been home to veterinary students since 1941.

"We felt it was a fitting gesture to honour our MRCVS students of yesteryear in this way and it was fantastic to welcome them and their families back to Leahurst to celebrate," said Professor Susan Dawson, head of the university's institute of veterinary science.

The ceremony formed part of the inaugural University of Liverpool Veterinary Alumni Association Celebration Weekend (3-4 September) which encourages former students to get together and reminisce.

Image (C) Martin Birchall

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.