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Blue Cross reminds cat owners to microchip their pets
Microchip cat
Blue Cross has seen many happy cases of reunions after a long stretch of time because the cat does have a microchip.
78 per cent helped by charity last year were not microchipped

As National Pet Microchipping Month reaches its half-way point, Blue Cross is reminding owners to microchip their pets or risk losing them forever if they stray.

Between May 2016 and May 2017, some 5,760 cats were admitted to the charity’s rehoming centres. However, a staggering 78 per cent of these cats were not microchipped or had to be microchipped by Blue Cross staff.

While many of the cats admitted to the charity are stray, some are in good condition, suggesting they are likely to be a family pet which had gone for a stroll.

Caroline Reay, clinical lead at Blue Cross, commented: “Particularly in the summer months, with cats going out for longer and wandering further, there is a higher risk of straying and of accidents.

“This is why it’s so important to microchip your cat; even if the cat is an indoor cat as there is still risk of them escaping – in fact, indoor cats are more at risk of getting lost if they do escape. So please, be safe and chip your cats.”

As there is no way for Blue Cross staff to contact the original owners of the un-microchipped cats, many will need to be re-homed.

But the charity has also seen many happy cases of reunions after a long stretch of time because the cat does have a microchip.

One lucky feline managed to stray 20 miles from his home, but thankfully his microchip details were up-to-date, so he was able to be reunited with his family.

 

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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.  

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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.