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OrthoPets release anatomically shaped casts
"Its stress free for both the vet and the pet, and brings veterinary casting to the modern day" - OrthoPets founder Martin Kaufmann.
The casts are also biodegradable and breathable.  

Veterinary orthotics and prosthetics company OrthoPets has launched a range of anatomically shaped casts for pets, in order to reduce pressure sores.

The casts cover a range of casting treatments, from full leg casts to paw or toe injuries, and are made from biodegradable, breathable, and heat mouldable woodcast material. 

In a press release, OrthoPets referenced a study which discovered that over 60 per cent of cast-treated pets gain additional injuries from the cast, affirming the need its anatomically shaped bi-valve splints, which were created using 30,000 3D scans of animal limbs. 

The casts are made from the woodcast material used in human casts and instead of splints, and bandages, padding and tape, they use a soft unitex fabric, which passes moisture and dries fast. 

Engineered for easy destabilisation by removing parts of the splint, the cast can be used across the entire treatment period, while the anatomical fit prevents sores and restore the normal limb position and movement. 

Dassiet Chief Veterinary Surgeon Jouni Niemi said of the new casts: "Sores, pain and stiffness are always on the horizon with casting. But if we take the cast off too early, the leg can be injured again because of lack of proper support. 

“UPETS tackles these problems all at once. I find it easy to apply the pre-shaped casts even for very small or large dogs and make adjustments if needed. 

“I can watch my patients walk off the clinic normally with their cast, knowing they can wear it safely until fully healed. We see significant and immediate improvement in patients compared to the common cast”

OrthoPets founder Martin Kaufmann commented on the necessity of the product: “The common cast is very problematic, but we've lacked better alternatives. 

“Now, with the Dassiet supermaterials and OrthoPets’ vast experience in veterinary biomechanics we have re-engineered the common cast. UPETS TLC is anatomical and safe. It’s stress-free for both the vet and the pet. 

“It brings veterinary casting to the modern day and offers a better standard care option for all vets and orthopaedic surgeons out there.”

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.