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RVN raises money for Macmillan with sponsored walk
Pictured: Nicola Tooth with Nelson.
Nicola Tooth is walking 100km over November with her dog Nelson.  

Nicola Tooth, an RVN from Cave Veterinary Specialists, has undertaken a challenge to walk 100 kilometres with her dog over the month of November.

Along with her chocolate Labrador Nelson, Nicola is taking part in a walking challenge organised by UK charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

Nicola commented on the challenge: “I have a close relative who has survived breast cancer and I feel strongly about supporting the ongoing research to fight this terrible disease. 

“I do love outdoor walking and as long as we can manage at least 3.3k per day, we will be right on target to complete it in the 30 days. I’m pretty confident as that’s the sort of daily distance I normally do with Nelson.”

The challenge is even more difficult for Nicola, who has mild undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy of the spine, which is a form of arthritis which affects the vertebrae. 

“The challenge is to walk 100km with your dog in November and that suits both me and Nelson. Because of my spinal disease I am unable to do any hardcore exercise so this is an ideal challenge for me, something that was little and often throughout November,” Nicola said. 

“Nelson’s only seven months old so little and often exercise is perfect for him too because he’s still developing.”

Claire Lawrence, Cave's hospital director, added: “Everyone at Cave is super proud of Nicola and Nelson for undertaking this challenge for such a worthy cause.”

Donations to support Nicola's fundraiser can be made here

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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.