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RSPCA removes 5kg of matted fur from rescue dog
Barney's fur was so matted it covered his eyes and affected his eating and drinking.
“He looked like a completely different dog after his extensive grooming!”

A dog has had 5 kilograms of matted fur removed after arriving at an RSPCA rescue centre in Surrey.

Barney, an old English sheepdog, hadn’t been exercised, socialised or groomed for five years when the RSPCA officer saw him for the first time. His fur was so matted that it covered his eyes and affected his eating and drinking. 

Because he was so matted, Barney had to be sedated by the veterinary surgeon for clipping. A total of five kilograms of matted fur was removed from the dog.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Chloe Wilson said: “He looked like a completely different dog after his extensive grooming!”

The charity says that the matted fur has not caused any health problems for Barney, and he is now ready for rehoming. 

Sue Walters, from the RSPCA’s Millbrook Animal Centre said: “When Barney came into us, he was so shut down and scared, but our team gave him lots of time to trust them and now he has come on leaps and bounds. He now really enjoys his walks with the people he knows and trusts.” 

The RSPCA is looking to find Barney a home with owners that have experience of old English sheepdogs, and the grooming requirements that they require on a regular basis. 

Ms Walters added: “Barney needs a home that will go slow with him and give him time to settle and adjust to a new family and home environment. He needs an understanding home where his new family realise that it may take a bit of time for him to bond with them. Barney does like other dogs, and would benefit from living with a neutered dog, depending on introductions. 

“Barney has been through a hard time and he is becoming such a loving dog and really does deserve the best.”

Image (C) RSPCA

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
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