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An Unexpected Patient
Vet dentist Peter Fordyce recently had an unexpected patient in the form of a 30kg (66lb) puma, when he was called in to help the big cat who was suffering from toothache.

Demelza, the 12-year-old puma from Shepreth Wildlife park, had recently been undergoing treatment for gum disease and resident vets at the park hoped the removal of a carnassial would be the last of the problem. However, when the puma continued to suffer from toothache and an abnormality in the eye, staff at the park decided to call in some specialists.  

Although Dr Dordyce, from the University of Cambridge Veterinary School, usually operates on cats, he was called in to help Demelza along with other specialists from Cambridge. He operated on the big cat for two hours and successfully removed five teeth. Reports indicate that Demelza is now recovering well and has shown a significant improvement in her behaviour and feeding patterns. 

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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. 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk