Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 17th January 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel
Ocular dermoid op gives dog a second chance
Charities work together to relieve dog of eye defect

A basset hound born with ocular dermoid on her left eye has recovered from the condition with the help of two animal charities.

One-year-old Bella was taken to Wood Green because her owners were unable to afford the specialist surgery required to treat the condition, which is caused by an overgrowth of normal tissue in an abnormal location.

Though ocular dermoid does not usually impair eyesight, it may cause irritation and secondary conditions to the eye - in Bella's case, recurring conjunctivitis.

Wood Green immediately contacted Europe's largest team on ophthalmology specialists at the Animal Health Trust (AHT), who agreed to perform the delicate eye surgery.

Claudia Hartley, head of small animal ophthalmology at AHT, said: "I'm so glad we were able to help such a deserving dog who has been suffering with this growth since birth.

"Bella has a lovely nature, but dermoid was clearly having a negative effect on her overall health and wellbeing. She recovered quickly from the surgery to remove the dermoid. The relief Bella felt after the operation was obvious straight away, as her spirits seemed to be immediately lifted."

After receiving the surgery, Bella was able to move in with new owners in time for Christmas.

"Bella came to us through no fault of her own, or her owners - she needed specialist surgery to correct the abnormal birth defect on her eye which sadly, they just couldn’t afford," said Helen Keen, Wood Green's head nurse.

“Her owners did the right thing by bringing her to us; both charities have been able to pool resources and get Bella the help she needed to correct her defect. The change in her after having the operation was incredible, and we were so pleased to be able to rehome her in time for Christmas.”

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.