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.
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
Canine masseuse to run marathon
Lizzie Harrison with Vinnie.
Credit: Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Race to raise thousands for Battersea

This weekend, a dog massage therapist from Kent will be running the 26-mile Virgin London Marathon, in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.

Lizzie Harrison aims to raise £2000 for the rescue centre by hosting sponsored walks and pub quiz nights. She says: "My fundraising and training was slightly delayed by last month's wintry weather but now I just want to get out there, have fun and raise as much money as possible for Battersea."

Lizzie says she started her mobile canine massage company, Healing Paws, because of her seven-year-old parson russell terrier, Vinnie.

"I chose to raise money for Battersea because, without my dog Vinnie, I would never have looked into canine massage and it has totally changed my life," says Lizzie.

"Running the race is my way of giving something back to all dogs, inside and outside the Home, so they can make a difference to someone's life, like Vinnie has to mine."

Click here for more about Lizzie's challenge.


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

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.