December News Round Up

Welcome from London Vets to our December Veterinary News Round Up where we look at the most interesting cases and recent developments.

Government to introduce compulsory cat microchipping to help reunite lost and stray pets. Compulsory over 20 weeks. We think this is a great idea, having a cat microchipped and is an essential part of responsible ownership so we strongly support this.  We might have preferred this to be compulsory after 24 weeks as we prefer to microchip cats when under anaesthetic for neutering, but overall it is a great measure towards improving cat welfare.

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The Kennel Club, concerned with the soaring demand for French Bulldogs and both the irresponsible breeding and buying of these dogs, has reviewed the breed standard and updated its guidance in line with proposals from the breed clubs – here’s what owners should know.

The shortened nose (brachycephalic) traits can cause significant health problems so this is a major step towards helping this charming breed breathe better. Our expert surgeon Gabriella is also trained on brachycephalic airway syndrome assessments and surgery. If you think your brachycephalic dog (eg pugs, Frenchies, boxers, Boston terrier etc.) may have problems breathing then book in for an assessment with Gabriella.

Please click here for the full news details.

It has been shown that the suspicious cat injuries that have been shown in many places including a spate around Croydon in south London have been caused by foxes. It has been shown that all the carcasses had traces of fox DNA. We had seen some of these injuries and they looked very suspicious as the wounds looked surgical so it is great news if they are caused by foxes.

Please click here for the full news article.

An alarming practice to mutilate dogs is spreading in the UK, made popular by celebrities on social media. Dog cropping is illegal but dog breeders have found a legal loophole to undertake the “barbaric” procedure.

Cutting or “cropping” ears involves removing part of the ear flap for cosmetic reasons. They are often using the loophole by pretending that the dogs had them cropped outside the UK.

One breeder told an undercover journalist it created a “striking” look for the American bully breed.

The procedure is illegal in the UK, but breeders are offering fraudulent pet passports to imply it was done abroad.