Competition and Markets Authority finds that, out of 2,831 postcode districts across the UK, 1,134 – or 40.06% of the total – could have competition issues.

Researchers say their analysis endorses the belief of many vets that operations offer better solutions than non-surgical alternatives.

The Government pledged to do “all we can” to enable tougher import measures to be introduced after a House of Commons debate today.

Senior figures in the profession have welcomed Defra’s decision to allow the owners of younger and exempted XL bully dogs more time to have them neutered following the ban.

Plans to assess the veterinary sector’s current legislation as part of the investigation of household pet services have been widely supported within the professions.

RVC researchers say their work with Cornell University found significantly higher levels of key indicators in cases of MLPL than in an adult control group.

Veterinary organisations and companies have given a mixed reaction to the plans for a market investigation by the CMA, but there is broad concern about the likely impact on staff.

Almost 27,000 dogs were vaccinated during a week-long project in Mumbai as officials hope to keep up the momentum towards eradicating the disease completely.

Scientists say they have seen some “very good” responses in tests of a new epilepsy medication, while a couple whose dog has taken part in the trials says it would not be alive without it.

The Dog Control Coalition has urged the Northern Ireland Executive to ensure appropriate support measures are in place before its planned restrictions on the breed type come into force.

The warning is in a new report that suggests more than a quarter of UK veterinary professionals in permanent employment had received no pay rise at all in the past 12 months.

The BVA and British Veterinary Zoological Society have described new rules on the keeping of primates as domestic pets as “a step in the right direction”, but maintain concerns about exactly how they will be enforced.

XLVets officials hope the work, which has been outlined on International Women’s Day, will explore whether the challenges facing women seeking leadership roles have changed in recent years.

Organisers have hailed a record year for nominations ahead of the 25th annual ceremony in Manchester later this month.

The country’s executive has argued it needs to act now, but its plans have been criticised by a leading welfare group.

Clinicians are being invited to take part in focus group discussions on the issue following a presentation to BSAVA Congress delegates later this month.

New RVC analysis has indicated that more than one in seven are known to have teeth illness, but they fear the true number may be much higher.

Super early bird tickets are now on sale for the four-day event this September in Liverpool.

The move by the Cat-Kind group follows a surge in the numbers of cats requiring rescue accommodation and fears that the problem will only worsen in the months ahead.

Ahead of Crufts, the association is urging prospective puppy owners to walk away if sellers cannot answer key questions.

Candidates can put themselves forward throughout March for the polls, which will take place in June.

Newly released Vetlife data showed the service received a total of 4,042 contacts in 2023 – an increase of more than 15% on the 3,503 recorded in 2022.

Officials say agencies are monitoring disease risks linked to the feeding approach after an open letter called for animal and human health agencies to join forces against the diets.