The Duchess of Cornwall laughed as she narrowly avoided a soaking during a visit to a pioneering veterinary school today.

Camilla was approached by a dripping wet dog as she toured the impressive hydrotherapy facilities at Bristol University's School of Veterinary Science, in Langford, North Somerset.

But, fortunately for the royal party, Pippy, an 11-year-old collie-spaniel cross was diverted away just before shaking the water off his fur.

Jenny Campbell, who took Pippy to the centre for arthritis treatment, said: "He shook his wet fur all over the cameramen.

"I think he did it on purpose. I was so relieved he didn't get Camilla though."

Camilla also watched a horse receiving dental treatment during the visit.

During the tour she told workers at the school, of which she is patron, how one of her pet Jack Russells died recently at the age of 21.

Camilla's visit was arranged after she agreed to become patron of the Langford Trust, a charity promoting the teaching and practice of veterinary science.

The school has launched a joint appeal with the Langford Trust to raise £2.5 million for a new state-of-the-art surgical building for the treatment of sick horses and farm animals.

Dr Frank Taylor, head of the school, said: "It makes a huge difference having her as a patron because primarily it raises the profile of what we are trying to do.

"She's been extremely interested in what we are doing and she talked about her own animals.

"Sadly she had just lost a Jack Russell terrier which was 21 years old.

"She asked many questions - you could see she related it to her own animals.

"We hope she will be a regular visitor."

Camilla also met staff and students at the school, which has been training veterinary surgeons for more than 50 years.

She took particular interest in a donkey - named Tim Woodford - which visited the site for surgery.

Camilla told staff: "He's a very lucky donkey - very lucky to be operated on here."

Alun Evans, a 22-year-old student, said: "Camilla did seem to take a special interest in the donkey, it was amazing to see."

Sir David Wills, chairman of the trust, said: "We were delighted when the Duchess of Cornwall accepted our invitation to become the trust's first patron.

"The trust wants to continue to help Bristol University's Vet School remain at the top of British veterinary education and we feel the visit by HRH the Duchess of Cornwall will help the Langford Trust for Animal Health and Welfare in many ways."