NS Crossword 468 (Literary)
17 Across (6, 5 letters) '...female - knocking drink back - trendy, writing about Mad Cow Disease' H _ N _ I _, _ _ S _ _...
There is a dog breed theme to this edition of the NS Crossword. Not sure if relevant to this clue.
18 Down. 'Old chair damaged by doctor's foot' (8 letters) _ T _ R _ _ _ _...