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Surrey vet student wins BSAVA PetSavers award
Zoe's study used more than 5000 measurements from Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Study found that phantom scratching is linked to syringomyelia

A University of Surrey veterinary student has won a BSAVA PetSavers Award for an investigation into the MRI characteristics of phantom scratching in dogs with syringomyelia.

Zoe Nalborczyk used more than 5000 measurements from Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that were treated at Fitzpatrick Referrals for syringomyelia. Her results show that phantom scratching is associated with syringomyelia in the mid-cervical spinal cord.

Her study, published in BMS Veterinary Research, concludes that damage in this region might result in a hyperactive scratch reflex. Dr Clare Rusbridge, chief neurologist at Fitzpatrick Referrals and reader in veterinary neurology at the University of Surrey, supervised the project.

Clare commented: “Better understanding the mechanism behind phantom scratching means improving treatment of affected dogs and we are now translating these findings into a clinical treatment for affected dogs.”

PetSavers grant awarding committee chair, Dr Julian Hoad added: “PetSavers is proud to have supported this important research into a common and debilitating condition.

“We have been fortunate to have had a really motivated student, led by a world-leading team. The results will certainly help our ability to treat dogs affected by syringomyelia.”

Image (C) Jemina Harrison, Passionate Productions.

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.