Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

BSAVA PetSavers shares ongoing Clinical Research Projects
The aim of the grants is to undertake a small-scale clinical research project in companion animals.
In 2022, the organisation awarded over £38,000 to researchers.

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) PetSavers has shared some of the research projects it helped to fund over the past year.

In 2022, the organisation awarded over £38,000 to five Clinical Research Projects (CRPs), in order to further understanding of clinical disorders in companion animals – exploring the causes and management of these.

One ongoing research project that BSAVA PetSavers is supporting aims to identify a biomarker that can be measured in synovial fluid to differentiate between immune-mediated polyarthritis, septic arthritis and osteoarthritis in dogs. 

Carried out by Sebastian Griffin, the study aims to contribute to the evidence base around degenerative joint disease and canine arthritides.

Dr Silke Salavati, from the University of Edinburgh, received £9409.36 for a project assessing the effect of mannose on canine chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE). 

'Reusable vs disposable drapes: does their use affect post-operative wound complication rates in routine surgeries', carried out by Hannah James, has received a grant from BSAVA PetSavers to provide evidence on whether reusable or disposable drapes are better for patient outcomes.

Sophie Wyatt, from the Royal Veterinary College received £7566 to explore the association between possible hypercoagulable state and stroke cases in dogs. In understanding the underlying causes, the results of the study hope to offer insight into specific therapeutic options for patient outcome.

BSAVA PetSavers, with a £5,000 contribution from The Debs Foundation, awarded £10,000 to Chiara Adami, for a project on the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in treating osteroarthritis-associated pain in dogs. 

If the study finds that LLLT is effective in treating OA-associated pain in dogs, the treatment could have a significant effect on improving pain management and quality of life for dogs worldwide.

The next round of BSAVA PetSavers CRP funding is now open for applications, and will close on 31 January 2023. Further information can be found on the BSAVA website.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.