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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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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. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.