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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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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
New form for online veterinary medicines retailers

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has produced a new online form for retailers wishing to sell veterinary medicines on the internet.

The form replace the previous Word version and is part of the VMD's ongoing commitment to digitise its processes. Anyone retailing prescription medicines online, including POM-V, POM-VPS and NFA-VPS categories, is lawfully required to register with the VMD before trading.

The change only applies to new applicants. Retailers already listed on the VMD's Register of Online Retailers or registered under the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme (AIRS) do not need to do anything.