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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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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.