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BSAVA PetSavers announces two new clinical research grants
Applications for funding close on 31 January 2022.
The grants will be jointly funded by SAMSoc and The Debs Foundation.

BSAVA PetSavers has announced new joint-funding for two clinical research projects.

Along with the Small Animal Medicine Society (SAMSoc) and The Debs Foundation, BSAVA PetSavers is offering to jointly fund two new specialist clinical research grants, each offering funding of up to £10,000. 

Funding clinical research which specifically aims to advance understanding of conditions affecting small animals kept as pets, BSAVA PetSavers selects the projects it funds in the hope that the results will have a positive impact on the way in which diseases are diagnosed, managed, and treated in practice. 

The grant with SAMSoc will fund one project on feline and/or canine medical conditions, whilst the grant with The Debs Foundation will fund one project on pain management in companion animals. 

Established in 2003, SAMSoc aims to advance the knowledge of small animal medicine within the UK veterinary profession and public. Research and mentor liaison from SAMsoc, Christopher Scudder, commented on the funding: “We are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity alongside BSAVA PetSavers, and hope that the research during this clinical project can help towards our mission of improving the welfare of cats and dogs affected by medical conditions. 

“This joint funding enables us to help an individual take the next steps in their career, and we are very proud to be part of it.”

The Debs Foundation, set up in memory of veterinary surgeon Debs Gittleston, supports charities which reflect the causes Debs believed in and advocated for, with a particular emphasis on animal welfare and mental health.

One of the trust's founders, and Debs' brother, David Gittleston, commented on the grant: “The Debs Foundation is thrilled to establish a joint grant with PetSavers for clinical research in the specific area of pain management. 

“We have been hugely impressed by the quality, rigour and impact of the research we have supported to date and are delighted to create this new award, which is in a topic that Debs herself wrote a book on for veterinary nurses and technicians.”

Applications for the grant opened on 1 October 2021, and will close of 31 January 2022, and can be made by veterinary practitioners or academics. Joint applications are welcome. 

More information about the grants can be found here. 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.