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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.

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Annual submission deadline small pet animal exemptions

News Story 1
 Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.

Submitting this annual return ensures continued compliance with regulatory requirements for products marketed without a full Marketing Authorisation. The exemption specifically applies to products intended for animals, cage birds, terrarium animals, small rodents, ferrets and rabbits.

For further details and submission guidelines, visit the gov.uk website.  

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News Shorts
Bluetongue RZ extended across Scotland

The Scottish Government has announced an extension to a Bluetongue Restricted Zone that is in place in south-west Scotland.

From 3 October, the Restricted Zone will be extended to cover the whole of Scotland. The Animal, Plant and Health Agency (APHA) says this is in response to further disease spread, as well as simplify trading conditions ahead of the autumn.

Since the whole country will share a disease status, it will no longer be necessary to have a movement license to move susceptible livestock around the country. Restrictions on germinal products remain.

As of 1 October 2026, there were 1,979 cases of BTV-3 in England, 389 cases in Wales and 40 cases in Scotland.