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Researchers develop new treatment to improve recovery after spinal cord injury
"This discovery is an exciting step in uncovering other possible combined treatments that have the potential to improve cell transplant therapy." Dr Jon Prager, RVC.

Teams create novel combined cellular and molecular treatment.

New research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in collaboration with the University of Bristol has led to the development of a new type of combined cell treatment that can help to improve recovery after spinal cord injury in companion animals and, ultimately, humans.

There is currently no cure for paralysis caused by damage to nerves in the spine, however, it is possible to inject cells from the nose – called olfactory ensheathing cells – into these damaged nerves. This has shown to improve walking in both experimental and companion animals and, though it is also known to be safe for humans, it has not been tested in a full clinical trial.

Another potential treatment is the injection of a molecule called chondroitinase. This has also improved recovery in experimental animals and pet dogs.

The research teams aimed to combine these two promising treatments into one, developing dog olfactory ensheathing cells that can create and release chondroitinase.

Injecting this new type of cell transplant into the spinal cord improved recovery of hand movements after spinal cord injury in rats. The treated subjects were shown to have increased accuracy when reaching and grasping compared to control subjects or those receiving cells alone.

Dr Jon Prager, postdoctoral researcher at the RVC, said: “Spinal cord injury causes chronic paralysis and incontinence, and remains a major worldwide healthcare burden, with no regenerative treatment clinically available. This study suggests that our genetically engineered cellular and molecular approach is a feasible combination therapy for spinal cord injury.

“Our findings show that this treatment leads to a modest improvement in rats’ ability to pick up treats and we are incredibly excited to see how the next stage of the research goes. This discovery is an exciting step in uncovering other possible combined treatments that have the potential to improve cell transplant therapy.”

Moving forward the researchers aims to test the efficacy of these treatments in ‘real-life’ injuries, such as those sustained by companion dogs and people.

The full paper is available to view here.

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
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NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.