Projects by year

Exploratory OPM-MEG neuroimaging in dogs: a pilot study in healthy and idiopathic epileptic populations

Clinical Research Project: £20,000 awarded in 2026

Institution: Roslin Institute, Young Epilepsy, North Downs Specialist Referrals

Lead researcher: Aran Nagendran

Aim: Diagnosing and monitoring epilepsy in dogs remains challenging despite its high prevalence. Current imaging techniques, like MRI, provide information about brain structure but do not directly measure real-time conscious brain activity associated with seizures. Optically pumped Magnetometer Magnetoencephalography (OPM-MEG) is a new, non-invasive brain functional imaging technology that measures magnetic signals produced by brain activity. It is being explored in human medicine, but little is known about its use in dogs, so this study will establish foundational data from healthy dogs for the use of OPM-MEG in veterinary medicine and improve understanding of normal canine brain activity.

The CALKID study: Unravelling the interplay of calcium and phosphate in cats with nephrocalcinosis and nephrolithiasis

Clinical Research Project: £19,903.88 awarded in 2026

Institution: RVC

Lead researcher: Kan Tang

Aim: Different manifestations of kidney mineralisation (either within kidney tissue or as kidney stones) are more likely to occur in cats with high calcium levels. Both conditions are common in cats and associated with impaired kidney function, but their underlying mechanisms are unclear. This work will evaluate and compare the levels of serum and urinary calciprotein particles, as well as other variables involved in calcium-phosphate homeostasis, with a view to identifying novel protective mechanisms to prevent renal mineralisation in cats.

Use of blood culture bottles to improve culture rates in small animal pleural infections

Clinical Research Project jointly funded with SAMSoc: £9,180.19 awarded in 2026

Institution: University of Liverpool, University of Cambridge, North Downs Specialist Referrals, Willows, RVC, The Ralph

Lead researcher: Samuel Pearce

Aim: Positive culture rates for canine pyothorax (pleural infections) are reported at around 50-60%, yet negative cases still have overtly purulent material or evidence of bacteria in pleural fluid. Human research suggests that blood culture bottles will improve culture rates by up to 20%, which will help guide antimicrobial prescribing through increased use of susceptibility testing in these cases.

Longitudinal characterisation of age- and disease-related changes in activity, sleep and physiological parameters in dogs using wearable technology: implications for early detection of canine cognitive dysfunction

Clinical Research Project jointly funded with the British Veterinary Neurology Society: £10,000 awarded in 2026

Institution: University of Liverpool, Caldy Vets4Pets, Behavioural Referrals Practice

Lead researcher: Gemma Walmsley

Aim: Behaviour changes such as altered sleep-wake cycles due to canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) are commonly seen in ageing dogs. This study will use wearable smart collars to characterise normal day-to-night variation in physiological parameters and activity in dogs and determine how these are affected by cognitive dysfunction. It aims to enable earlier detection of CCDS and improve the assessment of therapies, thus raising the quality of life of senior dogs and their owners.

Histopathological characterisation and prospective biobanking of canine spinal arachnoid diverticula

Clinical Research Project jointly funded with the British Veterinary Neurology Society: £2,423.63 awarded in 2026

Institution: University of Edinburgh

Lead researcher: Joao Miguel De Frias

Aim: Spinal arachnoid diverticula in dogs is characterised by a pocket of spinal fluid formation in the cervical or thoracolumbar region which causes progressive clinical signs. It is currently unclear whether cases are primary or acquired, so this work will characterise histopathological changes with the aim of differentiating between the two types and associating them with imaging features and response to treatment.

Understanding the spatial molecular and immune changes behind advanced endocardiosis in dogs

Research Fellowship: £69,956.99

Institution: University of Bristol

Lead researcher: Beatriz Vidana

Aim: To define the spatial molecular and cellular mechanisms driving MMVD and associated myocardial fibrosis by integrating AI-assisted WSI quantification with in situ spatial transcriptomics.

Investigating the role of IgM autoantibodies as a marker of early disease and relapse in feline LGI1-antibody encephalitis

Student Research Project Grant: £1,191.73 awarded in 2026

Institution: RVC

Lead researchers: Abbe Crawford

Student: Zachary Horowitz

Aim: Cats with LGI1-antibody encephalitis (an inflammatory brain disease that causes seizures) produce IgG autoantibodies that drive the disease, but it is unknown whether they also produce IgM antibodies. If these are identified and are associated with active or early-stage disease, they could be a useful biomarker to help distinguish between active inflammation and chronic or resolving disease.

Optimising immunocytochemistry for use on previously stained cytology smears

Student Research Project: £1,650

Institution: University of Glasgow

Lead researcher: Elspeth Waugh

Student: Angelica Lasanta Maldonado

Aim: To develop a protocol for using previously stained cytology smears in immunocytochemistry (ICC), focusing on optimizing antigen retrieval, blocking agents, antibody dilution and incubation, and chromogen reaction conditions. This work aims to provide a quick and efficient diagnostic tool that minimizes repeat fine needle aspirate sampling, which would lower stress, discomfort, and sedation exposure for patients, improving their overall welfare.

An overview of causes of mortality in UK cats followed by the Bristol Cats longitudinal study

Student Research Project: £1,200

Institution: Universities of Bristol and Glasgow

Lead researcher: Euan Bennet

Aim: The Bristol Cats longitudinal study has followed 2,444 cats since they were around 8 weeks of age, and the cats are now between 13-15 years old. This project will investigate the full study database to provide a complete picture of how causes of mortality have changed as the cats have aged. Determining the prevalence of difference causes of mortality at different life stages will help understand the cat lifecycle, enabling vets and owners to improve health and wellbeing.

Are electronic health records systems a useful tool for prescription event monitoring?

Student Research Project: £2,200

Institution: University of Liverpool

Lead researcher: David Killick

Aim: Bedinvetmab (Librela) is widely used to treat osteoarthritis pain in dogs, but rare adverse events have been associated with its use in some cases. In human medicine, prescription event monitoring documents adverse events associated with the use of newly licensed products, helping to understand their real-world use. This project will assess the feasibility of using pet electronic health records for veterinary prescription event monitoring, and will determine the risk factors associated with severe adverse events of bedinvetmab such as urinary incontinence or ataxia.

Longitudinal changes and risk factors in clinical orthopaedic examination findings in ageing cats

Student Research Project: £1,670

Institution: University of Liverpool

Lead researcher: Christine Pye

Aim: Musculoskeletal disease is common in older cats and can impact their quality of life. This study will examine long-term changes in orthopaedic examinations and identify clinical and owner-observed factors associated with disease, helping to improve the diagnosis of musculoskeletal abnormalities in clinical practice.

Common reasons for the euthanasia of pet hamsters in the UK

Student Research Project: £1,200

Institution: University of Liverpool

Lead researcher: Carri Westgarth

Aim: Little research has been done on the welfare of small mammals kept as pets, but studies show that 30% of hamster consultations result in euthanasia. This project will provide the first evidence-based description of this aspect of hamster welfare and clinical decision-making, helping to support strategies aimed at improving hamster health, welfare, and longevity.

Assessment of serum IP-10 (CXCL10) concentration and antibody titres (against MPB83 and MPB70) as possible adjunctive diagnostic tests for feline tuberculosis

Student Research Project: £1,200

Institution: University of Edinburgh

Lead researcher: Conor O’Halloran

Aim: A major challenge facing clinicians treating a cat with suspected tuberculosis is the limited availability of tests that are accurate, quick and cost effective. This project aims to assess the utility of measuring serum IP-10 concentration and antibody titres against MPB83 and MPB70 as possible adjunctive diagnostic tests for feline TB to help with early detection and instigation of treatment.

Developing consensus and guidance for the integration of exotic animal medicine into the UK undergraduate veterinary curriculum

Master’s Degree by Research: £39,586 jointly funded with the Animal Welfare Foundation

Institution: University of Nottingham

Lead researcher: Vicky Strong

Aim: Keeping non-traditional companion animals such as rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles is becoming more common, but many experience poor health and welfare. There is limited space in the veterinary curriculum for exotic species as the teaching focuses on core domestic species. The findings of this study will be used to create practical guidance for UK vet schools to use in curriculum design, helping new vets become more confident in the care of exotic pets, improving their welfare.