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Other clinical research projects

Clinical research is a key part of how we continue to improve practice – it’s been described as “how we make animals better – better!”. We are hugely diverse in our types and locations of practices, and the species and problems we encounter. All of this provides a huge pool of collective information.

 

Clinical research is a way of harnessing that to make sure we have the best information possible to keep making good decisions, whether it’s about diagnosis, treatment, communication, or anything else that’s important to our teams. We are proud to be working with colleagues near and far on an array of different projects, examples of which are detailed below:

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Practitioner-led projects

  • Prevalence of endoparasites in dogs that are and aren’t regularly dewormed (VetPartners Research Award). Led by Nikki Dyer (Veterinary Sustainability Lead).

  • Development of rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (RAST) for poultry (VetPartners Research Award). Led by Cosmin Chintoan-Uta (PHS). VetPartners Research Award.

  • Prevalence of and risk factors for Udder Cleft Dermatitis in dairy cows (VetPartners research award and BCVA abstract). Led by Will Gratwick and Natalie Parker (LLM). VetPartners Research Award.

  • Multicentre prospective study to evaluate the effect of the Prineo® closure system on the incidence of surgical site infections in exploratory celiotomies. Led by Caitlin Fahy (Liphook).

  • Increased serum scores of the cyathostomin blood test associate positively with clinical larval cyathostomiasis (BEVA abstract). Led by Tashina Roy Choudhury. VetPartners Research Award.

  • A systematic review of the diagnostic test accuracy of SDMA in the diagnosis of CKD in dogs. Led by Caroline Scobie (Westway).

  • Investigating subclinical bacteriuria in dogs with diabetes mellitus. Led by Lucy Clarke (Ash Tree). VetPartners Research Award.

  • Prevalence of spinal and appendicular osteoarthritis as an incidental finding in rabbits undergoing CT. Led by Nichi Cockburn (Valley Vets)

  • Measurement of indicators of stress including salivary cortisol and behavioural markers in horses undergoing routine dentistry, with and without intravenous sedation. Led by Tom McGinley (Liphook). VetPartners Research Award.

  • Assessing the effect of Feliway® Classic Spray on cats admitted to a veterinary practice for routine neutering procedures in relation to their fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) status before their procedure. Led by Amy Hague RVN (Raoul Dowding). Abstract accepted for BVNA 2026.

  • Do UK rabbit owners over-estimate the risk of rabbit anaesthetic mortality? An owner-based survey. Led by Rachel Sibbald RVN (Abercorn Vets). Article published in JSAP.

  • ​On-farm management of vaginal prolapse in ewes: a cross-sectional survey of UK sheep farmers. Led by Sharminda Lockwood (Westpoint) and Georgina Rigby (Cross Counties). Paper accepted by Vet Record.

‘Working as a Vet tech on farm, my role is all about helping to improve livestock health and welfare by preventing disease and reducing antimicrobial resistance/use. A recent research project I have been involved with was on udder cleft lesions, which has meant we can now offer a full package of monthly observations on farm, identifying cows with lesions and then setting a vet protocol for the farm staff to follow with treatment. With this action in place, we are catching these lesions earlier and seeing them heal quicker, we can also work with the farm to help identify and reduce the risk factors.'

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Nat Parker, Vet Tech, LLM Whitchurch, UK​

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External collaborations 

  • Participation in the Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Equine Fatalities (CEPEF) concerning morbidity and mortality in horses undergoing anaesthesia. 

  • Participation in the International Colic Surgery Audit (INCISE) by the University of Liverpool. 

  • DEFRA funded project in collaboration with Dogs Trust and the Universities of Liverpool and Edinburgh on imported dog disease risks and behaviour 

  • TBAS (TB Advisory Service) in collaboration with the University of Nottingham looking at outcome measures.

  • Nursing care plans in equine project – co-led by Rosina Lillywhite (VetPartners Nursing School) and Marie Rippingale (Myerscough)

 

We have presented our research at a variety of different conferences including BSAVA, BVNA, BEVA, BCVA and look forward to continuing to communicate our research findings back to the wider veterinary community and beyond.​

We can support all aspects of research, from applying for ethical review to writing papers and everything in between.

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We launched our Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine Academy in 2025 with vets, nurses and non-clinical colleagues on the species clinical boards trialling our first sessions. We are planning to open these up more widely online later in 2026, so if you would like some free, high quality CPD on practical techniques for enhancing your skills in evidence-based practice, keep your eye out for announcements over the summer.

 

If you’d like to join these activities, or have any other research enquiries, please email clinical.board@vetpartnersgroup.com

At VetPartners we are fortunate to have an engaging and approachable Clinical Board Support Team (CBST) with both clinical and extensive research experience. To learn more about the work of the CBST and how they empower our teams to undertake clinical quality improvement and research, click here.

To find out more about the work we do visit VetPartners Learning or email us at clinical.board@vetpartnersgroup.com

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