BSAVA PetSavers shares ongoing Clinical Research Projects
The aim of the grants is to undertake a small-scale clinical research project in companion animals.
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.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
