Research at the University of Cambridge Veterinary
School
NB! The University of Cambridge Veterinary School achieved a
rating of 5 in RAE 2001. See the details of our submission.
The School has restructured its research base by the establishment
of The Centre for Veterinary Science (CVS) under the direction of
Professor I. McConnell who as Professor of Veterinary Science has a
specific remit to foster the research of the School. The CVS provides
a research infrastructure within the School which allows research
leaders and groups to be identified. The function of the CVS is to
provide a clearly identified profile and focus for the research
activities of the School, to foster existing research strengths and
promote new ones in both basic and clinical research.
The CVS also acts as the interface between the School and external
funding agencies, industries and other potential sources of funding
for the research development of the School. The development of the
first phase of the Centre for Veterinary Science involved a major
refurbishment of the laboratories in the main building undertaken at a
cost of £1.9 million. Expansion to Phase 2, a free standing research
facility, is in planning.
There is easy and regular access to other biological science
departments in the University and to other research institutions in or
near Cambridge. Because of the wide range of disciplines in a clinical
veterinary course, the research tends to cover a wide range of
subjects, some dealt with by groups and some by individuals.
The CVS has research programs in the following areas:
- Canine and Comparative Genetics
- Inherited Diseases in Dogs
- Molecular Cytogenetics
- Cambridge Resource Centre for Comparative Genomics
- Herpesvirus Pathogenesis
- Lentivirus Pathogenesis
- Prion Immunobiology and Diagnostics
- Prion Pathogenesis
- RNA-mediated control of gene expression
- Streptococcal research
- Membrane Transport
- Equine Orthopaedics
The School also has the following research programs:
- Neurology
- Mechanisms of CNS Repair
- Farm Animal Epidemiology and Informatics Unit
- Microbiology
- Oncology
- Equine Science
- Animal Welfare
- Nutrition
- Animal Welfare and Human-Animal Interactions Group
About half the staff are involved in day-to-day clinical work,
which could make it difficult for them to find sufficient time to
carry out sustained research and also to get funding for the type of
work they are interested in. The development of research groups within
the CVS has provided the opportunity for clinical staff to become
involved in research groups, fostering the development of clinical
science within the School.
The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital
Introduction
The Queen's Veterinary School Hospital has developed into a major
teaching and referral establishment. Its reputation has grown in step
with scientific advances; it was the first veterinary hospital in the
country to be recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
The Hospital offers a high quality of clinical care to the patients
and a sympathetic and caring face to the clients. It is also an
important resource for the School, providing students at all levels
with clinical cases for study and the opportunity for practical
training in the treatment of companion and farm animals.
Clinical Service
The shift in emphasis in veterinary medicine from farm animal
practice to companion species is reflected in the case material
referred to the Hospital. Approximately 2,500 new cases are referred
each year; when revisits are taken into consideration, more than 5,000
animals pass through its doors. The Hospital has developed and
maintained a national and international reputation as a centre for
excellence in a variety of fields including soft tissue and
orthopaedic surgery, small animal medicine, oncology, diagnostic
imaging and equine surgery. Total hip replacements, radiotherapy and
cancer chemotherapy, cardiac surgery and balloon valvuloplasty are
just some of the techniques regularly performed by Cambridge's
clinical staff.
Although there has been a trend for development of private referral
establishments in the UK veterinary profession, the Hospital continues
to maintain its standing within the profession and is increasingly a
centre for residency training and a tertiary referral facility. The
Hospital has an impressive number of recognised specialists and many
Diplomates of RCVS or European Boards amongst its senior clinical
staff.
Clinical Research
The involvement of clinicians in the research groups within the
Centre for Veterinary Science and School provides an important
opportunity for new developments in clinical science. The genesis of
the clinical scientist is a key strategic development for all
veterinary schools because of the unique potential in veterinary
schools to integrate basic science with clinical research directed at
important problems in veterinary medicine. Good examples at Cambridge
are in neurology and genetics where integration of basic and clinical
research has brought new developments in understanding spinal cord
damage and new diagnostic tests for genetic diseases of the dog.
Funding by the Wellcome Trust in support of research in clinical
veterinary science show external awareness of the importance of the
clinical scientist.
The Queen's Veterinary School Equine Hospital
- The Queen's Veterinary School Equine Hospital provides a
complete surgical, orthopaedic and medical referral service and 24
hour emergency cover for all horses and ponies
- For referrals, appointments, quotations
or to find out more information about our services
Contact:
Equine Hospital Reception -
by Phone (01223 337647), or
E-mail
- Please note all consultations are on a referral-only basis
- LATEST
NEWS from the Equine Hospital
- Further
Information
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