BVetMed RP2 Research Projects

People: Dan O'Neill, David Brodbelt, Camilla Pegram

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog, Cat, Small Mammal, Exotic

All BVetMed veterinary undergraduates at the RVC are required to complete a formal piece of research (named Research Project 2 “RP2”) as part of their route towards gaining a veterinary degree. This project is a Level 7 body of work that is at the level of a master’s project. VetCompass supports students to undertake these RP2 projects at the RVC. The Kennel Club Charitable Trust has supported several VetCompass RP2s annually on topics related to canine health.

Diabetes mellitus and antibiotics – exploring the use of antibiotics as a risk factor for the disease

People: Lucy Davison, David Brodbelt, Dan O'Neill

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

The project aims to report the incidence of canine diabetes mellitus cases diagnosed in primary care veterinary practices in the United Kingdom and to describe and explore systemic antibiotic usage prior to dogs developing diabetes mellitus.

RVC Pandemic Puppies Survey

People: Claire Brand, Rowena Packer, Dan O'Neill

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is calling for respondents for its survey on puppy buying experiences both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Hot Dogs – investigating the epidemiology of canine heatstroke presenting to UK primary care veterinary practices

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

The project, funded by Dogs Trust, aims to improve our understanding of the incidence, underlying causes and risk factors associated with heatstroke in dogs. Emily Hall and Anne Carter at Nottingham Trent University are working in collaboration with Dr Dan O'Neill at the Royal Veterinary College on this project.

Canine leptospirosis: Improving diagnostics and understanding of the epidemiology of disease in UK dogs

People: Collette Taylor, Brian Catchpole, David Brodbelt

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

The project, co-sponsored by BBSRC and MSD, aims to improve the diagnostics of Leptospirosis in canids. 

Evidence-based prioritisation of disorders within dog breeds

People: Camilla Pegram, Dan O'Neill, David Brodbelt

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust (KCCT) has funded a 1-year project within VetCompass™ called ‘Evidence-based prioritisation of disorders using epidemiological data on dog breeds from VetCompass primary-care veterinary clinical records’. Camilla Pegram has taken up the role of VetCompass epidemiologist, working alongside Dr Dan O'Neill and Dr Dave Brodbelt, to explore studies on breed health and to assist in VetCompass™ development.

Re-Inventing Diagnosis and Management of Canine Hyperadrenocorticism

People: Imogen Schofield, Dan O'Neill, Stijn Niessen, David Brodbelt, David Church

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

This project, funded by Dechra, aims to determine better methods for the earlier detection and monitoring of hyperadrenocorticism in dogs.  More effective diagnosis and monitoring may result in improved quality of life.

Earlier Onset Urinary Incontinence in the Bitch and its Association with Neutering

People: Camilla Pegram, Dan O'Neill, David Brodbelt

Vet Compass Project Type: Dog

Funded by BSAVA PetSavers, this project aims to evaluate major risk factors for development of urinary incontinence in bitches.  In particular, it will explore the association between neutering and age at time of neutering with onset of early incontinence.