The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies Bicentenary

2021 News

News from 2021

To view articles from previous years, please see the news archive.

Dick Vet students support homeless people in Edinburgh

Veterinary students collect bags filled with clothes and other items to distribute to homeless people in Edinburgh.

Canine oral cancer study aims to find new treatments

Understanding of canine melanoma could pave the way for personalised medicine and create biobank for drug screening.

Cat studies investigate kidney disease therapies

Pilot programmes trial use of products to reduce gut toxins and limit progress of disease.

TV documentary tells the story of Dolly the Sheep

Creation and impact of world-famous cloned animal is featured in hour-long television show.

The Dick Vet and COP26

The COP26 climate summit is taking place in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November. The summit brings together leaders from around the world, who will be discussing ways in which the countries participating can cut emissions by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement.

World-leading equine grass sickness course goes online

First online, self-study continuing professional development course addresses the currently incurable disease of equine grass sickness (EGS).

Dick Vet Tops Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022

The Dick Vet Tops Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide for the seventh year running.

Partnership for data-driven early response to hunger launched

Leading research and humanitarian agencies have joined forces to harness data and technology in a bid to stop climate shocks resulting in hunger in vulnerable livestock farming communities.

Dick Vet Tops Guardian University Guide for Fifth Year

The Dick Vet has come top of the Guardian University Guide 2022 league table for veterinary science for the fifth year running.

Bacteria insights could advance dog infection treatments

DNA study of Staphylococcus bacteria samples may aid understanding and management of common infections in pets.

Rare giant rabbits at risk of unusual fractures, cases suggest

Giant breed rabbits appear susceptible to an unusual, but recoverable, type of leg break, recent case studies show.

Walking aid helps dogs recover after spinal injuries

A dog wheelchair shared between clients has supported five dogs in their treatment for back injuries.

Celebrating 30 years of teaching in animal welfare

The MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare was the first programme of its type in the world. This is a fully collaborative programme between Scotland’s Rural College (SPRUC) and the University.

Pet recovering well after treatment for rare cancer

Cat in remission following surgery and chemotherapy for multiple tumours caused by plasma cell cancer.

Dick Vet Rises to Second in latest Complete University Guide Subject League Table

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has risen in the latest Complete University Guide subject league table to second in the UK, a rise of two places from last year’s league table.

Cat studies offer insights into progress of dementia

Research into key proteins linked to cognitive disease finds parallels between feline and human conditions.

Assessing genetic diversity is vital for nature

National conservation strategies should include evaluation of genetic variation within species, scientists say.

Imaging team lends expertise to racehorse studies

Veterinary equine cardiologists and orthopaedic specialists collaborate with magnetic resonance imaging experts to gain insights into heart health and leg fractures in racehorses.

Dick Vet student becomes first outside of North America to join VEA Summer Internship

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Data-Driven Entrepreneurship programme sponsor student to join Veterinary Entrepreneurship Academy’s Summer Internship Programme.

Rabies campaign reaches milestone of success

Indian state of Goa declared as Rabies Controlled Area following successful campaign to vaccinate stray dogs.

CEPEF4 equine anaesthesia mortality study gathers data

Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia service staff are leading the worldwide milestone CEPEF4 study, investigating equine mortality associated with general anaesthesia and standing sedation.

Collie home with barely a scratch after sticky situation

A twig was removed from a dog’s eye socket by a Hospital team, after the animal had an unusual accident while playing outdoors.

Courses to connect students with campus wildlife

Training will be available on the Easter Bush campus to build skills in nature awareness, wildlife tracking and conservation.

Student award aids efforts to safeguard hedgehogs

Student Experience Grant enables further measures to encourage and protect wildlife at Easter Bush site.

Looking back at an exceptional year of veterinary care

Throughout the pandemic, veterinary staff have worked tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of the creatures that share our lives. In this article, we look back at a year of exceptional veterinary care at the Dick Vet.

Hospital named best host venue in blood bank awards

Team’s effort to support dog blood donation scheme throughout lockdown recognised with national prize.

Dick Vet staff contribute to RCVS Knowledge evidence-based veterinary medicine course

RCVS Knowledge has updated and expanded its highly regarded EBVM Learning course to provide a free, practical grounding in applying evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM), available on the charity’s new e-learning platform.

£74m investment for AgriTech Hub on campus

Backing from governments aims to advance agricultural technology and food security.

Dick Vet Rises to Third in latest QS World Rankings by subject

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has risen in the latest QS World University Rankings by subject to third in the world, a rise of three places from last year's ranking. 

Smart vaccine scheme curbs rabies quickly

A rabies vaccination programme supported by a smartphone app significantly improved uptake in affected cities.

Heather Bacon is appointed OBE in New Year Honours list

The Veterinary Welfare Education and Outreach Manager is made OBE in the New Year Honours list

Schools project honoured with animal research award

A teaching toolkit has been recognised for supporting children to learn about science through research involving animals.

Venison carries low risk of food poisoning, study finds

Report into safety of meat from Scottish deer reveals low prevalence of harmful bacteria.