science wire

Research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has been shortlisted for the prestigious STEM for Britain 2026 award in recognition of its work applying artificial intelligence (AI) to improve fracture detection in animals. By successfully applying an advanced AI system to equine fracture cases and evidencing its cross-species capability, the findings identify opportunities to strengthen diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in veterinary practice and support animal welfare.

Following new research, the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has introduced guidelines to help veterinarians safely check feeding tube placement in dogs and cats.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found that although dog owners can often accurately identify common canine health problems, they frequently underestimate how urgently to seek veterinary care.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed divided public attitudes in the UK towards crossbreeding flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs. The UK public disagrees on whether crossbreeding improves or worsens the health, appearance and temperament of flat-faced dogs, with preferences relating to cute appearance and companionship often outweighing health concerns when owners decide which dog to acquire.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has shed light on how Toxoplasma gondii ( T. gondii ), the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, can alter host behaviour. The research findings show that such behavioural changes are achieved, at least in part, through dopamine manipulation caused by dopamine produced by the parasite itself.

A new study led by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has verified that lop-eared rabbits are more prone to hidden and potentially painful ear disease. The findings address evidence gaps from previous research and highlight the importance of routine veterinary otoscopic ear checks to help owners protect the health and wellbeing of pet rabbits.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found that advising owners to behave calmly during their arrivals and departures helped puppies adjust to being left on their own.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has identified that ageing causes a significant loss of blood vessels in the tendons of horses.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed a 2075% increase in soft-tissue surgical referrals over the past 10 years for French Bulldogs at the RVC's Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA ) in London.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), in collaboration with Namibian and other international institutions, investigating the impact of lead on carnivore species of conservation concer

New RVC research reveals correlation between livelihoods in the Bolivian Amazon and perceptions of jaguars New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), looking at how livelihoods influence v

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College's (RVC) VetCompass programme has revealed the most common health challenges facing Ragdolls - one of the UK's most popular cat breeds.

Last Updated: 29 Oct 2025 10:36:30 Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have launched a major new study to improve the safety and welfare of Thoroughbred racehorses in training. The project will provide vital evidence to help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in racehorses worldwide.

Last Updated: 14 Oct 2025 01:00:03 A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found that the Boxer, English Springer Spaniel and Cocker Spaniel are the dog breeds most likely to have a tail injury.

Last Updated: 01 Oct 2025 14:39:25 The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has signed a scientific collaboration agreement with Forcefield Therapeutics to expand its research in precision cut tissue slices

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) into the effectiveness of sedation and any associated health impacts when disbudding calves has revealed a correlation with lower growth rates after the procedure. This research will support veterinary practitioners to make informed decisions when disbudding calves and support animal welfare best practice.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College shows children gain comfort and companionship from dogs, but problem behaviours, unmet expectations and the maternal mental load create challenges for f

Researchers from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), in collaboration with the University of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, both in Vienna, have developed the first laboratory-made vaccine to protect livestock against the Barber's Pole worm - a highly damaging gastrointestinal parasite most commonly found in sheep and goats.

Born to run? New RVC study reveals link between early-life experiences and later-life performance in Thoroughbreds New research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed that Thoroughbred foals that are given extensive turnout in larger pastures during their first six months of life, and those weaned later, are more likely to go on to race, compete more often, and earn more prize money.

New research conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC)'s VetCompass programme, exploring the demography, clinical health and longevity of Yorkshire Terriers in the UK, has revealed they are largely healthy and long-lived dogs.

A new study by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) VetCompass Programme has revealed that nail clipping in dogs in the UK is a highly common procedure and recommends additional training and education to further support veterinarians and owners to provide optimal nail care and support animal welfare.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has co-authored a new report, as part of the Lancet One Health Commission, which provides a framework and recommendations for implementing an effective One Health approach.

New research from the RVC VetCompass Programme has provided fresh insights into survival rates for dogs diagnosed with haemangiosarcoma, one of the most aggressive cancers in companion animals. Despite an association with extremely poor survival rates, this study reveals that outcomes can vary more widely than previously understood, particularly based on tumour location and treatment pathway.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed that sensory monotony can induce boredom-like behaviour in rats, as happens in humans. These findings could have implications for animal training, animal welfare, and for understanding what happens when humans get bored of doing the same task.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed that when given a choice, the UK prefers less extreme body shapes in flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs.

RVC research highlights the potential gains from early conversations and treatment for newly diagnosed cats with diabetes New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has shed new light on the epidemiology, risk factors and outcomes for cats diagnosed with diabetes mellitus in the UK.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), London South Bank University and the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society, has found racism continues to be a persistent problem experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) members of the UK veterinary sector.

A new study led by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed significant genetic and antigenic diversity in European swine influenza viruses, raising the critical need for pandemic preparedness and vaccine effectiveness in both animal and human populations. Although swine flu is widespread in pig farming, often affecting an estimated 50% of UK production pigs, human cases remain rare.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found economic costs, environmental impacts, and misalignment between consumer purchasing and understanding are key reasons for the limited sh

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has led novel research on India's 2019 ban on the use of colistin in livestock, providing a framework to approach the regulation of other critically important groups of antibiotics being used in livestock.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed beak abnormalities, overgrown nails and shell abnormalities as the most common health disorders affecting pet tortoises, terrapins and turtles in the UK. As the largest study of its kind, these findings identify several key areas through which the welfare of these animals can be improved and highlight the value of greater awareness amongst owners and veterinary teams to ensure the wellbeing of these species is protected.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has identified porcupine inhibition - a strategy that blocks a key bone-related signalling pathway (Wnt) - as a promising pharmacological treatment for severe sclerosteosis.

A team of researchers within the VetCompass Programme at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) studying dental disease in rabbits under primary veterinary care have identified common clinical signs for rabbits experiencing dental disease and assessed veterinary diagnostic and treatment methods.

A new study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found there's no substantial link between popular conformation in rabbits, including floppy ears or flat faces, and an increased risk of dental problems.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has found electroacupuncture has good success in treating equine trigeminal nerve-mediated headshaking (TMHS), with nearly two-thirds of horses showing improvement after treatment.

New RVC research reveals improved outcomes over time for canine mitral valve repair surgery using a structured multidisciplinary approach A new publication from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), re

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), combining thoracic ultrasound alongside the measurement of clinical signs, has revealed that nearly a third of calves in the UK experience bovine respiratory disease and subclinical pneumonia. These findings will support veterinary professionals in identifying the optimal techniques to use to precisely diagnose the condition, supporting bovine welfare.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) pandemic puppies research programme has highlighted the negative impact of problem behaviours in young adult dogs on the strength of the owner-dog relationship.

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has identified more than 100 genes that may contribute to bone fracture risk in Thoroughbreds. These findings will inform further research into genetic risk factors, contributing to health and well-being efforts and supporting the development of novel interventions to reduce fracture risk in horses.