Supporting Veterinary Innovation: The IVC Evidensia Research Fund.
Friday, August 1, 2025
At IVC Evidensia, we believe innovation drives better animal care. That’s why we offer a comprehensive Research Fund to support groundbreaking projects across our network.
Exciting new veterinary research projects have recently received funding across the UK, France, Spain, and Sweden, targeting a wide range of animal health challenges. From improving surgical techniques in horses to pioneering cancer treatments in dogs and advancing diagnostics for feline diseases, these studies are set to push the boundaries of veterinary care and enhance animal welfare.
The diversity and innovation of these funded projects highlights our vibrant commitment to advancing animal health. Staying informed about these studies helps veterinarians, researchers, and animal owners alike contribute to a healthier future for animals worldwide.
There are three types of funds. The Starter Fund offers up to £5,000 for original projects supporting career development, with limited equipment and salary costs. The Established Fund provides up to £15,000 for well-designed studies, allowing higher equipment and salary expenses. The Major Fund supports collaborative, high-impact research with up to £40,000 available. Applications for the first two funds are accepted twice yearly, while the Major Fund opens once a year. Additional funding is available for publication fees and conference expenses, helping researchers share their work.
Soledad Guiñon at Pool House Equine Hospital is investigating whether ultrasound guidance improves the accuracy of perineural analgesia (nerve blocks) used to identify sources of lameness in horses. By comparing traditional ‘blind’ injections with ultrasound-guided ones, the project uses objective gait analysis and pressure sensation measurements to evaluate success rates. This aims to reduce uncertainty in diagnosing equine lameness.
Nasal Airflow in Brachycephalic Cats
Juan Aires Serrano of Pride Veterinary Referral is applying computational fluid dynamics to compare nasal airflow resistance between brachycephalic (flat-faced) and normocephalic cats. This study targets the impacts of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) on respiratory function, with hopes of better understanding and managing breathing difficulties in affected cats.
Reducing Nasal Bleeding in BOAS Surgery for Dogs
Brachycephalic dogs often undergo alar fold vestibuloplasty to improve breathing but face complications from nasal bleeding. Rodrigo Alvarez Ventura’s randomized controlled trial compares the effects of xylometazoline and adrenaline nasal sprays in reducing bleeding during surgery. This could offer a simple way to improve surgical outcomes and reduce stress for patients and veterinary teams.
Bacterial Morphology and Ear Drum Rupture
At Forest Lodge Veterinary Practice, lab technician Sinead O’Sullivan Epton is studying how the shape of bacteria and fungi (rods, cocci, yeast) affects the risk of tympanic membrane rupture during ear infections. This research could lead to better understanding and treatment of ear diseases.
Torn Manica Flexoria in Horses
Ludovica Mazzucco from Pool House Equine Hospital is investigating the biomechanical and degenerative factors causing tears in the manica flexoria, a critical tendon sheath structure. By analysing surgically removed tissue and comparing ultrasound measurements with direct observations, this study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for equine lameness.
Stereotactic Chemotherapy for Canine Brain Tumors
At Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis, Diplomate Laurent Cauzinille is developing a minimally invasive 3D-printed device that delivers chemotherapy directly into brain tumours of dogs diagnosed with cerebral glioma. This approach aims to overcome challenges in drug delivery to the brain and improve treatment efficacy.
Improving Welfare in Cull Beef Cows
Jean-François Riou from Clinique Vétérinaire de la Prairie is investigating whether anti-GnRH vaccination can suppress heat-related behaviours in cull beef cows, thereby shortening fattening periods and enhancing animal welfare. This vaccine could offer a non-surgical alternative to managing reproductive cycles in livestock.
Cardiac Biomarkers in Feline Trauma
Caroline Dania at Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis explores the use of troponin 1, a marker of myocardial injury, to predict cardiac complications in cats following trauma such as falls or blunt injuries. Early detection of heart damage could improve monitoring and outcomes in feline trauma care.
Novel Diagnostics for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Britani Perandrés Estève from Aúna Especialidades Veterinarias is assessing a new immunohistochemistry technique using formalin-fixed samples from less invasive biopsies or effusions to detect the feline coronavirus antigen. Given FIP’s often fatal nature and diagnostic challenges, this method could provide a more accessible and reliable ante-mortem diagnosis.
Thiamine Deficiency in Cats Fed Commercial Diets
Emil Olsen at Strömsholm Specialist Animal Hospital has identified potential thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiencies in cats fed certain commercial foods. Since cats require high levels of thiamine for neurological health, this study may prompt improved regulation and standards in pet food manufacturing.
Narcolepsy in Icelandic Foals
Also led by Olsen, this project investigates cases of narcolepsy characterized by sudden sleep episodes in Icelandic foals. Through genetic analyses of affected foals and their families, the study aims to identify the underlying causes and prevent further spread in the population.
Hypersomatotropism in Cats with Cardiac Hypertrophy
Mikael Svensson from Evidensia Valla Djursjukhus is exploring the prevalence of hypersomatotropism, a growth hormone disorder, in cats with left ventricular hypertrophy. This research could refine differential diagnoses for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and influence treatment and breeding advice.
If any of these studies interest you, please get in touch with the research team and we can connect you with the researchers involve.
IVC Evidensia’s Research Fund empowers veterinary teams to innovate, collaborate, and push the boundaries of animal health and welfare. If you’re ready to take your research to the next level, contact us at research@ivcevidensia.com to learn more and apply.
The diversity and innovation of these funded projects highlights our vibrant commitment to advancing animal health. Staying informed about these studies helps veterinarians, researchers, and animal owners alike contribute to a healthier future for animals worldwide.
What is the Research Fund?
The fund is provided and allocated by the Research Committee under the direction of Group Head of Clinical Research, David Singleton. This experienced team understands the demands of clinical work and the challenges busy veterinary professionals face in pursuing innovative projects.There are three types of funds. The Starter Fund offers up to £5,000 for original projects supporting career development, with limited equipment and salary costs. The Established Fund provides up to £15,000 for well-designed studies, allowing higher equipment and salary expenses. The Major Fund supports collaborative, high-impact research with up to £40,000 available. Applications for the first two funds are accepted twice yearly, while the Major Fund opens once a year. Additional funding is available for publication fees and conference expenses, helping researchers share their work.
Who Can Apply?
Our grants are open to all clinical and non-clinical colleagues, with this round of approved funds having a Lab Technician alongside a Veterinary Surgeon, Diplomates, Residents and an Intern. In April, a Veterinary Nurse received funding, demonstrating the fund really is ‘open to all’. We especially encourage collaborative projects involving multiple sites or external partners, because great ideas grow stronger together.What Projects Do We Fund?
We welcome project proposals on any veterinary topic, as long as they do not involve animal experimentation. This year, we’re particularly focusing on studies addressing global health challenges, such as the responsible use of parasiticides.Innovative Funded Research Projects in Veterinary Medicine: Summer 2025 Update
Advancing Diagnostics and Treatments in the UK
Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Blocks in HorsesSoledad Guiñon at Pool House Equine Hospital is investigating whether ultrasound guidance improves the accuracy of perineural analgesia (nerve blocks) used to identify sources of lameness in horses. By comparing traditional ‘blind’ injections with ultrasound-guided ones, the project uses objective gait analysis and pressure sensation measurements to evaluate success rates. This aims to reduce uncertainty in diagnosing equine lameness.
Nasal Airflow in Brachycephalic Cats
Juan Aires Serrano of Pride Veterinary Referral is applying computational fluid dynamics to compare nasal airflow resistance between brachycephalic (flat-faced) and normocephalic cats. This study targets the impacts of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) on respiratory function, with hopes of better understanding and managing breathing difficulties in affected cats.
Reducing Nasal Bleeding in BOAS Surgery for Dogs
Brachycephalic dogs often undergo alar fold vestibuloplasty to improve breathing but face complications from nasal bleeding. Rodrigo Alvarez Ventura’s randomized controlled trial compares the effects of xylometazoline and adrenaline nasal sprays in reducing bleeding during surgery. This could offer a simple way to improve surgical outcomes and reduce stress for patients and veterinary teams.
Bacterial Morphology and Ear Drum Rupture
At Forest Lodge Veterinary Practice, lab technician Sinead O’Sullivan Epton is studying how the shape of bacteria and fungi (rods, cocci, yeast) affects the risk of tympanic membrane rupture during ear infections. This research could lead to better understanding and treatment of ear diseases.
Torn Manica Flexoria in Horses
Ludovica Mazzucco from Pool House Equine Hospital is investigating the biomechanical and degenerative factors causing tears in the manica flexoria, a critical tendon sheath structure. By analysing surgically removed tissue and comparing ultrasound measurements with direct observations, this study aims to improve diagnosis and treatment strategies for equine lameness.
Research from elsewhere in Europe:
Pioneering Therapeutic Techniques in France
French veterinary researchers are leading innovative studies with potential to transform treatments.Stereotactic Chemotherapy for Canine Brain Tumors
At Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis, Diplomate Laurent Cauzinille is developing a minimally invasive 3D-printed device that delivers chemotherapy directly into brain tumours of dogs diagnosed with cerebral glioma. This approach aims to overcome challenges in drug delivery to the brain and improve treatment efficacy.
Improving Welfare in Cull Beef Cows
Jean-François Riou from Clinique Vétérinaire de la Prairie is investigating whether anti-GnRH vaccination can suppress heat-related behaviours in cull beef cows, thereby shortening fattening periods and enhancing animal welfare. This vaccine could offer a non-surgical alternative to managing reproductive cycles in livestock.
Cardiac Biomarkers in Feline Trauma
Caroline Dania at Centre Hospitalier Vétérinaire Frégis explores the use of troponin 1, a marker of myocardial injury, to predict cardiac complications in cats following trauma such as falls or blunt injuries. Early detection of heart damage could improve monitoring and outcomes in feline trauma care.
Enhancing Infectious Disease Diagnostics in Spain
Veterinarians in Spain are focusing on more accurate diagnosis of challenging diseases.Novel Diagnostics for Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP)
Britani Perandrés Estève from Aúna Especialidades Veterinarias is assessing a new immunohistochemistry technique using formalin-fixed samples from less invasive biopsies or effusions to detect the feline coronavirus antigen. Given FIP’s often fatal nature and diagnostic challenges, this method could provide a more accessible and reliable ante-mortem diagnosis.
Nutritional and Genetic Insights from Sweden
Swedish researchers are uncovering important health factors in pets and horses.Thiamine Deficiency in Cats Fed Commercial Diets
Emil Olsen at Strömsholm Specialist Animal Hospital has identified potential thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiencies in cats fed certain commercial foods. Since cats require high levels of thiamine for neurological health, this study may prompt improved regulation and standards in pet food manufacturing.
Narcolepsy in Icelandic Foals
Also led by Olsen, this project investigates cases of narcolepsy characterized by sudden sleep episodes in Icelandic foals. Through genetic analyses of affected foals and their families, the study aims to identify the underlying causes and prevent further spread in the population.
Hypersomatotropism in Cats with Cardiac Hypertrophy
Mikael Svensson from Evidensia Valla Djursjukhus is exploring the prevalence of hypersomatotropism, a growth hormone disorder, in cats with left ventricular hypertrophy. This research could refine differential diagnoses for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and influence treatment and breeding advice.
If any of these studies interest you, please get in touch with the research team and we can connect you with the researchers involve.
IVC Evidensia colleagues - how to apply
Applications are reviewed twice a year, with deadlines on October 1 and April 1. Publication and presentation funding is available year-round. If you’re working with external collaborators, we’ll support you through the ethical and governance process to ensure everything runs smoothly.IVC Evidensia’s Research Fund empowers veterinary teams to innovate, collaborate, and push the boundaries of animal health and welfare. If you’re ready to take your research to the next level, contact us at research@ivcevidensia.com to learn more and apply.