The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies

18/09/2026

This week we warmly welcomed our 2026 cohort of students to the Dick Vet family.

Welcome Week is an opportunity for new students, both on-campus and online, to orient themselves with their surroundings, meet each other and interact with the myriad of support services available to them over the course of their time with us.

We also welcome back our returning students who are continuing their studies with us.

We wish everyone a healthy and happy academic year.

For more information about studying with us visit: https://edin.ac/4gqTekh

17/09/2026

Dogs with the same orthopaedic condition can experience very different levels of chronic pain, new research suggests.

A study of more than 200 dogs referred to our Hospital for Small Animals found substantial variation in owner-reported pain and quality of life, even among dogs with the same diagnosis.

The findings highlight the importance of assessing each dog individually, using validated pain assessment tools to help clinicians understand how a condition affects their daily life and tailor treatment accordingly.

The research also underpins approaches used by the Hospital for Small Animals’ recently opened Pain Clinic, which provides coordinated care for animals living with chronic pain.

Read the full news story: https://edin.ac/471gXlx

Dick Vet Hospital for Small Animals

17/09/2026

Huge congratulations to Dr Matt McHale, who is celebrating recent exam success.



Following the completion of his residency at the Dick Vet Hospital for Small Animals, Matt has become a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Dermatology (DipECVD).

His achievement reflects several years of clinical training, research projects and exams. Matt now joins an elite community of European Specialists working around the world.

We wish him every success in the next chapter of his career.

With over 50 European and American Diplomates working across the various referral services in our hospital, clients and referring vets can be confident that we offer the highest standards of clinical care.

We have seven clinical residencies across several specialties open for applications until 30 September. For more information, visit https://vet.ed.ac.uk/clinical/training

15/09/2026

“You somehow managed to make a dog having brain radiotherapy think she was simply going to spend the day with her friends.”

This message from Miah’s owners captures what we strive for every day at our practices and hospitals: advanced clinical care delivered with genuine compassion.

Miah is a ball-obsessed, nine-year-old Labrador who was referred to our Hospital for Small Animals after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

She had a planned course of radiotherapy using our VitalBeam linear accelerator, with her treatment plan designed by our Specialist-led team.

What stayed with us most was Miah’s attitude on arriving each morning: tail wagging, eyes bright, and looking forward to spending time with our radiotherapy team – and they loved spending time with her, too.

During treatment, Miah’s owners noticed encouraging changes: Miah had improved balance and more energy, and returned to her favourite pastime: endless games of fetch.

Miah will continue with monitoring and follow-up scans as we track her progress – but right now, she’s doing really well, and we’re delighted to have been part of her care.

Watch this short film that follows Miah’s journey with us. Sound up at 45 seconds to hear her owner’s reaction 💕. You can also read Miah’s full story here: https://edin.ac/4yA9JAJ


The University of Edinburgh

14/09/2026

Taking the reins: one student’s journey from equine science to veterinary medicine.

After a career in finance, Yang Wu took an unexpected turn inspired by her love of horses.

Her journey took her from riding lessons and time spent at the stables, to our online MSc Equine Science, and ultimately to the veterinary medicine Graduate Entry Programme.

The Dick Vet community helped Yang find her path, from meeting at an event in Beijing to friendships and mentorship formed online, before she arrived on campus.

“My excellent experience on the MSc programme was the reason that the only vet school I applied for was the Dick Vet. I feel I’m part of a big family.”

Now an on-campus veterinary student, Yang is taking the next steps towards her ambition of becoming an equine vet.

Discover Yang’s unconventional journey to veterinary medicine: https://edin.ac/4Ad5ahg

11/09/2026

A huge welcome to eight residents who have joined the clinical teams at the Dick Vet Hospital for Small Animals, Dick Vet Equine and Dick Vet Farm Animal Practice this month.

These vets will train with us for four years as they work towards a Professional Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVetMed) and European College Specialist status.

Our School is one of the largest providers of professional clinical training in the world and welcomes over 25 vets each year to continue their postgraduate clinical training with us.

We currently have more than 85 interns and residents from all over the world, training full-time in our veterinary hospitals, general practices and Easter Bush Pathology under the supervision of more than 50 European, American and RCVS Specialists.

While with us, they will gain vital knowledge, skills and experience in their clinical field of choice.

For more information about postgraduate clinical training with us, visit https://vet.ed.ac.uk/clinical/training

Seven clinical residencies are currently open for application until 30 September 2026. Click the link above for more information.

10/09/2026

A novel welfare assessment approach could help improve pig welfare on smallholder farms in low- and middle-income countries.

Developed by an international research team, including experts from the School's Animal Welfare Centre, the framework can be adapted to local farming conditions.

A pilot study across 110 smallholder pig farms in northern Vietnam showed the approach was practical to use and identified access to drinking water and poor body condition as common welfare concerns.

Experts note the framework will support more consistent welfare assessment and inform practical improvements for farmers, researchers and policymakers.

Read the full news story: https://edin.ac/46g2py8

Animal Welfare Centre

Assessment approach aims to improve animal welfare in low- and middle-income countries.

09/09/2026

An ophthalmologist from our Hospital for Small Animals has helped two seals from the Cornish Seal Sanctuary suffering from a painful eye condition.

The grey seals, called Willow and Pumpkin, had developed of a progressive eye condition called pinniped keratopathy, causing painful corneal ulcers.

Medicated eye drops weren’t a practical long-term option for the seals, as they quickly returned to the water after having them, washing the medication from their eyes!

Professor Claudia Hartley, an ECVO and RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Ophthalmology, travelled to Cornwall with the International Zoological Veterinary Group (IZVG) and placed slow-release cyclosporin implants into the seals’ eyes. These implants are designed to supress the condition and support long-term corneal health.

The seals’ recovery was remarkably fast: Willow ate fish the day after surgery, and Pumpkin was swimming and eating within days. Both are now back with their pool mates - swimming, training, and causing a little mischief! Follow-up checks show their eyes have improved significantly.

Professor Hartley said: “I was delighted to help Willow and Pumpkin. This case shows how specialist veterinary intervention combined with expert care can make a significant difference to animal health and welfare - even for patients who don’t stay still for eye drops.”

Heather Green from the Cornish Seal Sanctuary said: “Everyone at the sanctuary would like to say a huge thank you to Claudia and the vets from IZVG for their incredible work… both seals are more comfortable day-to-day and we hope to continue to see improvements over the coming months.”



Cornish Seal Sanctuary
SEA LIFE TRUST
International Zoo Veterinary Group
The University of Edinburgh

07/09/2026

Threatened species and fragile ecosystems will be under the spotlight at a three-day conference of specialists from around the world, including experts from the Dick Vet.

The 4th International Conservation Translocation Conference, taking place from today until Wednesday at the University of Edinburgh, will focus on nature restoration work involving the deliberate movement of species, known as conservation translocation.

The event, organised by the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, NatureScot, Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, is taking place in Europe for the first time.

It will discuss species from Ethiopian wolves, gorillas and Egyptian vultures, to desert tortoises, white-tailed eagles, and seagrass.

https://vet.ed.ac.uk/ictc

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS)
NatureScot

07/09/2026

Many congratulations to Dr Emma Keeble, a senior vet at our Dick Vet Rabbit and Exotic Practice, who has recently been awarded an RCVS Fellowship for her meritorious contributions to clinical practice.

Dr Keeble is an RCVS Diplomate in Zoological Medicine, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine and a Diplomate of the American College of Exotic Pet Medicine.

She has made significant contributions to the advancement of exotic animal clinical practice, education and research throughout her career.

This Fellowship is a well-deserved recognition of her contribution to the profession.

Congratulations, Emma!


RCVS - Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons