Page 1 - Clinical Connections - Autumn 2019

BRAIN BANK BENEFITS BEYOND THE RVC
The RVC has established a Companion Animal Brain Bank (CABB), with the objective of collecting and storing samples of brain tissue and other biological specimens for research and educational purposes.
Annually more than 100 dogs and cats are euthanised at the RVC due to neurological conditions.These samples of brain tissue represent an unutilised, precious research commodity.The CABB aims to collect
and archive this brain tissue (alongside whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, CSF, DNA and RNA), as well as samples from appropriate controls euthanised due to non- neurological conditions.
Routine collection of companion animal brain tissue has benefits for future patients diagnosed with neurological disease, the attending clinicians, students working with the cases and the research community as a whole, who can access the bank.
Explaining the benefits of the CABB within RVC Small Animal Referrals,
Dr Abbe Crawford, Staff Clinician in Neurology and Neurosurgery, said: “Many animals euthanised due to neurological disease do not have a definitive diagnosis, which can be distressing for owners and frustrating for clinicians.The CABB
could provide such a diagnosis – routine collection of companion animal brain tissue
facilitates a more accurate neuropathological diagnosis, including distribution and grading of lesions.
“When combined with clinical, biochemical and imaging findings, information on diagnosis could improve clinical decision-making, student and resident teaching, management of future cases, and ultimately provide a more comprehensive, complete service to our clients and their pets.”
Knowing that their animals are contributing to disease understanding and scientific advancement can provide comfort to many owners at the difficult time of losing a pet. Furthermore, by actively discussing
CLINICAL CONNECTIONS RVC Clinical Services Newsletter Autumn 2019
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