Specialist areas

Neurology Service

Professor Clare Rusbridge

Chief of Neurology / BVMS (Hons) PhD DECVN FRCVS

EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology
RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Neurology

Clare Rusbridge graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1991 and following an internship at the University of Pennsylvania and general practice in Cambridgeshire, she completed a BSAVA/Petsavers Residency and was Staff Clinician in Neurology at the Royal Veterinary College. She became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 1996 and a RCVS Specialist in 1999. In 2007 she was awarded a PhD from Utrecht University for her thesis on Chiari-like malformation and Syringomyelia – a painful disease occurring in some toy breed dogs.

For 16 years she operated a neurology and neurosurgery referral service at the Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital in Wimbledon. Her professional interests include neuropathic pain, inherited diseases, epilepsy and rehabilitation following spinal injury. She treats many animals with painful and/or distressing inherited disease which motivates her research aiming to find a better way of diagnosing, treating and preventing these conditions.

In 2011 she was awarded the J. A. Wight (a.k.a. James Herriot) Memorial Award by The Blue Cross Animal Welfare Charity for her work with the Cavalier King Charles spaniel society with regard to syringomyelia. In 2014 Clare received the FECVA award for best original paper also on syringomyelia and in 2016 she was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for meritorious contribution to knowledge. She has authored or co-authored over 90 scientific articles and papers, contributed to several veterinary textbooks and has co-edited a medical textbook on syringomyelia.

In July 2018, Clare was awarded her professorship from The University of Surrey, in recognition for her postdoctoral research and teaching at the School of Veterinary Medicine.

See Clare’s full list of publications on her Google Scholar’s page.

Chief of Neurology Clare Rusbridge in surgery at Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology centre.

Clare Rusbridge in consultation at Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology centre.

Clare Rusbridge lecturing at VET Festival 2017

Clare Rusbridge talking with an owner of a gorgeous Hungarian Vizsla at the event at Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology Hospital Eashing

Clare Rusbridge and Professor Noel Fitzpatrick at Fitzpatrick Referrals Orthopaedics and Neurology centre.

Publications

Using machine learning to understand neuromorphological change and image‐based biomarker identification in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Chiari‐like malformation‐associated pain and syringomyelia

Research authors: M. Spiteri, S P Knowler, Clare Rusbridge, K Wells

Behavioural changes in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

Research authors: F Watson, R M A Packer, Clare Rusbridge, H A Volk

MRI findings in two West Highland White Terrier dogs with hepatic encephalopathy secondary to portosystemic shunt

Research authors: R Fernandes, C Driver, J H Rose, Clare Rusbridge

Behavioral and clinical signs of Chiari‐like malformation‐associated pain and syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles spaniels

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Angus K. McFadyen, Susan P Knowler

Chiari‐like malformation and Syringomyelia in American Brussels Griffon dogs

Research authors: AC Freeman, SR Platt, M Kent, E Huguet, Clare Rusbridge, S Holmes

Feline hyperaesthesia syndrome with self-trauma to the tail: retrospective study of seven cases and proposal for integrated multidisciplinary diagnostic approach

Research authors: PA Batle, Clare Rusbridge, T Nuttall, S Heath, K Marioni-Henry

Pilot study of head conformation changes over time in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel breed

Research authors: SP Knowler, L Gillstedt, TJ Mitchell, J Jovanovik, HA Volk, Clare Rusbridge

Metronidazole-induced neurotoxicity in 26 dogs

Research authors: A Tauro, E Beltran, GB Cherubini, AT Coelho, A Wessmann, CJ Driver, Clare Rusbridge

Clinical Application of Diagnostic Imaging of Chiari-Like Malformation and Syringomyelia

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, F Stringer, S P Knowler

Two mixed breed dogs with sensory neuropathy are homozygous for an inversion disrupting FAM134B previously identified in Border Collies

Research authors: P Amengual-Battle, Clare Rusbridge, R José-López, L Golini, G Diane Shelton, C S Mellersh, R Gutierrez-Quintana

A review of treatment options for behavioural manifestations of clinical anxiety as a comorbidity in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy

Research authors: F Watson, Clare Rusbridge, RMA Packer, RA Casey, S Heath, HA Volk

C7 vertebra homeotic transformation in domestic dogs – are Pug dogs breaking mammalian evolutionary constraints?

Research authors: J Brocal, S De Decker, R José-López, EG Manzanilla, J Penderis, C Stalin, S Bertram, JJ Shoenebeck, Clare Rusbridge, Noel Fitzpatrick, R Quintana

Morphogenesis of Canine Chiari Malformation and Secondary Syringomyelia: Disorders of Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation

Research authors: SP Knowler, GL Galea, Clare Rusbridge

Scaling of the corpus callosum in wild and domestic canids: Insights into the domesticated brain

Research authors: MA Spocter, A Uddin, JC Ng, E Wong, VX Wang, C Tang, B Wicinski, J Haas, K Bitterman, MA Raghanti, R Dunn, PR Hof, CC Sherwood, J Jovanovik, Clare Rusbridge, PR Manger

Applications and efficiencies of the first cat 63K DNA array

Research authors: B Gandolfi, H Alhaddad, B Abdi, LH Bach, EK Creighton, BW Davis, JE Decker, NH Dodman, JC Grahn, RA Grahn, B Haase, J Haggstrom, MJ Hamilton, CR Helps, JD Kurushima, H Lohi, M Longeri, R Malik, KM Meurs, MJ Montague, JV Mullikin, WJ Murphy, SM Nilson, NC Pedersen, CB Peterson, C. Rusbridge, R Saif, DG Shelton, WC Warren, M Wasim, LA Lyons

Nationwide genetic testing towards eliminating Lafora disease from Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds in the United Kingdom

Research authors: S Ahonen, I Seath, Clare Rusbridge, S Holt, G Key, T Wang, P Wang, BA Minassian

Evidence of negative affective state in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with syringomyelia

Research authors: A Cockburn, M Smith, Clare Rusbridge, C Fowler, E S Paul, J C Murrell, E J Blackwell, R A Casey, H R Whay, M Mendl

An aged canid with behavioural deficits exhibits blood and cerebrospinal fluid amyloid beta oligomers

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, F J Salguero, M A David, K M E Faller, J T Brass, R J Guerreiro, A C Richard-Londt, D Grainger, E Head, S G P Brandner, B Summers, J Hardy, M Tayebi

Clinical Application of 3D-CISS MRI Sequences for Diagnosis and Surgical Planning of Spinal Arachnoid Diverticula and Adhesions in Dogs

Research authors: A Tauro, J Jovanovik, CJ Driver, Clare Rusbridge

Computer simulation of syringomyelia in dogs

Research authors: S Cirovic, R Lloyd, J Jovanovik, HA Volk, Clare Rusbridge

A genome-wide association study identifies candidate loci associated to syringomyelia secondary to Chiari-like malformation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Research authors: F Ancot, P Lemay, S P Knowler, K Kennedy, S Griffiths, G B Cherubini, J Sykes, P J J Mandigers, G A Rouleau, Clare Rusbridge, Z Kibar

MRI characteristics for “phantom” scratching in canine syringomyelia

Research authors: ZR Nalborczyk, AK McFadyen, J Jovanovik, A Tauro, CJ Driver, Noel Fitzpatrick, SP Knower, C. Rusbridge

Syringomyelia: A Disorder of CSF Circulation: Current Understanding, Best Clinical Practice and Research Perspectives. 2014. Springer

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Graham Flint

Pain Management. Syringomyelia: A Disorder of CSF. 2014 Springer

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Jan Keppel Hesselink

Historical Vingnettes

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Graham Flint

Veterinary Aspects. Syringomyelia: Springer A Disorder of CSF Circulation. 2014 Springer

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

Nomenclature. Syringomyelia: A Disorder of CSF Circulation. 2014 Springer

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Graham Flint

Treatment of Chiari malformation and Syringomyelia. Kirk’s Current Veterinary Therapy XIV 2015. Saunders Elsevier

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

Syringomyelia and Chiari malformation. 5 Minute Veterinary Consult Canine and Feline: 6th (2015), 5th (2011), 4th (2007 pp1321) Editions. Blackwell Publishing

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

Feline Orofacial Pain. Feline Behavioral Health and Welfare. 2015. Elsevier

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Sarah Heath

Tremors. Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine – 2016 8th edition. Elsevier

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

Clinical Features in Border Terrier Dogs with Paroxysmal Involuntary Movements

Research authors: K Henry-Marioni, Clare Rusbridge, HA Volk

Inheritance of Chiari-Like Malformation: Can a Mixed Breeding Reduce the Risk of Syringomyelia?

Research authors: A McFadyen, Clare Rusbridge, H v/d Berg, RM La Ragione, SP Knowler

Neurological signs in 23 dogs with suspected rostral cerebellar ischaemic stroke

Research authors: BB Thomsen, C. Rusbridge, G Skerritt, H Gredal, L Garosi, M Berendt, T Sparrow

NHLRC1 repeat expansion in two beagles with Lafora disease

Research authors: V Simerdova, C. Rusbridge, P Wang, BA Minassian, V Palus

Interleukin-6 is increased in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid of community-dwelling domestic dogs with acute ischaemic stroke

Research authors: A Boza-Serrano, A Møller, B Finsen, BB Thomsen, C. Rusbridge, D Anthony, H Gredal, KL Lambertsen, L Garosi, M Berendt, T Deierborg

Craniometric Analysis of the Hindbrain and Craniocervical Junction of Chihuahua, Affenpinscher and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dogs With and Without Syringomyelia Secondary to Chiari-Like Malformation

Research authors: AK McFadyen, AM Kiviranta, C. Rusbridge, RM La Ragione, SP Knowler, TS Jokinen

Use of Morphometric Mapping to Characterise Symptomatic Chiari-Like Malformation, Secondary Syringomyelia and Associated Brachycephaly in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Research authors: A Tauro, AK McFadyen, C Cross, C. Rusbridge, CJ Driver, J Jovanovik, RM La Ragione, S Griffiths, SP Knowler, Z Kibar

Clinical Features, Imaging Characteristics and Long-term Outcome of Dogs with Cranial Meningocele or Meningoencephalocele

Research authors: A Bruehschwein, A Fischer, A Tauro, C de la Fuente, C Loeffler, C Muir, Clare Rusbridge, F McConnell, F Stabile, J Guevar, J McMurrough, J Penderis, K Lazzerini, L De Risio, L Mari, R Gonçalves, R Gutierrez-Quintana, R José-López, S Añor, S De Decker, S Rodenas, SL Priestnall

Lafora disease in Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds

Research authors: A Tauro, BA Minassian, C Ackerley, Clare Rusbridge, G Key, L Swain, P Wang, S Ahonen

Syringomyelia and Craniocervical Junction Abnormalities in Chihuahuas

Research authors: AK Lappalainen, A Hielm-Björkman, AM Kiviranta, O Laitinen-Vapaavuori, TS Jokinen, SP Knowler, C. Rusbridge

Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Study Identifies Novel Genomic Regions Associated to Chiari-Like Malformation in Griffon Bruxellois Dogs

Research authors: C Freeman, Clare Rusbridge, Dogs P Lemay, G A Rouleau, G. Child, L. B Barreiro, S Bouasker, S Platt, SP Knowler, Y Nedelec, Z Kibar

Quantitative Analysis of Chiari-Like Malformation and Syringomyelia in the Griffon Bruxellois Dog

Research authors: AK McFadyen, C Freeman, M Kent, SP Knowler, SR Platt, Z Kibar, Clare Rusbridge

Syringomyelia: determining risk and protective factors in the conformation of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, H van den Berg, J Sykes, SP Knowler, TJ Mitchell

Inter-observer agreement of canine and feline paroxysmal event semiology and classification by veterinary neurology specialists and non-specialists

Research authors: RMA Packer, M Berendt, S Bhatti, M Charalambous, S Cizinauskas, L De Risio, R Farquhar, R Hampel, M Hill, PJJ Mandigers, A Pakozdy, SM Preston, C. Rusbridge, VM Stein, FTaylor-Brown, ATipold, HA Volk

Clinical features of idiopathic inflammatory polymyopathy in the Hungarian Vizsla

Research authors: . Tauro A, Addicott D, Foale RD, Bowman C, Hahn C, Long S, Massey J, Haley AC, Knowler SP, Day MJ, Kennedy LJ, Rusbridge C

International veterinary epilepsy task force consensus proposal: outcome of therapeutic interventions in canine and feline epilepsy

Research authors: Potschka H, Fischer A, Löscher W, Patterson N, Bhatti S, Berendt M, De Risio L, Farquhar R, Long S, Mandigers P, Matiasek K, Muñana K, Pakozdy A, Penderis J, Platt S, Podell M, Rusbridge C, Stein V, Tipold A, Volk HA

International veterinary epilepsy task force consensus report on epilepsy definition, classification and terminology in companion animals

Research authors: Berendt M, Farquhar RG, Mandigers PJ, Pakozdy A, Bhatti SF, De Risio L, Fischer A, Long S, Matiasek K, Muñana K, Patterson EE, Penderis J, Platt S, Podell M, Potschka H, Pumarola MB, Rusbridge C, Stein VM, Tipold A, Volk HA

International veterinary epilepsy task force consensus proposal: diagnostic approach to epilepsy in dogs.

Research authors: De Risio L, Bhatti S, Muñana K, Penderis J, Stein V, Tipold A, Berendt M, Farqhuar R, Fischer A, Long S, Mandigers PJ, Matiasek K, Packer RM, Pakozdy A, Patterson N, Platt S, Podell M, Potschka H, Batlle MP, Rusbridge C, Volk HA

International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force’s current understanding of idiopathic epilepsy of genetic or suspected genetic origin in purebred dogs

Research authors: Hülsmeyer VI, Fischer A, Mandigers PJ, DeRisio L, Berendt M, Rusbridge C, Bhatti SF, Pakozdy A, Patterson EE, Platt S, Packer RM, Volk HA

International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force consensus proposal: medical treatment of canine epilepsy in Europe

Research authors: Bhatti SF, De Risio L, Muñana K, Penderis J, Stein VM, Tipold A, Berendt M, Farquhar RG, Fischer A, Long S, Löscher W, Mandigers PJ, Matiasek K, Pakozdy A, Patterson EE, Platt S, Podell M, Potschka H, Rusbridge C, Volk HA

International veterinary epilepsy task force recommendations for systematic sampling and processing of brains from epileptic dogs and cats.

Research authors: Matiasek K, Pumarola I Batlle M, Rosati M, Fernández-Flores F, Fischer A, Wagner E, Berendt M, Bhatti SF, De Risio L, Farquhar RG, Long S, Muñana K, Patterson EE, Pakozdy A, Penderis J, Platt S, Podell M, Potschka H, Rusbridge C, Stein VM, Tipold A, Volk HA

International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force recommendations for a veterinary epilepsy-specific MRI protocol

Research authors: Rusbridge C, Long S, Jovanovik J, Milne M, Berendt M, Bhatti SF, De Risio L, Farqhuar RG, Fischer A, Matiasek K, Muñana K, Patterson EE, Pakozdy A, Penderis J, Platt S, Podell M, Potschka H, Stein VM, Tipold A

Prevalence of pancreatic, hepatic and renal microscopic lesions in post-mortem samples from cavalier King Charles spaniels.

Research authors: . Kent AC, Constantino-Casas F, Rusbridge C, Corcoran BM, Carter M, Ledger T, Watson PJ

Comparison of gabapentin versus topiramate on clinically affected dogs with Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia.

Research authors: Plessas IN, Volk HA, Rusbridge C, Vanhaesebrouck AE, Jeffery ND

Topiramate in the management of feline idiopathic ulcerative dermatitis in a two year old cat

Research authors: D. Grant, Clare Rusbridge

Histopathological Investigation of Syringomyelia in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Research authors: HZ Hu, Clare Rusbridge, F Constantino-Casas, Nick Jeffery

Effectiveness of breeding guidelines for reducing the prevalence of syringomyelia.

Research authors: Susan P Knowler, Angus K. McFadyen, Clare Rusbridge

Choosing the right drug 1. Anticonvulsants used for first-line therapy

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

Choosing the right drug 2. Anticonvulsants used for second- line therapy, other anticonvulsants and alternative therapies

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

Canine idiopathic epilepsy

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

Chiari–like malformation and syringomyelia

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

Caudal cranial fossa partitioning in Cavalier King Charles spaniels

Research authors: TA Shaw, IM McGonnell, Colin Driver, Clare Rusbridge, HA Volk

An update on the pathogenesis of syringomyelia secondary to Chiari-like malformations in dogs

Research authors: Colin Driver, HA Volk, Clare Rusbridge, LM Van Ham

Inter-observer agreement of canine and feline paroxysmal event semiology and classification by veterinary neurology specialists and non-specialists

Research authors: Rowena MA Packer, Mette Berendt, Sofie Bhatti, Marios Charalambous, Sigitas Cizinauskas, Luisa De Risio, Robyn Farquhar, Rachel Hampel, Myfanwy Hill, Paul JJ Mandigers, Akos Pakozdy, Stephanie M Preston, Clare Rusbridge, Veronika M Stein, Fran Taylor-Brown, Andrea Tipold, Holger A Volk

Changes over time in craniocerebral morphology and syringomyelia in cavalier King Charles spaniels with Chiari-like malformation

Research authors: Colin J Driver, Luisa De Risio, Sarah Hamilton, Clare Rusbridge, Ruth Dennis, Imelda M McGonnell, Holger A Volk

Increase in cerebellar volume in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Chiari-like malformation and its role in the development of syringomyelia

Research authors: Thomas A. Shaw, Imelda M McGonnell, Colin Driver, Clare Rusbridge, HA Volk

Long-term outcome of Cavalier King Charles spaniel dogs with clinical signs associated with Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia

Research authors: I. N. Plessas, Clare Rusbridge, Colin J Driver, K. E. Chandler, A Craig, I. M. McGonnell, D. C. Brodbelt

Morphometric assessment of cranial volumes in age-matched Cavalier King Charles spaniels with and without syringomyelia

Research authors: Colin Driver, Clare Rusbridge, IM McGonnell, HA Volk

Relationship of brain parenchyma within the caudal cranial fossa and ventricle size to syringomyelia in cavalier King Charles spaniels

Research authors: Colin Driver, Clare Rusbridge, HR Cross, IM McGonnell, HA Volk

Characteristics of magnetic resonance images of granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis in 11 dogs.

Research authors: GB Cherubini, SR Platt, TJ Anderson, Clare Rusbridge, P Mantis, R Cappello

Inheritance of occipital bone hypoplasia (Chiari type I malformation) in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Susan P Knowler

Syringomyelia: current concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Dan Greitz, Bermans J Iskandar

Syringohydromyelia in cavalier King Charles spaniels

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, JE MacSweeny, JV Davies, K Chandler, Susan N Fitzmaurice, R Dennis, R Cappello, SJ Wheeler

Expanded repeat in canine epilepsy

Research authors: Hannes Lohi, Edwin J Young, Susan N Fitzmaurice, Clare Rusbridge, Elaine M Chan, Mike Vervoort, Julie Turnball, Xiao-Chu Zhao, Leonarda Ianzano, Andrew D Paterson, Nathan B Sutter, Elaine A. Ostrander, Catherine André, Diane Shelton, Cameron A. Ackerley, Stephen W. Scherer, Berge A. Minassian