Specialist areas

Neurology Service

Dr Clare Rusbridge

Chief of Neurology / BVMS (Hons) PhD DECVN FRCVS

Dr 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.

For a full list of Clare’s publications, click here

Chief of Neurology Dr 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

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

Computer simulation of syringomyelia in dogs

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

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

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

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

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 and Craniocervical Junction Abnormalities in Chihuahuas

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

Lafora disease in Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds

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

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

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

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

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

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

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

NHLRC1 repeat expansion in two beagles with Lafora disease

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clinical Features in Border Terrier Dogs with Paroxysmal Involuntary Movements

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

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

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’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: 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

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

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Sarah Heath

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

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

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

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

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

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

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Graham Flint

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

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Graham Flint

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

Research authors: D. Grant, Clare 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

Canine idiopathic epilepsy

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

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

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

Historical Vingnettes

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge, Graham Flint

Chiari–like malformation and syringomyelia

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

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

Caudal cranial fossa partitioning in Cavalier King Charles spaniels

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

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

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

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

Research authors: Clare Rusbridge

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

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

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

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

Syringomyelia: current concepts in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment

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

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