A three-year scholarship for a residency in Rabbit and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery has been announced by the University of Edinburgh's Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Based at the only veterinary school in the UK to have a dedicated Exotic Animal and Wildlife Service (EAWS), the post will be jointly funded by Dechra Veterinary Products and Companion Care (Services) Ltd.

The Resident appointed is qualified veterinary surgeon Jenna Richardson, who will undertake training and research over three years and undertake the RCVS CertAVP in Zoological Medicine. Jenna graduated from the veterinary school in 2008.

Head of EAWS, Dr Anna Meredith MA, VetMB, CertLAS, DZooMed, MRCVS, said the collaboration between the veterinary school and the companies would support work to increase the amount of information available to vets, to improve treatments for pet rabbits and exotics. She said: "The main focus of the residency programme will be on advancing clinical practice in the field of rabbit and exotic animal medicine, and disseminating this to the profession. Jenna will be involved in EAWS' ongoing outreach programme to veterinary practices and to rabbit and exotic pet owners to promote animal health and welfare.

"We are extremely grateful to both Dechra Veterinary Products and Companion Care Vets for committing the funding to support this important work in a rapidly expanding field for the veterinary profession."

Dechra Veterinary Products' Brand Manager Carol Morgan said: "We are delighted to be jointly funding this scholarship, with the work to advance clinical practice fitting well with our own commitment to developing services and products which support the veterinary profession."

Jane Balmain, Companion Care Vets' Managing Director, added: "The residency has been created because of the increasing popularity of rabbits and exotics as pets and both Dechra and Companion Care wish to support this growing field whilst providing vital support for the University of Edinburgh."

The Dechra/Companion Care Residency in Rabbit and Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery will also see the Resident's duties include diagnostic and medical management of cases; anaesthetic and surgical management of cases  and radiography and ultrasonography imaging.

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