BSAVA celebrates 2026 abstract award winners

The BSAVA has announced the winning clinicians and students of its 2026 Clinical Abstract Awards.

The association’s clinical research abstracts were presented at BVA Live, where more than 60 authors showcased their work via oral presentations and poster displays.

Winners and topics

• Outstanding Oral Abstract Presentation: Henry Cloete – Risk factors associated with the development of suspected feline injection site sarcomas identified in a sentinel network of UK primary care veterinary practices
• Outstanding Poster Abstract Presentation: Emily Clark – Serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations help to predict azotaemia following radio-iodine treatment of hyperthyroid cats
• Outstanding Student Abstract Presentation: Katie Ennis – Hot Cats: Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness in cats under UK emergency veterinary care during 2022 and 2023
• BSAVA PetSavers Clinical Research Abstract Award: Izzy Adams – Pride and Purr-judice: Perception of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) by veterinary personnel, animal shelter staff and cat owners

Rewarding

Dr Cloete, a small animal internal medicine resident at the University of Liverpool’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital, said he was “honoured”, adding: “It is particularly rewarding to see this work recognised, as it reflects a collaborative effort between researchers, clinicians, and the veterinary practices and pet owners contributing data through SAVSNET.

“I hope these findings contribute to a better understanding of feline injection site sarcomas and help support evidence-based discussions around feline vaccination in clinical practice.”

Dr Clark said it is “exciting to be involved in research that can help guide clinical decision-making in practice”.

Redefined expectations

Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies student Izzy Adams said: “This award has redefined my expectations of my own capabilities as a veterinarian and researcher. I am beyond excited to share my project with a larger audience.”

BSAVA president Julian Hoad, one of this year’s judges, said there was an “exceptionally high” standard of submissions.

He continued: “The quality, enthusiasm, and innovation on display were truly inspiring, and it’s clear that these researchers are helping to drive veterinary medicine forward.“