The competition saw students from the University write a case study about an injured small animal, detailing its condition/illness, a prognosis and treatment plan, and the eventual outcome of the case. Peel’s case study was based on the increasing number of guinea pigs contracting ophthalmic diseases, in particular her 12-week-old guinea pig that had to have surgery to clear an infection in its eye.
The pilot challenge, launched by pet food manufacturer Burgess Pet Care at the University of Bristol, will be extended this year to students from universities across the UK.
Suzanne Moyes, Veterinary Manager at Burgess Pet Care, presented Peel with her £300 prize money and certificate at Bristol Zoo. She said: ‘We would like to congratulate Amy on her fantastic case study and resulting treatment plan. She was chosen as our winner as her case study was very well written, contained excellent photos and was overall a very interesting case. We are very proud to hold these competitions as it is important to us to encourage younger people to become involved in every aspect of the veterinary industry.’
Amy Peel said: ‘I was thrilled to hear that I had won the competition. The prize money is going towards a new house for my two guinea pigs. I’d like to thank Burgess Pet Care, as writing this case study has not only improved the life of my guinea pig, but also furthered my learning outside of the lecture theatre.’
Michelle Barrows, Head of Veterinary Services at Bristol Zoo and Clinical Teacher at the School of Veterinary Sciences, also offered her congratulations.
Burgess Pet Care has also donated a stack of books to Bristol Zoo Gardens, to be used by veterinary students on teaching placements at the zoo to further their knowledge of rabbit, rodent and exotic pet medicine.
Michelle Barrows said: ‘These books are a valuable addition to our on-site veterinary library at Bristol Zoo, which hosts veterinary students all year round. They will be a great resource for the students as well as for our on-site veterinary team.’
Suzanne Moyes added: ‘By donating these books, Burgess hopes to help support the next generation of vets and research into veterinary science, and improve the lives of our pets.’