Professor Clare Rusbridge,
BVMS PhD DECVN FRCVS
Senior Neurologist and Professor in Veterinary Neurology
European and RCVS Specialist in
Veterinary Neurology
Clare is a popular invited speaker in 5 continents.
Clare Rusbridge - Patron of Cure4DM
Awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours
published (12 June 2026)
A big congratulations to our Cure4DM Patron, distinguished veterinary neurologist Professor Clare Rusbridge on being awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Clare received the award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to veterinary neurology and animal welfare, having advanced the understanding and treatment of many painful neurological conditions.
Clare said she was "deeply honoured to receive this recognition" by the Kings Birthday Honours award. Improving the neurological health and welfare of companion animals has been my life’s work, whether through clinical care, research, education, or advocacy”. Pets are central members of our families, and they deserve compassionate, evidence-based care.
A personal message was also sent by Clare to Cure4DM, our supporters and owners of Dogs with Degenerative Myelopathy.
"I am very conscious progress in animal welfare and veterinary medicine is always a collective effort. It reflects the dedication of many people working together to improve the lives of animals and their caregivers.“I am especially grateful to the charities, colleagues, students, clients, owners and most of all the pets that have shared this journey and helped drive progress in improving the lives of affected animals.”
"Although my involvement with Cure4DM has been relatively recent, it has been a privilege to serve as Patron and to support the charity's important work. I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment, enthusiasm and determination to improve outcomes for dogs affected by degenerative myelopathy.I look forward to continuing to work with and supporting Cure4DM's mission in the years ahead.
Clare Rusbridge is Professor in Veterinary Neurology at the University of Surrey and Senior Neurologist at Wear Referrals. Clare has world recognition for her outstanding contribution to research and the veterinary world. She will be working with us to search out potential DM research here in the UK, as well liaising with existing research elsewhere that Cure4DM could assist with funding.
Clare Rusbridge BVMS PhD DECVN FRCVS and Kathryn Everson - Cure4DM Chair
"I am deeply honoured and excited to take on the role of Patron and Research Advisor to Cure4DM, a UK-based charity dedicated to funding research and providing support for Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM). DM is a devastating disease that profoundly affects dogs and their caregivers, and I have long been passionate about supporting both breeders and those caring for affected dogs. My journey with DM advocacy began nearly 30 years ago, with my very first veterinary talk to the German Shepherd Club in 1994, focusing on this debilitating condition. Since then, much has changed, including the groundbreaking development of a genetic test to identify at-risk dogs—a vital tool that has revolutionised our approach to understanding and managing DM."
More about Clare
Clare was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for her well deserved contribution to knowledge in 2016. With world recognition for her outstanding contribution to research and the veterinary world, she has received numerous accolades from the profession including a RCVS Impact award in 2022, the Pet Plan Charitable Trust Scientific Award in 2023 and an APGAW unsung hero in 2023.
Claire has authored and co-authored over 130 scientific articles in addition to several book chapters and co editing a human medical text book on syringomyelia. Her other professional interests include neuropathic pain, inherited diseases, epilepsy, polymyositis and rehabilitation following spinal injury.
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 where she continues with teaching and research between treating patients at Wear Referrals where she is Senior Neurologist.
"I am eager to contribute to Cure4DM’s mission and collaborate with this incredible community to advance research and improve outcomes for dogs and their families"
This is a link to Clare's personal website and her Degenerative Myelopathy pages, created to serve as a resource and platform for Neurological conditions she is deeply passionate about: https://neurovet.co.uk/spinal-disorders/
Research grant contact
If you are a professional organisation or clinician initiating research into Canine Degenerative Myelopathy, send us a email with brief details and for a Grant Application form