Professor Clare Rusbridge

BVMS (Hons) PhD DECVN FRCVS

Senior Neurologist and Professor in Veterinary Neurology

EBVS® European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology

RCVS Recognised Specialist in Veterinary Neurology

Clare Rusbridge graduated from 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.

Aged 26 years, she became the youngest Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Neurology in 1996, and a RCVS Specialist in 1999. Her professional interests include epilepsy, neuropathic pain, inherited diseases, and rehabilitation.

For 16 years she operated a neurology and neurosurgery referral service at Stone Lion Veterinary Hospital in Wimbledon before spending 8 years at Fitzpatrick Referrals. Treating animals with painful and/or distressing inherited disease drives her research to find a better way of diagnosing, treating and preventing these conditions.

For over two decades she investigated Chiari-like malformation and Syringomyelia in her ‘spare’ time which eventually culminated in a PhD awarded from Utrecht University in 2007.

Motivated by improving her clinical, research and teaching opportunities, Clare joined the University of Surrey in 2013. She received the JA Wight Memorial award in 2011, was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for meritorious contribution to knowledge in 2016 and a RCVS Impact award in 2022.

Clare has authored or co-authored over 160 scientific articles and book chapters and co-edited a medical textbook on human syringomyelia and is a popular invited speaker in 5 continents.  In April 2022 Clare moved her clinical practice to Wear Referrals in Country Durham whilst retaining her professorship at the University of Surrey.

University of Surrey
Wear Referrals

Professor Clare Rusbridge lectures on the following courses

Neurological Emergencies

Professor Clare Rusbridge
Neurological problems are often presented as an emergency and require rapid assessment and decision making. If you lack confidence in dealing with small animal neurology then this learning series with Clare Rusbridge is for you, with practical tips on how to evaluate the patient and localise the...
On-Demand
5.5Hours

Practical Spinal Surgery (2 day course)

Professor Clare Rusbridge
Monday 8th December 2025
The Clinical Skills Lab, London
This two-day practical course with Clare Rusbridge will allow competent general practitioners to advance their surgical skills and learn the essentials of managing canine spinal diseases.
Vet Practical
14Hours

Feline Neurology – the Weak, Ataxic, Seizuring or Confused Cat

Professor Clare Rusbridge
The skillset for the successful neurological examination of the cat is very different from the dog, and so are many of the diseases that cause brain, spinal cord or neuromuscular disease in this species. This learning series, comprising of six videos with Professor Clare Rusbridge, covers the...
On-Demand
5Hours

Spinal Disease 101

Professor Clare Rusbridge
This learning series with Professor Clare Rusbridge begins with a focus on the diagnosis and management of diseases associated with intervertebral disc degeneration including feline intervertebral disc disease. It also covers the diagnosis, surgical and non-surgical treatment of important...
On-Demand
5.5Hours

Neurological Conditions in the Senior Dog & Cat

Professor Clare Rusbridge
A seven-part learning series for vets with Professor Clare Rusbridge. Dogs, like humans, are living longer, but also like humans may not always age successfully. Increasingly, owners expect good healthcare for their senior pets as they are considered a member of the family: a dismissive...
On-Demand
5.5Hours
Join Waitlist We will inform you if there is any availability as soon as any places become available