Dr Kirstie Pickles

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Harper and Keele Veterinary School, Harper Adams University

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Kirstie Pickles is an equine internal medicine specialist with an established international research profile in equine trigeminal-mediated headshaking (TMHS). Her involvement in this field spans two decades and includes collaborative research with the University of California, Davis that contributed to the pivotal demonstration of altered trigeminal nerve function in affected horses, supporting recognition of headshaking as a neuropathic pain disorder rather than an unexplained behavioural syndrome.

More recent research has investigated trigeminal nerve neuromodulation as a treatment option and improving the objective diagnosis, phenotyping and understanding of TMHS with development of a validated scoring system and a poll-mounted accelerometer method for objective quantification and characterisation. Current international collaborative projects are investigating the involvement of potential neurotransmitters such as calcitonin gene-related peptide and endogenous cannabinoids in the underlying pathophysiology of the disorder.

Scientific Inspiration

My scientific inspirations are Professors Joe Mayhew and Dr Monica Aleman for their tireless pursuit of understanding equine neurological diseases.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: inclusive, supportive, collaborative.

Provision of Training

A PhD is an exciting opportunity to develop into an independent researcher, with a support network throughout the process. Through training, support and supervision, you will develop skills to take ownership of your research. I encourage you to utilise the full breadth of expertise of the supervision team to maximise learning and development.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We will have frequent (weekly to fortnightly) meetings in the first year to develop research methodology and ideas generation. As the project develops, we will continue to meet at least monthly to discuss and start to analyse findings. We will discuss a plan of action together and aim for outcomes that are realistic and achievable. I am very supportive of your development and will set out expectations of your progress and encourage you to achieve your full potential.

Communication

Whilst I expect you to keep up with my communications and respond in a timely fashion, I want you to manage your work/life balance and am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my expectations.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In year 1 of PhD study: At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study: At least once per fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study: At least once per month

These meetings will be face to face or on Teams. Although I have an open door policy of contact, my working pattern means that an instant response is not always possible.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings) I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Beyond the Headshake: Quantifying the Daily Welfare Impact of Equine Trigeminal-Mediated Pain

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Beyond the Headshake: Quantifying the Daily Welfare Impact of Equine Trigeminal-Mediated Pain

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Emily Craven, Dr Veronica Roberts

University of Registration: Harper Adams University

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare)

Project Outline

Trigeminal-mediated headshaking (TMHS) is an equine neuropathic facial pain syndrome characterised by violent, repetitive, predominantly vertical movements of the head and signs of nasal irritation. The trigeminal nerve is ten times more sensitive in TMHS horses than in control horses, and this is thought to result in neuropathic facial pain. Some horses are seasonally affected and there is a complex interaction with environmental triggers e.g. pollen or wind. Although TMHS can occur at rest, episodes are more severe at exercise. Recently facial pain scores have shown that severely affected horses experience pain in between, as well as during, clinical episodes. As there is currently no cure, management is aimed at reducing triggers and controlling clinical signs. If clinical signs cannot be managed, euthanasia may be necessary on welfare, and/or safety grounds, or because horses are unable to perform to their intended level. As such, TMHS has a significant impact on equine welfare, horse-owner interactions and economics. The impacts of the condition have not been quantified, meaning decision making for both horse and the affected stakeholders using the one welfare approach are hard to determine.

Aim: To quantify the daily welfare impact of equine trigeminal-mediated headshaking (TMHS)

Objectives

1. To explore welfare assessment in TMHS using validated quality-of-life measures and use of qualitative behavioural assessment scores at rest and exercise

2. To develop and validate computational methods for automated detection and classification of TMHS-associated head movements from continuous accelerometer data and/or video recording algorithms collected during normal activity

3. To investigate daily behaviours and time budgets of TMHS horses using quantitative and qualitative assessments

4. To design and validate a quality-of-life measure for TMHS

5. To explore the emotional burden of management of TMHS horses in owners and caregivers