Biography
I qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Cambridge in 2018 and worked in first-opinion small animal practice in Bedfordshire before returning to Cambridge in 2021 to undertake a PhD within the BOAS Research Group under the supervision of Dr Jane Ladlow.
My research focuses on anatomical variation in brachycephalic dog breeds and its relationship with respiratory function and associated breed-related health conditions. During my PhD, I have recruited and phenotyped almost 900 dogs for clinical BOAS assessment and undertaken a CT imaging study involving over 160 dogs to investigate skull and airway morphology in detail.
This work contributes to the evidence base supporting brachycephalic health, including research that informs the Royal Kennel Club’s Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) Scheme. The project aims to improve understanding of disease risk across breeds.
Alongside my research, I continue to undertake locum small animal veterinary work, maintaining my clinical skills and ensuring my research remains grounded in practical clinical relevance.
Research
Conformational and anatomical variation in brachycephalic dog breeds and its relationship with respiratory, neurological, dermatological and ocular disease, with a focus on clinical outcomes and animal welfare.
Publications
Tomlinson F, Liu NC, Sargan DR, Ladlow JF. A cross-sectional study into the prevalence and conformational risk factors of BOAS across fourteen brachycephalic dog breeds. PLOS One. 2026 (accepted)
Tomlinson F, O’Neill E, Liu NC, Sargan DR, Ladlow JF. BOAS in the Boston Terrier: A healthier screw-tailed breed? PLOS One. 2024 Dec 31;19(12):e0315411.
Fitzmaurice M, Adami C, Ladlow J, Tomlinson F, Gittel C. Static respiratory compliance in anaesthetised and intubated brachycephalic dogs with and without brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Vet J. 2025 Aug;312:106372.
Tomlinson F, Terschuur J, Henson F. The use of autologous products forthe treatment of joint and soft tissue disease in horses: A systematic review. Vet Record, 2021;188(2)
Berger K, Pigott DM, Tomlinson F et al. The Geographic Variation of Surveillance and Zoonotic Spillover Potential of Influenza Viruses in Domestic Poultry and Swine. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2018;5(12)
Teaching and Supervisions
Neuroanatomy and Animal Behaviour & Comparative Vertebrate Biology, Supervisor in Head Anatomy Component
Foundations of Evidence Based Practice, Seminar Leader
Other Professional Activities
Locum veterinary surgeon
