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Dog breeders urged to use pre-mating health tests
Popular Labrador crossbreeds were identified as being frequently affected by hip and elbow dysplasia.
Test awareness especially low among owners of ‘designer crossbreeds’  

Dog breeders and owners are being urged to speak to their vet about pre-mating health tests as new figures show many clients with ‘designer crossbreeds’ or pedigrees are unaware of the available schemes.

Results from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey show that 70 per cent of small animal vets often or always see puppies without the relevant pre-mating screening tests, such as the Canine Health Schemes. Awareness of the tests is exceptionally low among owners of ‘designer crossbreeds’, with 77 per cent of vets reporting that many owners have not even heard of the tests.

The figures come at the start of Canine Health Schemes Month which aims to raise awareness of the important part these schemes can play in improving canine health. BVA junior vice president Daniella Dos Santos commented:

“Vets in practice regularly see cases of debilitating and distressing inherited conditions, but we know that many people may wrongly believe these tests are only relevant for Kennel Club-registered pedigrees and that crossbreed owners may be especially unaware of the dangers.

"Pre-mating screening helps breeders make the best possible choices as part of a responsible breeding programme. If we want to reduce the suffering caused by painful inherited diseases, then these tests are key.

“Your local vet and the veterinary team are perfectly placed to have conversations about pre-mating tests such as the Canine Health Schemes. Prospective puppy buyers can also do their bit for dog health by using the Puppy Contract to ensure they’re buying from a responsible breeder.”

BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey Autumn 2018 shows 90 per cent of companion animal vets see cases of lameness of joint pain related to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia every month. The most commonly reported breeds with both conditions are Labradors, with popular Labrador crossbreeds also identified as frequently affected.

The survey also reveals that a third of vets see incidents of hereditary eye conditions at least once a month. An average of 11 cases treated per year most commonly involved spaniels and collies. 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.