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Brachycephalic dog owners putting appearance before health
Pug
Owners of brachycephalic dogs were more likely to use puppy selling websites to find their dog.

Potential buyers less likely to see any health records

New research shows that appearance is the main reason why owners buy brachycephalic dogs, despite their characteristics being linked to a variety of health conditions.

In a collaborative study led by the RVC, researchers found that the perceived health of the breed was of less concern in owners who purchased a brachycephalic dog, compared to owners of longer faced breeds.

The paper, published in the journal Animal Welfare, found that owners of brachycephalic dogs were more likely to use puppy selling websites to find their dog, less likely to see either parent of their puppy and less likely to see any health records.

“With growing evidence that these breeds are faced with a range of chronic and severe health conditions directly linked with their appearance, it is of huge concern that many people drawn to these breeds prioritise a dog’s looks over their long-term health and wellbeing,” commented lead author of the study, Dr Rowena Packer.

“Potential puppy buyers attracted to the appearance of these breeds should seriously consider whether they are emotionally and financially prepared to take on a breed with high risks of health complications, and consider whether alternative, lower-risk breeds would better fit their lifestyle.”

In light of their findings, the researchers make several recommendations, including moderating the use of brachycephalic dogs in the media, educating the public regarding the consequences of breeding animals based on their looks and promoting responsible pulp-buying practices for all breeds of dog.

They also recommend identifying and promoting breeds with fewer health conditions that fit the lifestyle niches associated with brachycephalic dog owners.

“Owners must be aware that as puppy-buyers, they are consumers, and their choices affect not only the health of the puppy they purchase but also the health of the breed more widely,” explained co-author Dr Mark Farnworth, associate professor of animal welfare at Plymouth University.

“If owners do not follow recommended processes when purchasing a puppy, for example, those set out in BVA AWF & RSPCA ‘Puppy Contract’, unscrupulous breeders will be kept in business, and continue to profit from the breeding and sale of unhealthy dogs.

"Without consumer awareness, breed health improvements are not possible and the overall health of these breeds will likely decline”.

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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.