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Vets raise concerns about show dog health at Crufts
A number of vets raised concerns about posters on the bulldog stand, particularly one that claimed: ‘The biggest reason for bulldog caesarian sections is lack of out of hours veterinary care’.
Bulldog posters criticised for showing inaccurate information 

Vets and animal welfare campaigners have voiced concerns about the health of dogs with exaggerated features at Crufts this year.

TV producer and journalist Jemima Harrison, who directed Pedigree Dogs Exposed in 2008, tweeted photographs showing the exaggerated features of best of breed winners for the pug, bulldog, French bulldog and Neapolitan mastiff categories.

A photo of the St Bernard best of breed showed a fractured upper right second incisor, among other issues.

Jemima also raised concerns about ‘brachy-creep’ in breeds such as St Bernard’s and even border terriers, whose muzzles appear shorter when compared to historical photographs.

Commenting on the show, which took place from 8-11 March, TV vet Mark Evans tweeted: ‘‘If you love dogs, don’t watch #Crufts’. Well said @deborahross It isn’t all bad but the freak show ‘beauty pageant’, and the perverted K9 eugenics that underpins it, is unforgivable in the 21stC. Surely we can come up with a better way to celebrate man’s best friend. #muttimesup’.

Bulldog Caesarians
A number of vets also raised concerns about posters being displayed on the bulldog stand, particularly the claim that: ‘The biggest reason for bulldog caesarian sections is lack of out of hours veterinary care’.

In response, Cat The Vet tweeted: ‘ALL vets in the UK provide emergency cover for their patients, there is no ‘lack’ of out of hours here!’

Simon Doherty, junior vice president for the BVA, said he had contacted the Crufts vet on the evening of 10 March, ‘who took immediate action to see that this was removed’ before the following morning.

‘We will consider whether any further follow up is necessary. #AStrongVoice ForVets,’ he added in a tweet.

Once the poster was removed on Sunday morning (11 March), it was replaced by the following statement:

‘Many Bulldog Breeders can and do self whelp their pups. However [according to a 2017 survey] the number one reason for fear of having puppies out of their regular vets hours was that they would prefer to go to their normal vet rather than risk having to visit a vet with no history of their dogs if they needed an emergency c-section.’

Breeding concerns
The RSPCA also tweeted information on the numerous health issues affecting different breeds being showcased at Crufts. While it praised some elements of the show, such as the less exaggerated breeds being shown and positive advice given on neutering and buying puppies responsibly, the charity criticised Crufts for discussing exaggerated features in a positive way.

A tweet by the charity read: ‘Very disappointing to hear the #Crufts commentary talking about exaggerated features like short faces and twisted tails in a positive light. These features can cause pain and suffering to animals and should not be celebrated.’

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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.