Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 20th November 2013
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Breeding advice on elbow dysplasia changes
Only breed from dogs with a score of zero, advises BVA

Breeders who screen their dogs for elbow dysplasia (ED) have been advised to only breed those with a score of zero, in new guidance from the BVA and Kennel Club (KC).

Under the BVA/KC Elbow Dysplasia Scheme, which launched in 1998, both elbows of the dog are graded between zero and three. As the elbow grade measures the evidence of ED, the lower the score, the better.

Previously, the advice from the BVA and KC was not to breed from dogs with a score of two or three, but a score of one was acceptable.

As ED is progressive, however, the above advice has now been revised. The Kennel Club says that many of the dogs with grade one elbows at a young age may go on to develop grade two or three elbows later on in life.

The BVA has therefore revised its procedure notes to the following:

"It is strongly recommended that breeders wishing to reduce the risk of elbow dysplasia should select their breeding stock (both dogs and bitches) only from animals with an overall grade of 0.

"Dogs with elbow grades of 2 or 3 have marked osteoarthritis likely to be due to ED, with or without a visible primary lesion. Dogs with elbow grades of 1 show mild or early osteoarthritis which is also likely to be due to ED."

Commenting on the revision, KC secretary Caroline Kisko said: "This will help to minimise the risk of elbow dysplasia and fall in line with the Kennel Club’s dedication to improving the health of pedigree dogs across the board. 

"We are sure the new guidelines will be welcomed by all the conscientious pedigree dog breeders who work to maintain the best level of breed health for their breeds."

It is hoped that the altered guidelines will help to reduce the incidence of ED in breeds for which the condition remains a significant problem.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.