Fifty-three per cent of Rottweilers affected by elbow disease
Fifty-three per cent of Rottweilers had elbow scores of more than zero.
The Kennel Club's Dog Health Group has released its annual report for 2013, providing an update on canine health and developments from the past year.
Last year, the club's charitable trust donated £536,205 in grants to support dog health research. Funding was awarded to BVNA, Animal Health Trust, PDSA, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge, Glasgow and Nottingham.
In October 2013, the French bulldog was removed from the list of high profile breeds - those breeds with visible exaggerations causing pain or discomfort - in recognition of the work being done to improve the health of the breed.
This includes the French Bulldog Health Scheme, developed in 2010, which involves a breed-specific health screen for dogs over the age of one.
According to the report, 19.7 per cent of dogs screened for elbow dysplasia last year had a score of more than zero.
Breeds with a particularly high percentage of above-zero scores included the Bernese mountain dog (38.3 per cent), otterhounds (59.1 per cent) and Rottweilers (53 per cent).
2013 saw the lowest number of dogs screened under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme in eight years. Of the 8,977 screened, 1.8 per cent were affected.
Finally, of those dogs screened under DNA testing schemes, 16.3 per cent were found to be carriers and 1.4 per cent affected.
To read the full report, click here.
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.
