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.
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

French bulldog no longer a high profile breed
french bulldog
After a number of health initiatives, the French bulldog has been removed from the Kennel Club's high profile list.
Health initiatives succeed in removing the breed from the list

French bulldogs are no longer listed as a high profile breed, thanks to numerous initiatives to improve the health and welfare of the breed.

The latest Kennel Club health report states: "The breed has taken a consistently proactive approach to health and welfare and fulfilled all the criteria for removal.” The club called this a "positive step forward for the breed."

High profile or "category three" breeds are those identified by the Kennel Club as having visible conditions that can cause pain and discomfort due to exaggerations.

Prior to 2006, there were around 500 French bulldog puppy registrations per year, according to the breed's health co-ordinator, Penny Rankine-Parsons.

The number of registrations rapidly began to climb, however, and by 2009 they had tripled. Likewise, Mrs Rankine-Parsons says the number being imported from Eastern European countries was rising "at an alarming rate".

As a result, the French Bulldog Club of England (FBCE) recommended a number of changes to the breed standard during the Kennel Club's major review of standards in 2009.

A health scheme was launched allowing French bulldogs over the age of one to have a breed-specific health check by a vet, bringing any problems to the attention of the owner.

In October 2010 the French Bulldog Health Scheme was launched to further generate data on health problems in the breed and inform people about whether they should breed their dogs.

The scheme is split into three categories - bronze, consisting of a basic vet check; silver, a DNA test for hereditary cataracts, a cardiology test and patella grading and; gold, a hip score and spine evaluation.

FBCE holds regular clinics at its three yearly shows, offers twice-yearly discounts on hereditary cataract DNA testing and has developed its website and Facebook page to provide more owners, breeders and judges with health information.

Following the breed's removal from the high profile list, Mrs Rankine-Parsons says a number of initiatives are planned for 2014. These include establishing a health group, a review of the health scheme, and the undertaking of a general health survey to include a cause of death survey.

 

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.