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New resources to help breed out hip and elbow dysplasia
It is hoped that more breeds will be added in the near future, as more breeders hip and elbow score their dogs.
Two more breeds given estimated breeding values

The Kennel Club has developed new breeding resources for Newfoundlands and Dogue de Bordeaux, to help breed away from elbow and hip dysplasia.

After consultation with the breed clubs, estimated breeding values (EBVs) were created for elbow grades in Newfoundlands and hip scores in Dogue de Bordeaux.

EBVs measure genetic risk using Kennel Club data to link hip and elbow scores for individual dogs - recorded through the BVA/Kennel Club health schemes - with the available data from all of its relatives.

Originally developed with scientists from the Animal Health Trust, Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, EBVs are currently available for 29 dog breeds. It is hoped that more breeds will be added in the near future, as more breeders hip and elbow score their dogs.

Dr Tom Lewis, a quantitative geneticist at the Kennel Club, said: “The latest EBVs for the Newfoundland and Dogue de Bordeaux will be available as part of the Kennel Club’s online Mate Select resource, which helps breeders to make the best breeding choices.

“We hope that anyone breeding pedigree dogs, will use – and be encouraged by the veterinary community and their peers to use – Mate Select, which helps dog breeders make decisions based on robust data that estimates genetic risk, something that will undoubtedly help to protect the future of our pedigree dogs.”

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.