Companion animals genetic conditions site launched
A new website on genetic conditions has been launched by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) to improve the welfare of companion animals. The website will provide vets and pet owners with information on hereditary problems in companion animals and explanations about precisely how these ailments impact the quality of the animal's daily lives.
The site covers more than 70 conditions in approximately 90 breeds of companion animals. This includes 54 conditions in 47 dog breeds. The website was designed with the objective of helping people considering buying a new pet in mind. The prospective owner can research which strain, species or breed has vulnerabilities to particular conditions and can therefore ask the appropriate questions before sale to prevent perpetuation of the conditions.
Commenting, UFAW's Chief Executive and Scientific Director James Kirkwood said "When, tens or hundreds of years ago people bred for the particular shapes, sizes and appearances that appealed to them, they had no idea that they were sometimes selecting for serious diseases at the same time. With advances in knowledge of animal diseases the serious nature of many of these problems has come to light."
The new site can be accessed 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.
