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

Scheme to improve health of brachycephalic dogs
Dr Jane Ladlow, Andrew Higgins of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, Dr David Sargan, Dr Nai-Chieh Liu and Hector Heathcote of the Kennel Club Board.

Exercise tolerance test will grade pugs, bulldogs and French bulldogs 

The University of Cambridge and the Kennel Club Charitable Trust has launched a new health screening scheme for French bulldogs, pugs and bulldogs.

The Respiratory Function Grading Scheme tests for the presence and severity of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). It aims to give breeders a means to know more about the health of their dogs and provides the information they need to cut the risk of breeding puppies with BOAS.

The assessment can be carried out by a number of specially-trained assessors across the UK and involves listening to dogs airways before and after an exercise tolerance test.

The assessors then use a pre-defined protocol to grade the dogs 0-3. Dogs graded zero are free of the respiratory signs of BOAS, while dogs graded three show severe respiratory signs. The scheme also issues guidance that dogs graded three should not be bred from.

For Kennel Club registered dogs, the grades would be recorded on the Kennel Club’s database and published in the Breed Records Supplement, on the dog’s registration certificate, and on the Kennel Club Health Test Results Finder and Health webpages. Furthermore, the scheme is supported by guidelines for breeders, to help them understand the grade for their dogs in terms of risk when considering potential matings.

Speaking at the launch event in Cambridge, Kennel Club senior health and welfare manager Bill Lambert said: “The high demand for these breeds, combined with the already recognised health problems has made brachycephalic health and welfare one of the most pressing canine issues in the UK, and one of the Kennel Club’s top priorities.

“We’re proud to have been able to fund and develop this important scheme with the University of Cambridge and continue to support further research into BOAS, together with the other steps we are taking to improve the health of future generations of these breeds.”

He continued: “Launching the BOAS scheme is a huge step in the right direction to improve the health of these brachycephalic dogs and protect the future of these much-loved breeds. It will enable vets to identify dogs at risk of BOAS, provide breeders and owners with the best available information and advice to make informed decisions and inform ongoing research into the condition.”

The move has been welcomed by Brachycephalic working Group chairman Dan O’ Neill, who said the scheme is a ‘positive step’ towards improving the care of affected dogs, and the health of future generations.

“The scheme is a practical, accessible and evidence-based tool that we would urge anyone who breeds pugs, bulldogs or French bulldogs to use to help to reduce the breathing problems these breeds can face, which is a shared goal of everyone who cares about dogs and their health and welfare,” he said.

“This collaborative approach, which also generates further evidence, will accelerate the continued development of practical tools and sensible resources to help improve the health of these dogs.

“We also encourage owners of Pugs, Bulldogs or French Bulldogs, who have concerns that their dog could potentially be affected by breathing problems, to consider requesting this assessment and speaking to their veterinary surgeon, so that their dog gets the best possible diagnosis and care.”

More details about the scheme can be found on the Kennel Club website and the BOAS research group website

Image (C) The Kennel Club and Heidi Hudson.

 

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

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.