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Heart-test programme launched for six dog breeds
Great Danes are one of the breeds the programme will look at.
Boxers and Dobermanns among the breeds to be tested.

A new programme to improve the heart health of six pedigree dog breeds has been launched by The Kennel Club and the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VCS).

Over the next five years, the programme will offer discounted heart testing for boxers, Dobermanns, Irish wolfhounds, great Danes, Newfoundlands, and bull terriers. All six breeds are known to be at risk of heart problems.

There will also be a survey for owners to fill in to gather more information on overall heart health.

The research will help inform The Kennel Club’s Breed Health and Conservation Plans, which are based on a review of more than 4,000 research papers. The Kennel Club uses the plans to track the progress of bread health and make changes.

The programme could potentially lead to the development of a formal screening scheme. Such a scheme was launched by The Kennel Club and VCS in 2019 for the cavalier King Charles spaniel. By 2023, 41.5 per cent of cavalier King Charles spaniel litters had at least one parent whose heart had been screened.

In the last couple of years, The Kennel Club and VCS have also worked together to carry out exploratory heart testing sessions for whippets and chihuahuas.

Hannah Stephenson, cardiologist at VCS, said: “The VCS are delighted that further progress is being made to identify heart disease in different pedigree dog breeds. As a society, we are keen to reduce the incidence of canine heart disease and look forward to our continued collaboration with The Kennel Club.”

Charlotte McNamara, head of health at The Kennel Club, added: “The Kennel Club is committed to improving heart health and identifying and addressing breed-associated issues for these wonderful breeds and hopefully others in future.”

The Kennel Club is also planning to hold a free webinar in February 2025 about heart problems in dogs. The session will be aimed at owners and breeders of all levels of experience. More details about the event will be released nearer the time.

Image © Shutterstock

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BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

News Story 1
 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

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Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.