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.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 19th September 2024
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

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

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
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.