Introduction to the Module: What is Your Role in Addressing Inherited Disease in Purebred Dogs?

Introduction

Inherited disease is relevant to the health and welfare of purebred dogs because it can impact an animal’s quality and length of life. This module was designed to educate veterinary students, veterinarians, and breeders on inherited disease in purebred dogs and includes discussion questions for self reflection. This topic was chosen because there appears to be a disconnect between veterinarians and breeders, and perhaps a lack of education, on the importance of tackling the welfare challenges associated with inherited disease in purebred dogs. Through participation in this module, it encourages further communication and collaboration between people interested in the welfare of purebred dogs.

Module Goals:

• Raise awareness of difficult ethical questions regarding inherited diseases and to the role of veterinary students, veterinarians, and breeders, to foster the health and welfare of purebred dogs.

• Reflect on your own clinical practice, breeding, and/or educational experiences/practices to relate it to what is presented in the module to enhance relevancy of learning.

• Think critically about ways veterinarians and other stakeholders can address inherited disease welfare issues in purebred dogs.

Intended audience:

• Designed for small animal veterinarians, veterinary students and breeders, and is applicable to anyone interested in the health and welfare of purebred dogs.
• The module may be completed individually or used in a group setting (classroom, work, or clinic).

Time Frame:

• Individually the module should take about 30-45 minutes to complete.
• In a group the module could take 1-2 hours depending on discussion.

To Take Module 1:
Click on the Google Slides link below to open the module.

• Module 1: "What is Your Role in Addressing Inherited Disease in Purebred Dogs?"

For a PDF version of the survey presented in the module CLICK HERE. This PDF can be used live on a computer or printed as a handout for teaching purposes and to foster group discussion. 

We welcome your feedback and encourage you to comment once you have finished the module. To comment below, please register on DogWellNet.

For additional information on other aspects of the IPFD Student Project see the project outline for  'A Veterinarian's Role in the Ethics and Welfare of Breeding Dogs'.

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Also see: IPFD's Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs for purebred and mixed breed genetic tests information.