UK Vets: Urgent call by vet profession to relieve suffering of brachycephalic dogs and cats

Blog -- Vet Help Direct:  by Dr Pete Wedderburn BVM&S CertVR MRCVS on May 9, 2016 (see links below).

Following the Swedish example where veterinarians initiated a petition concerned with health and welfare issues in brachycephalic dogs and a challenge to UK veterinarians on the Pedigree Dogs Exposed blog...

Vets in the UK are helping to raise awareness for health and welfare issues in Brachycephalic dogs.  As detailed elsewhere on DogWellNet.com, including The Brachycephalic Issue: Evidence and Efforts, many kennel clubs and breed clubs have been addressing these issues through programs in the show ring and in breeding recommendations and regulations.  The Swedish Kennel Club (SKK) sponsored a Symposium on Brachycephalics, held in February 2016, but already planned well before the Swedish veterinary petition was launched.  The SKK is now  releasing information on the strategic work being done, in collaboration with breeders, breed clubs, veterinarians, dog judges, government representatives, etc.

The Norwegian Kennel Club is taking a proactive and hard-hitting approach to the issues.  See FOCUS ON BRACHYCEPHALIC BREEDS.

(Internal) NKK - Focus on brachycephalic breeds 11-04-2016.pdf

Concerted efforts of veterinarians, together with other stakeholders is needed to gather evidence on this multi-faceted and complex issue and to determine the best approaches to enhance health and welfare in these dogs. Issues and actions relative to exaggerated features in dogs will be a stream in the IPFD 3rd International Dog Health Workshop.  IPFD Partners are actively involved in international efforts to move forward in collaborative efforts including a wide range of stakeholders in dog health and welfare.