Heredity & culture

Inherited diseases fall into two categories — primary, for example glaucoma, and secondary, such as exaggerated body types. At a press briefing held at BSAVA Congress, The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) called on vets to take a proactive role in tackling hereditary diseases. Solutions include breeding for more moderate shapes and breeding for eradication of specific genetic defects over time — includes breeding from pairs where one may be a carrier to ensure the largest possible gene pool. In addition, Dr Cathryn Mellersh, Head of Canine Genetics at the Animal Health Trust and a member of the WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee, urged veterinary professionals not to shy away from telling owners if they have made a bad choice of pet (regarding inherited diseases and associated welfare problems), to try to deter them from making the same mistake again.

Brachycephalic breeds continue to be a source of discussion, as dogs such as Pugs and French Bulldogs increase in popularity. In her recent editorial ‘Leading the way’ my colleague, Debra Bourne, Editor of Companion Animal urged vets to make owners aware that the snuffling and wheezing is not just ‘the way these dogs are’ let alone ‘cute’ — all veterinary practices can and should support this message that ‘brachycephalics have serious health problems and are poor choices when buying a pet’. In addition, when we see these breeds being used in advertising, let's let the advertisers know what we think!