Excerpt:

Facing Breed Related Diseases as a Vet–Practical and Ethical Aspects Jerold S. Bell, DVM North Grafton, MA, USA

Responsibilities of Veterinarians With each hereditary issue, we as a veterinary profession are being called upon to determine what is “normal”, what is “abnormal”, and what screening tests can be performed to allow selection away from disease causing phenotypes. . . . → Read More: Facing Breed Related Diseases as a Vet ; Practical & Ethical Aspects]]> 2010 WSAVA Congress Proceedings

Excerpt:

Facing Breed Related Diseases as a Vet–Practical and Ethical Aspects
Jerold S. Bell, DVM
North Grafton, MA, USA

Responsibilities of Veterinarians

With each hereditary issue, we as a veterinary profession are being called upon to determine what is “normal”, what is “abnormal”, and what screening tests can be performed to allow selection away from disease causing phenotypes. Care must be taken, so that selective pressures are not so severe that they limit genetic diversity in the breed gene pool.

When a client makes an initial puppy appointment, we should examine all of the paperwork provided by the breeder or pet store. This includes not only the prior medical care, but the registration paperwork that lists the sire and dam. On receiving the paperwork, the health test requirements for the breed can be identified, and the health test results of the parents searched. If test results are not available on the web-based registries, ask the owner if the breeder provided them with verification of each of the required genetic test results on the parents; i.e., a copy of the official test results from the testing agencies. If no verified test results are available, then the puppy was not bred by a health conscious breeder. There is no expectation of genetic health in your patient, and you and the owner can only hope for good health.

When a client is planning on breeding a dog, you can look up the pre-breeding health test requirements. You can provide many of the tests yourself (radiographs, thyroid profile, or cheek swab or blood samples for genetic tests). For eye examinations or heart examinations by a cardiologist, you can assist your client by providing information on local health screening clinics. You must emphasize the ethical responsibility of pre-breeding genetic testing, or a decision to not breed their animal. Genetic testing is a requirement, not a choice.

If a client is looking to purchase a purebred or designer-bred dog, you should counsel them on the behavioral and genetic expectations for the selected breeds. Provide them with the genetic health test requirements. Ensure they understand that they should only purchase a pet from parents that have verified results of their breed-specific required health tests.

Responsibilities of Breeders

It is the ethical responsibility and obligation of all breeders to perform the available required pre-breeding genetic health tests on prospective breeding stock. A breeder is anyone that plans a mating between two dogs. These include matings between two members of the same breed, or crosses between two members of different breeds (designer matings). The most common genetic diseases of canine hip dysplasia, valvular heart disease, patella luxation, and hypothyroidism occur at similar frequencies in mixed-breed versus pure-bred populations. If two animals are purposely bred, then the breed-specific genetic testing for each parent is required.

Most genetic tests only need to be done once in the prospective breeding animal’s lifetime. Others (eye examinations, phenotypic heart examinations, thyroid profile, etc.) should be repeated, depending on the breed specific age of onset of the disorder, and age requirement for diagnosis.

If a breeder is not willing or able to have the prescribed pre-breeding genetic tests performed, then they should find a different hobby or profession. Dogs are living beings. It is not ethical to forgo the obligation of genetic testing.

Everyone loves their breed, and their own breeding stock. The more genetic tests that are developed, the greater chance there is of identifying an undesirable gene in an animal. Conscientious breeders understand that negative test results limit their breeding options. With direct gene tests, they can use carriers when bred to normal testing mates. For disorders without direct gene tests, they may have to choose a normal relative, as opposed to one they were planning on using in the next generation. Matings should be planned that prevent or minimize the risk of producing genetic disease.

When prospective breeding stock has a carrier or affected test result, you should counsel your client to release this information to the listing health registry. If negative test results are not made available, then other breeders will not be able to ascertain the disease risk of their own breeding stock to make informed breeding decisions. As opposed to the stigma that used to be attached to the appearance of genetic disease, the stigma now rests on those that hide the occurrence of genetic disease. Dealing with genetic disorders is a community effort.

When making breeding decisions, breeders can search the health registry websites for genetic test results on prospective mates. If test results are not available on dogs that have already been bred, then it must be assumed that they are affected or carriers. Otherwise the results would be available.

When selling a puppy, breeders should provide new owners with full documentation of the health test results (copies of official test results) on the parents. If early direct genetic testing was done on the puppies, these results should be provided. It is not enough to say that the testing was done. If testing was done then the breeder has the paperwork, and it should be provided. It must be impressed upon the public that health consciousness is one of the most important considerations when getting a puppy. Health guarantees that provide for replacement of puppies with genetic defects are not a replacement for health testing. Such a guarantee is of little value, as no one wants to part with their family member once the emotional bonds have been made. A puppy is not a toaster.

Responsibilities of Breed Organizations/Parent Clubs

It is the responsibility of the breed club to conduct regular breed health surveys to monitor the health of the breed. If breed-related disease is present, it is up to the breed club to promote and fund research to identify phenotypic and genotypic tests that can be used by breeders to improve the genetic health of the breed.

For dog breeds, the parent club should work with CHIC, the Kennel Club, or other national agencies to select the required and recommended genetic testing that should be performed before dogs are bred. Breeders should be counseled to perform pre-breeding health testing.

Parent clubs should review their breed standards and select against morphological changes that promote disease, morbidity, or mortality. They should counsel their breeders against breeding to extreme standards that can promote disease, and should educate judges to select against morphology that promotes disease.

The parent club should also scientifically monitor if significant health issues are being caused by a lack of genetic diversity. If so, they should be open to scientific measures that can increase genetic diversity, including opening of the stud book, or even controlled crossbreeding programs.

Responsibilities of the General Public

When a consumer gets a puppy, the emotional aspect of adding a new member to the family often overwhelms the rational aspect of this important decision. Acquiring a new pet should not be an impulse decision. The new pet will hopefully be with the family for the next 10 to 15 years. The public should spend as much time researching this decision as they do when purchasing a new car or a refrigerator.

Prospective owners need to research whether a specific breed is suitable for them and their home. They also need to research the breed-specific health testing requirements for the selected breed. Whether purchasing from a private breeder, one found on the internet, or a pet store, the parental health testing results for both parents should be available. If they are not available, then just walk away–regardless of how cute the puppy.

Statements of testing by the breeder, or on a breeder website are not sufficient to document health test status. If the testing has been done, the breeder will be happy to provide the official documentation that they are a health conscious breeder. Health guarantees that provide replacement for pets with genetic disease do not eliminate the need for genetic testing. If a breeder states that they do not have the health test documentation, but offer a guarantee of genetic health, the prospective owner should walk away. The breeder has not fulfilled their ethical responsibility and obligation of health testing.

The general public is the engine that drives the pet breeding industry. If the general public demands puppies from health tested breeding stock, then the market will change to favor health conscious breeders. If people can easily sell pets to the public on a website without any health tests being done, then there is no market force to change the situation to improve the genetic health of dogs. It is the public’s choice of where they get a puppy. It is the general public’s obligation to document genetic health testing from breeders.

All genetic diseases are not preventable. However, the frequency of genetic diseases can be significantly decreased, if not eliminated by valid testing and breeding selection in purposely bred dogs. It is time to put an end to the excuse of ignorance of the breeder, veterinarian, or general public in their roles and responsibilities to improve the genetic health of dogs. It is up to all of us to educate each other about producing genetically healthy dogs, and call for the documentation of health testing of all breeding stock.

* Search the Inherited Diseases in Dogs Database * How to use this site * Selection of diseases * Links to further sources of information

The site is not designed as a diagnostic system, and . . . → Read More: Inherited Diseases in Dogs : Cambridge University]]> This web site contains a guide to diseases/conditions of pure bred dogs which are likely to be transmitted wholly or partly through a genetic mechanism.

* Search the Inherited Diseases in Dogs Database
* How to use this site
* Selection of diseases
* Links to further sources of information

The site is not designed as a diagnostic system, and I cannot offer individual veterinary advice. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from one of these conditions, contact your veterinarian. The information in the site is correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, but it is necessarily incomplete, and I can give no warranty of accuracy, express or implied. I would be grateful for any corrections, and in particular for information on conditions or references omitted. Please email me with information.

The Inherited Diseases in Dogs Database is compiled by David Sargan. Publications referring to this site should cite Sargan, D.R. IDID: inherited diseases in dogs: web-based information for canine inherited disease genetics. Mamm Genome. 2004 Jun;15(6):503-6.

After a ten month long inquiry, Professor Sir Patrick Bateson FRS called for a non-statutory Advisory Council on Dog Breeding, changes in the law including a requirement for all puppies to be micro-chipped prior to sale, and an up-graded Accredited Breeder Scheme. Speaking in London today, Prof Bateson (of . . . → Read More: Independent Inquiry into Dog Breeding (U.K.)]]> Press release – Independent Inquiry into Dog Breeding

After a ten month long inquiry, Professor Sir Patrick Bateson FRS called for a non-statutory Advisory Council on Dog Breeding, changes in the law including a requirement for all puppies to be micro-chipped prior to sale, and an up-graded Accredited Breeder Scheme. Speaking in London today, Prof Bateson (of Cambridge University and President of the Zoological Society of London) said:

“Many breeders exercise high standards of welfare, but negligent management on puppy farms is a major welfare issue as is inbreeding in pure-bred dogs. Fashions for extreme conformations are also a cause of welfare problems.”

Professor Bateson also called for a system to collect data from veterinary practices in order to generate robust prevalence data breed by breed; and for the veterinary profession as a whole to support enforcement authorities, help educate the public, and lead a shift towards a preventative approach to dog health.

The Report concludes that dog-breeding raises a number of serious concerns about the welfare of dogs.  Key recommendations include:

The creation of an independent non-statutory Council to develop breeding strategies which address issues of inherited disease, extreme conformation and inbreeding.
Changes in the law including requirements for the compulsory micro-chipping of all puppies and a duty of care on all breeders to have regard to the health and welfare of both the parents and the offspring of a mating.
The need for a robust Accredited Breeder Scheme setting out requirements with regard to pre-mating health tests, purchasers being able to view a puppy with its mother, all puppies micro-chipped before sale etc.
An urgent need for the creation of a computer-based system for the collection of anonymised diagnoses from veterinary surgeries in order to provide prevalence data for each breed.
New regulations to replace the now out-dated breeding and sales of dogs legislation, and much better enforcement of good welfare on licensed dog breeding premises.
A new publicity and education campaign, delivered by all key dog and welfare organisations working together, to encourage a major improvement in how the public go about buying dogs.

Notes for Editors

The Inquiry received 135 written responses to the invitation to submit evidence. Subsequently Prof Bateson and his associate, Heather Peck, interviewed 50 people including dog breeders and representatives of animal charities.

The full report may be down-loaded from www.dogbreedinginquiry.com

The Independent Inquiry was funded by the Kennel Club and Dogs Trust and supported by Defra.

The Advisory Group was made up as follows:
Chairman: Professor Sir Patrick Bateson MA PhD ScD FRS
Members: Professor William Amos BA PhD,
Andrew Ash BVet Med, MRCVS,
Dr Brian Catchpole BVetMed PhD MRCVS ,
Dr Bruce M Cattanach BSc PhD DSc FRS ,
Professor Sheila Crispin PhD FRCVS,
Professor Ian McConnell BVMS MA PhD MRCVS,
Dr Roger Mugford  PhD,
Professor Christine Nicol MA DPhil,
Secretary: Mrs Heather Peck  BSc FCIPD

The Report represents the views of Professor Bateson and has been subject to peer review by eminent scientists in relevant disciplines.  Neither of the funding bodies nor Defra had any hand in the drafting of the Report.

For further information please contact:

Heather Peck, Secretary to the Inquiry.  07876 681954  heather@drydraytonestate.com

Kennel Club Press Office 020 7518 1008/ 07800 937070 press.office@thekennelclub.org.uk

Dogs Trust Press Office 020 7 837 0006/ 07768 616280
Pressoffice@dogstrust.org.uk

Summary of Professor Bateson’s recommendations

1.Best scientific research and advice should be available to breeders
2.Prospective dog owners should be advised on:
A.What constitutes good welfare in dogs
B.How to identify the correct dog breed for their circumstances
C.How to find a reliable dog breeder

3.A non-statutory Independent Advisory Council on Dog Breeding should be established

4.The chairman and members of this should be appointed under the Nolan Principles

5.Creation of a computer- based system for the collection of anonymous diagnoses from vets in order to provide statistically significant prevalence data for each breed

6.Those drafting Breed Standards should avoid the selection for extreme morphologies and should refer to the guidance from the Advisory Council where possible

7.Upgrades to the Accredited Breeder scheme should be made (with a written standard to inspect this against) guaranteeing:
A.That all pre-mating tests for inherited disease are undertaken for both parents and that no mating should take place if the tests indicate that this would be inadvisable
B.That any prospective puppy purchaser is able to view a litter with the breeding bitch
C.That every puppy is identified by microchip prior to sale
D.That all pre-sale tests on the puppy that are appropriate to the breed have been carried out
E.That all breeders have a duty of care to all parent dog and litters with regard to health and welfare
F.The Accredited Breeder Scheme should be UKAS accredited

8.ALL puppies should be microchipped before they are sold

9.Local Authorities should address requirements of the duty of care in the AWA 2006 when inspecting breeding premises for licenses

10.A statutory Code of Practice on the breeding of dogs should be established under the AWA 2006

11.Regs under the AWA should be made to replace existing Breeding and Sales of Dogs Acts

12.The BVA should compile and have available to LA’s a list of Vets willing to carry out inspections of licensed breeding premises

13.A public awareness and education campaign should be designed to change public behaviour when buying a dog

14.Working with the profession as a whole, the RCVS and the BVA should lead a shift in emphasis towards preventative veterinary medicine rather than simply focus on the correction of the problems after they have occurred

15.Regulations should be made under the AWA 2006 in order to:
A.Create an obligation to any person breeding dog to have regard to the health and welfare of both the parents and the offspring of the mating
B.Require that any body laying down breed standards must have regard to the health and welfare of the dogs and the need to avoid breed specific health problems. The body could thus be regarded as exercising a power of a public nature and this is susceptible to judicial review

16.Once a robust and audited accreditation scheme is available the buying public should be pointed with confidence towards the accredited breeders

17.A meeting of the relevant parties to bring all recommendations from the APGAW and RSPCA reports together should be embraced

18.The Dangerous Dogs Act should be amended to apply to all dogs that have been shown to be dangerous rather than to specified breeds and should address the problem of dogs being bred and reared specifically as weapons for fighting

19.Dog shows are a powerful and effective lever for change and should be applied to achieve welfare improvements