<>Launches an educational video on BOAS-related breathing issues
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The WSAVA’s Hereditary Disease Committee (HDC) has launched an educational video highlighting the problems that Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) can cause in brachycephalic breeds, including French bulldogs, English bulldogs, and pugs. During the video, members of the HDC and other experts explain how the appearance of short-nosed breeds has been affected by breeding for extreme and exaggerated anatomical conformation.
The HDC is calling on all stakeholders – breeders, owners, veterinarians, media, regulators, and others – to work together to improve the welfare of these breeds going forward, and change perceptions of what ‘healthy’ looks like in these dogs.
Dr Jerry Bell, Chair of the HDC, says: “Breeders did not purposefully select for dogs with impaired breathing but there is no doubt that breeding to create dogs with ever shorter muzzles has created serious health issues in these breeds.
“We hope our video will help educate breeders, owners, and all of those involved in or influencing the breeding and care of short-nosed dogs. We also hope it will give them useful advice on the steps they can take to help as we work together to resolve a serious welfare issue. All dogs deserve to live healthy lives. We must not let them down.”
Watch the video in a range of languages: https://bit.ly/3HmL5fk