The Kennel Club and University of Cambridge are offering free Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) scheme assessments, held in Scotland and Wales, for Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Pug owners and breeders.
The RFG scheme assesses Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a life-limiting and progressive disorder that can impair a dog's ability to breathe, sleep, eat, play and exercise. The aim of the scheme is to advise owners if their dog is affected by BOAS before surgery is considered, and gives guidance to breeders so they can make informed decisions to lower the risk of producing affected puppies. More information about the scheme can be found on The Kennel Club website.
The Kennel Club is holding two veterinary training days led by Dr Jane Ladlow MA VetMB CertVR CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS, of the University of Cambridge, on Wednesday 19 April in Scotland, at Whitsome Ark, Main Street, Whitsome, Near Duns, Berwickshire, TD11 3NA, and on Wednesday 3 May in Wales, at Knighton & District Community Centre, Bowling Green Lane, Knighton, Powys, LD7 1DR, and invites owners of Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs to bring their dog along for a free Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) scheme assessment.
Dr Jane Ladlow, who is the scheme’s chief assessor and a leading expert in brachycephalic health, will perform the non-invasive assessment, which is estimated to take approximately 15 minutes. The vets will use a stethoscope to listen to each dog’s breathing, before and after a three-minute run.
Dog owners who would like to participate can email Health (The Kennel Club) with the following details, and The Kennel Club’s health team will confirm the booking:
- Preferred date (19 April in Scotland or 3 May in Wales)
- Breed and number of dogs
- Date of birth for each dog