Genetic Health Problems in Companion
Animals

The idea is that if you are thinking of buying a dog or any
other companion animal of a particular strain or breed, you will be able to
find information on what inherited welfare problems may occur, and what checks
you may need to make with breeders or suppliers in order to avoid buying
affected or carrier animals and, in so doing, unintentionally perpetuating the
problem.
What is the problem?
The problem of health
issues related to unsuitable breeding was listed as the top welfare concern of
vets & vet nurses in PDSA's Animal Wellbeing Report 2011 www.pdsa.org.uk/pawreport.
Many genetic diseases
occur in companion animals (eg see Lindblad-Toh et al 2005).
Some of these diseases arose due to random mutations that became established in
some breeds, but in other cases, adverse welfare impacts have arisen as direct
consequences of the features being selected for. So, respiratory difficulties
occur in some breeds because of selection for shortened noses, and others are
predisposed to bacterial skin infections as a result of breeding for excess,
deeply folded skin.

Although efforts by
responsible breeders, veterinarians and geneticists to try to tackle some of
these diseases are gathering momentum, it is surprising that there has been
rather little concern about these matters until very recently in view of their
very significant welfare impact. The idea for this website
was stimulated by the CAWC Report on 'Breeding and Welfare in Companion Animals' (CAWC, 2006).
Why genetic welfare
problems?
Tackling genetic welfare
problems requires the concerted efforts of breeders, geneticists, vets, pet
owners and others. A team approach is needed and the particular role of this
website is to provide information on the welfare aspects of
genetic diseases and conditions - to explain what they are and why they cause
pain or discomfort.
![]() |
Shar-Pei
gets facelift to save eyesight because his skinfolds had overdeveloped and were covering his eyes & ears so badly he was becoming both blind & deaf. |
UFAW believes this is a key component of efforts to tackle these
problems but there are other crucial aspects also and others are currently
working on these. Some of the main initiatives in the UK are listed below:
- Independent Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding (http://dogadvisorycouncil.org.uk/) is working to develop coordinated strategies to tackle priority diseases.
- Inherited Diseases in Dogs website (www.vet.cam.ac.uk/idid/) contains a guide to diseases/conditions of pure-bred dogs which are likely to be transmitted wholly or partly through a genetic mechanism.
- Scientists, for example, at the Animal Health Trust, are working to identify the genes involved and to develop tests so that carrier animals can be detected (http://www.aht.org.uk/cms-display/genetics.html).
- British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF) and the RSPCA have developed a 'puppy contract' scheme so that prospective puppy buyers are given information relevant to genetic health before making a purchase (http://puppycontract.rspca.org.uk/home).
- British Veterinary Association works with the Kennel Club to develop screening tests for genetic diseases/conditions based on clinical findings (eg aimed at tackling hip dysplasia in various breeds and syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (www.bva.co.uk/atoz/1392.aspx; www.bva.co.uk/news/2742.aspx)
- Kennel Club funds and promotes research into tackling genetic diseases in dogs and works to develop strategies to tackle them (www.doggenetichealth.org/). Under its umbrella, many of the specific breed clubs have genetic health schemes.
- Dog Breed Health website is a user-friendly source of information, providing advice for prospective puppy buyers on what diseases can occur and how to avoid them (www.dogbreedhealth.com/).
- Searchable on-line database on genetic (DNA) tests available for canine hereditary diseases which provides contact details of laboratories that provide these tests at: http://research.vet.upenn.edu/DNAGeneticsTestingLaboratorySearch/tabid/7620/Default.aspx
I wish to buy a pet –
what can I do?
Prospective pet owners
have a very important role to play in helping to eradicate genetic diseases and
poor welfare traits. If people only bought animals from problem free breeds or
lines, the disease-prone lines would be replaced by their healthier cousins.
For 10,000 years the selective breeding of dogs has been focused on aspects of performance, behaviour or appearance. This approach characterises the breeding of many other species of companion animals as well. Unfortunately, this has resulted in many genetic diseases. It is now time for priority to be given to breeding for the animals' welfare. To drive this change, prospective pet owners, and breeders need information on the welfare consequences of these diseases.
This website includes information not just about the physical effects of genetic diseases but also assessments of their effects on the animal’s quality of life, for example through causing pain or discomfort, to inform prospective pet owners' choice of their new pet.
To learn more visit UFAW's webpage on Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals - http://www.ufaw.org.uk/genetics.
UFAW’s Aim
The aim of this project is to describe genetic conditions
affecting companion animals and to explain their welfare consequences - their
impacts on the animals’ quality of life - as clearly as possible. It is an information resource for prospective pet owners. For example:
Labrador
Retriever www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/labrador-retriever

Select
a condition:
- Canine Atopic Dermatitis
- Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture
- Elbow Dysplasia (Fragmented Medial Coronoid Process)
- Elbow Dysplasia (Humeral Condylar Osteochondrosis)
- Hypoadrenocorticism
- Osteochondritis Dessicans of the Stifle
- Patellar Luxation
- Shoulder Osteochondrosis
Dr John Bradshaw and Dr David Sargan discuss the problems
genetic disorders can cause in dogs,and how they can be prevented.
Thank you for taking some time to write this post. Skin conditions can be extremely irritating and painful for our faithful companions and, according to surveys, are the number one reason we take our dogs to the vet. http://dogsaholic.com/care/skin-conditions-in-dogs.html
ReplyDeleteGoliath breeds, similar to Great Danes, age significantly more rapidly and are considered seniors at age five. Indications of maturing in puppies happen gradually, however for the most part start at development, some place between age one and two. Canine's Delight
ReplyDeleteThanks for a wonderful share. Your article has proved your hard work and experience you have got in this field. Brilliant .i love it reading.
ReplyDeleteobedience training for dogs
The substance you are penning blows out my nous. ddc veterinary review
ReplyDeletePoop baggage and a canine pouch to hold them will quickly be the regular responsibility of all canine owners. As the fines for failing to pick up dog poop hold to boom and as the brand new DNA approach will assist identify individuals who fail to apply canine poop luggage to pick up poop, we are able to all enjoy a cleanser, canine waste loose surroundings. Find out more about Top Pet Lovers
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this post with us. I am little bit interested to get more information about Canine Hip Dyplesia. I like to share my opinion on Canine Hip Dyplesia.For those who subscribe to the idea that it's genetic, they're born with it. Canines which have extreme hip dysplasia usually start to have issues as puppies. Typically, the hip dysplasia doesn't trigger ache for the canine, so they don't present indicators of it till they develop arthritis of their hip joints. Some canines that aren't as extreme can dwell out their whole lives with few, if any signs.Allover this is a great blog. If you want to know more about this visit here Canine Hips.
ReplyDeleteIf you suspect your dog may be suffering from any of the above medical conditions, make an appointment with your vet right away. puppies
ReplyDeleteLooking for getting the proper supplies for the pet. I suggest you to get the buy pet toys online and other pet supplies from the online store at an affordable price.
ReplyDeleteI am unquestionably making the most of your site. You unquestionably have some extraordinary knowledge and awesome stories. airdrop wolves
ReplyDeleteThis is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. View more
ReplyDeleteJust admiring your work and wondering how you managed this blog so well. It’s so remarkable that I can't afford to not go through this valuable information whenever I surf the internet! cat stands for large cats
ReplyDeleteThis is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. best pet stroller for rabbits
ReplyDeleteNice post.Thank you for taking the time to publish this information very useful! I've been looking for books of this nature for a way too long. I'm just glad that I found yours. Looking forward for your next post. Thanks. PLease go with site 192.168.l.l
ReplyDeleteI learn some new stuff from it too, thanks for sharing your information. outside dog houses
ReplyDeleteThank you for very usefull information.. are dog beds washable?
ReplyDeleteThank you for very usefull information.. how to stop dog from chewing on metal crate
ReplyDeletehi was just seeing if you minded a comment. i like your website and the thme you picked is super. I will be back. comfortable dog collars
ReplyDeleteIt was a very good post indeed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it in my lunch time. Will surely come and visit this blog more often. Thanks for sharing. best cat food for food allergies
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing us. View More
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to discuss that, I feel strongly about this and so really like getting to know more on this kind of field. Do you mind updating your blog post with additional insight? It should be really useful for all of us. How to Get Rid Of Cat Urine Odor In House
ReplyDeleteYou have performed a great job on this article. It’s very precise and highly qualitative. You have even managed to make it readable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you so much. Antifungal Medication for Dogs
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantabulous post this has been. Never seen this kind of useful post. I am grateful to you and expect more number of posts like these. Thank you very much. DIY hamster cage
ReplyDeleteThank you for helping people get the information they need. Great stuff as usual. Keep up the great work!!! Dog Ear Infection Remedy
ReplyDeleteInteresting post. I Have Been wondering about this issue, so thanks for posting. Pretty cool post.It 's really very nice and Useful post.Thanks Read More
ReplyDeleteAwesome and interesting article. Great things you've always shared with us. Thanks. Just continue composing this kind of post. how can I help my cat pass a hairball
ReplyDeleteI was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information. Read More
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value. Im glad to have found this post as its such an interesting one! I am always on the lookout for quality posts and articles so i suppose im lucky to have found this! I hope you will be adding more in the future... View more
ReplyDeleteThank you so much as you have been willing to share information with us. We will forever admire all you have done here because you have made my work as easy as ABC. pet products
ReplyDeleteA very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post. Best long range shock collar for dogs
ReplyDeleteThank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually realize what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my site =). We could have a hyperlink change contract between us! best instagram likes app
ReplyDeleteWhen you are thinking which treat will be the perfect one for your dogs then I'll suggest you to use glucosamine for dogs as this treat is totally natural one again there are no harmful side effects you can found on this.
ReplyDeleteA dog can be suffering from different types of pain. Every type of dog pain can reduce by using CBD oil. This oil is known as the natural pain relief for dogs. Every dog owner should try CBD oil for their dogs. The best thing is this oil has no side-effect.
ReplyDeleteYou understand your projects stand out of the crowd. There is something unique about them. It seems to me all of them are brilliant. signs of cat spraying
ReplyDeleteYou have given the best tips to choose a good dog. I was interested to buy a dog but was worried about how to choose a perfect a good dog but your post has helped me a lot. Dissertation Writing Services
ReplyDeleteMost companies have pretty fair shipping policies but it's just better to know in advance what it is so you are not surprised when the invoice shows up at the house. dog toy
ReplyDeleteSharda Baker is an industry established dog writer. She has successfully published several dog books including Teddy bear puppies for sale
ReplyDeleteSlotxo Pc เล่นเกมสล็อตผ่านเครื่องคอมพิวเตอร์ได้หรือไม่ ต้องติดตั้งโปรแกรมอะไรก่อนไหม จะมีผลกระทบอะไรในการเล่นหรือไม่ คำถามมากมายเหล่านี้แอดมินมีคำตอบให้ สำหรับคนที่กลัวว่าเล่นแล้วจะมีผลกระทบ ขอแค่เล่นแล้วรู้จักเทคนิคการเล่น รู้ว่าเวลาไหนควรจะพอ รู้ว่าเล่นแล้วสนุกเมื่อใดที่เริ่มไม่สนุก หรือเริ่มจะเสียต้องหยุดเล่น หรือทางเว็บไซต์ของเรานั้นมีหน้าทดลองเล่น ให้ท่านได้ทดลองเล่นก่อน เข้าเล่นห้องจริง เล่นผ่านระบบจริง ๆ ถ้าคุณทดลองเล่นแล้วสนใจอยากเล่นแล้วสมัครสมาชิกได้เลย แต่ถ้าเล่นแล้วยังไม่สนใจก็เพียงแค่ปิดออกไปเท่านั้นเอง
ReplyDeleteการเข้าเล่นเกมสล็อตของค่าย Slotxo ของทางเรา รองรับการใช้งานผ่านหน้าเว็บไซต์และแอพพลิเคชั่น ถ้าคุณใช้งานผ่านเครื่องคอมพิวเตอร์ เครื่อง PC ตัวเครื่องโน็ตบุ๊ค สามารถใช้งานได้ทุกอุปกรณ์ รองรับการเล่นทุกบราวเซอร์ Google , Internet Expoler , Firefox หรือบราวเซอร์อื่น ๆ ก็เข้าเล่นได้ทั้งหมดไม่มีข้อจำกัด Slotxolucky777
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. how to play pokemon games on iPhone
ReplyDeleteAwesome and interesting article. Great things you've always shared with us. Thanks. Just continue posting such kind of articles.
ReplyDeletePoochnation
Ultimate dog harness buying guide
Best dry dog foods
Purina one dogs-complete guide
I have read it completely and got really impressed. Love to read more about similar types of articles Like Dissertation Writing Services . Thanks a lot.
ReplyDelete