Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals: http://www.ufaw.org.ukgeneticwelfareproblems.php
A more detailed and scientific website with information on breed related problems in dogs. Highly recommended.
University of Cambridge, Dr David Sargan, Inherited Diseases in Dogs: web-based information for canine inherited genetic disease: http://www.vet.cam.ac.uk/idid
Canine Inherited Disorders database: http://www.upei.ca/cidd/intro.htm
This website is useful for pet owners whose pet has been found to have an inherited condition. Also for potential dog owners who want to help in avoiding these problems when choosing a pet.
University of Sydney LIDA website: http://sydney.edu.au/vetscience/lida
Helps potential purchasers to make informed decisions when buying puppies and kittens. It is ‘designed to collect, organise and disseminate information on the prevalence of inherited disorders in Australian cats and dogs.’
Book: Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats, Alex Gough and Alison Thomas (Wiley-Blackwell): http://www.amazon.co.uk
A comprehensive list of genetic health issues for all of the dog breeds to assist practising vets in their diagnoses. Also an indication of how common these diseases are in a particular breed.
Dog Advisory Council Guide to Buying a Puppy: http://www.dogadvisorycouncil.com/puppy/
An easy to use online facility for prospective puppy purchasers. Excellent advice on finding a good breeder and a healthy puppy. Not breed specific.
VetCOMPASS Animal Surveillance: http://www.rvc.ac.uk/VetCOMPASS/Index.cfm
An electronic system of disease surveillance in companion animals. Information from primary practice vets on breed related genetic diseases will now be able to be effectively monitored.
RSPCA / BVA AWF Puppy Contract: www.puppycontract.org.uk
The RSPCA/BVA AWF Puppy Contract was launched in April 2012. Puppy buyers and breeders can download the Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP) from the website. Use of this contract will give puppy buyers peace of mind that everything has been done to produce healthy and well socialised puppies. Breeders can also safeguard themselves and be assured that their puppies are going to a good home.
RSPCA Born to Suffer Campaign:
www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaigns/companion/dogwelfare/borntosuffer
Seeks an end to the breeding of dogs based on looks. ‘Dogs bred to the KC’s breed standards could suffer from pain, hereditary diseases and developing health problems. These exaggerated features may have been celebrated at dog shows but to some of our best loved breeds, they mean a life of pain and misery.
Cavalier Matters: www.cavaliermatters.org
To raise awareness of genetic diseases in Cavaliers and other dog breeds. To raise funds for specific veterinary and scientific projects which aim to tackle genetic problems.
For the Love of Ollie: http://www.fortheloveofollie.com
Sandy Smith’s heart warming book about her own dog’s battle with Syringomyelia which has already raised thousands of pounds for research into this painful and debilitating condition. Now also available as an e-book.
Sick Puppy Helpline UK:
Gives consumer help and advice if you buy a sick puppy. Also information about Consumer Law, such as the Sale of Goods Act (SOGA)
BVA/KC Canine Health Schemes website: http://www.bva.co.uk/chs
Eye Disease; Hip Dysplasia; Elbow Dysplasia; Chiari malformation Syringomyelia (CMSM)
k9 Check: http://www.k9check.co.uk/
k9 Check is building up a database of health data for dogs from individual cases submitted by dog owners
Finnish Canine Genetics Group (University of Helsinki and Folkhaslsan Research Centre) http://www.koirangeenit.fi/in-english/
Aims to identify genetic abnormalities leading to different hereditary diseases as well as other breed specific traits, to develop genetic tests for purposes of breeding
Dog Health Workshop http://www.doghealthworkshop.com
The Dog Health Workshop was arranged in Stockholm, Sweden in June 2012. Around 150 stakeholders from 20 countries that share a responsibility for dog health, such as geneticists, veterinarians and representatives from the cynological and animal welfare organsations, gathered in Stockholm to discuss key issues with relevance to canine genetic health. Initiatives arising from the workshop may be seen on the website above. A second DHW was held in Dortmund, Germany in 2015.
Heathrow Airport’s Guide to travelling with your dog
http://www.heathrow-airport-guide.co.uk/pet-travel.html