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Do we really understand our animals? Study reveals gap in owner knowledge
14 Jul 2020 | Animal welfare
Canine Health Schemes
Canine Health Schemes update
Eye Scheme
In line with the easing of lockdown restrictions across the UK, BVA are advising that veterinary practices can begin transitioning towards as full a range of veterinary services as possible in a safe manner. This will be dependent on individual practice factors such as staffing levels, as well as the vets’ professional and clinical judgement, and we would urge all owners to respect their vet’s decision. This means some Eye Panellists may be able to start offering CHS eye screenings within clinic settings as long as government guidance on working safely, practice polices, and any local restrictions are adhered to.
CHS Eye Panellists currently offering eye screenings.
Currently group eye screenings cannot take place due to social distancing requirements. We are developing guidance to support this taking place in future.
We are asking all animal owners and breeders to respect their vets’ clinical and professional judgement and be patient during this time.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Schemes
In line with the easing of lockdown restrictions across the UK, BVA are advising that veterinary practices can begin transitioning towards as full a range of veterinary services as possible in a safe manner. This will be dependent on individual practice factors such as staffing levels, as well as the vets’ professional and clinical judgement, and we would urge all owners to respect their vet’s decision.
CHS are now able to accept and process hip and elbow dysplasia submissions and will be holding weekly scoring and grading sessions from Wednesday 8 July.
We are aware that not all practices will be able to offer this service straight away due to factors such as staffing levels and social distancing, so we’re urging all owners and breeders to respect their vet’s clinical and professional judgement and be patient during this time.
Prioritising submissions
The CHS team will be prioritising the submissions that came in prior to and during the lockdown so there will be delayed turnaround on new submissions while we catch-up.
Covid-19 guidance
For the latest guidance and advice on Covid-19, please visit the BVA Coronavirus information hub.
Dog health screening schemes
The Canine Health Schemes (CHS), established by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) and the Kennel Club, works with expert veterinary surgeons to offer dog health screening schemes for a number of known hereditary conditions in order to improve dog health and welfare.
The schemes allow breeders to screen their dogs for a range of inherited diseases, helping them to make informed and responsible breeding decisions.
Over 11,000 dogs had their hips scored in 2018
Over 6,000 dogs had their elbows graded in 2018
Over 20,000 dogs had eye examinations in 2018
Our schemes
Our mission is to improve dog health and welfare by reducing the incidence and severity of inherited disease.The schemes are open to both pedigree and crossbred dogs and submissions from outside the UK are welcome.
Healthy dogs create healthy puppies
All pedigree and crossbred dogs can suffer from inherited diseases which are passed on from parent to puppy.
Health testing and screening allows owners and breeders to screen for inherited diseases, the results can then be used to help make sure that only healthy dogs are bred from. Responsible breeders should always health test the dogs they plan to use for breeding. To make sure you are buying a happy and health puppy, always ask to see the relevant health test results for both parents.
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The Puppy Contract
You can use The Puppy Contract, developed by the Animal Welfare Foundation and the RSPCA, to help you ask all the right questions, including questions about health testing, when buying a puppy.
The Assured Breeder Scheme
The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme promotes good breeding practice and aims to work together with breeders and buyers to force irresponsible breeders, or puppy farmers, out of business.