Page 50 - Eclipse - Autumn 2021

RVC authors publish first

book dedicated to welfare

improvement in brachycephalic

companion animals

of published literature that has been
rachycephalic companion Much of what is believed about thoughtfully assembled and interpreted
animals are facing a huge health brachycephalic animals is based on by experts. The book will challenge
and welfare crisis. Dogs, in opinion rather than good evidence. veterinary professionals to think about
Bparticular, are suffering from a And the issue with opinions is that the ethics and welfare of brachycephaly
‘perfect storm’ right now from intrinsic everyone holds one. The availability and how best to communicate with
conformation-related predispositions of a single robust and comprehensive current and potential owners of
to several health issues that are being evidence-based resource aims to brachycephalic animals. More than this,
amplified by the extrinsic population progress the conversation from arguing the book aims to influence the attitudes
boom for certain breeds, such as the about opinions to instead focus on how of the next generation of veterinary
French bulldog and pug. we address the many issues facing surgeons and nurses to shape their
brachycephalic animals.
But yet, for many owners, these dogs knowledge and understanding of these
represent the perfect companion: With one-fifth of all UK dogs currently complex issues.
endearing personas and looks that brachycephalic, and with increasing Dr Dan O’Neill, Senior Lecturer in
are wrapped up in a socially desirable proportions of cats, rabbits and Companion Animal Epidemiology at
package. But where is the truth here? horses also being bred towards the the RVC and editor of the book said,
How can we both love the look of flat- brachycephalic conformation, the “the ever-increasing popularity of dogs,
faced dogs and yet accept that this look welfare issues from brachycephaly are cats and rabbits with brachycephaly is
is associated with huge welfare issues? huge. But so is the complexity; with over testament to the appeal to humans for
What is the evidence on the main health a hundred years of breeding invested the flat-faced look in animals. But how
issues of flat-faced dogs? What are in achieving this look in dogs, flat-faced may humans ever think about what it
we doing nationally and internationally dogs have become part of our national feels like to live a flat-faced life? This
to help reduce the welfare impact from and personal histories. book provides the evidence on the
brachycephaly in dogs? Should humans many faces of living a flat-faced life
even own flat-faced animals? To deal with this complexity, the book and may just change your outlook on
is presented in two clear sections. The
Undaunted by the myriads of questions first part explores the human aspects of brachycephaly forever.”
and issues related to brachycephaly, two brachycephaly in animals to provide the Dr Rowena Packer, Lecturer in
intrepid RVC researchers, Dr Rowena context for how and why we are in this Companion Animal Behaviour and
Packer (who joined the RVC as a PhD crisis, with chapters on social (history, Welfare Science at the RVC and editor
student) and Dr Dan O’Neill (who also ethics, communication) and scientific of the book said, “we hope this book
came to the RVC as a postgraduate aspect (e.g. genetics, epidemiology, helps veterinary and animal professionals
student), set out to compile a single disorders). The second part is more globally, who are faced with the often-
resource to answer these questions. clinical and covers the background, challenging task of protecting the
Their new book, Health and Welfare of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of welfare of brachycephalic animals. Most
Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Companion the many unique healthcare needs of importantly, we hope this book is another
Animals: A Complete Guide for brachycephalic animals. step towards improving the lives of so
Veterinary and Animal Professionals, This book aims to change how many animals who have been impaired by
includes contributions from 29 veterinary care is delivered to the body shape they have been bred for.”
internationally recognised experts to brachycephalic companion animals
offer truly international perspectives on by providing a solid evidence base The book can be purchased here:
these issues. rvc.uk.com/Brachycephalic-book
50