annie 
We are sad to announce that last year Button the Bernese, the founding member of Paws Against, had to be PTS due to her cruciate ligaments wearing out, usually something which can be fixed with surgery, but with her Elbows and Hips being so compromised due to both Elbow Dysplasia and Hip Dysplasia it meant she would not have the strength in her joints to be able to recuperate from any surgery. You can see our tribute to the Button here: https://youtu.be/qCKvgnegUko?si=gBo2X89OdvLgCIzx
After “re grouping” and coming to terms with this devastating news we have decided that this year, in her memory, we will narrow down our focus to concentrate specifically on Elbow Dysplasia (ED).
Our aims are:
- Continue to liaise with the Royal Kennel Club about modifying and highlighting the information regarding the use of Estimated Breeding Values (EBV’s) to assess whether a dog should be considered for breeding or not. We are asking them:
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- To highlight that EBVs are only to be used with dogs with ED1 or ED0 and under no circumstances must a dog with ED2 or ED3 be bred from (as stated in the Canine Health Schemes leaflet: https://www.bva.co.uk/media/2791/chs-elbow-dysplasia-2019-v2-web-170419.pdf)
- To highlight that it is imperative that EBVs are read accurately and that the confidence rating is over 60% before considering the results.
- To make some adjustments to the EBV programming to allow for the addition of any dog who has undergone surgery to correct ED as having an ED3 results (accepting a letter from the dog’s surgeon along with copy of pedigree) without the necessary X-rays to enable a higher confidence rating for that line.
- To allow overseas results to be incorporated into EBVs (be it with some adjustments if necessary) or to insist on the UK standard test to be performed prior to a dog being considered for breeding.
- For all ED test results to be shown on a dogs health profile whether from UK or abroad to enable puppy buyers to make informed choices.
- For dogs with ED2 or ED3 or without a relevant test result to not be placed at crufts.
2. Campaign to the government for mandatory ED testing of all breeding dogs of those breeds susceptible to ED
3. Campaign to the BVA for conditions to be attached to the results of ED tests in a traffic light system: such as: “The following results only apply from the perspective of Elbow Dysplasia (other breed relevant health tests, conformation and temperament must also be taken into consideration prior to considering a dog for breeding) Red for ED3/ED2 this dog must NOT be bred from. Amber ED1 – to be considered for breeding only with EBV results indicating it is OK. Green ED0 suitable to be considered for breeding
4. Continue to build awareness within the puppy buying public of the importance of asking to see the test results of any dogs of breeds susceptible to ED. With the traffic light system indicated above on the test certificate it would easier for the puppy buyer to understand the results and their implications.
Please support our campaigning by following (and sharing) us at:
Facebook: @PawsagainstED Twitter: BrixhamDolphins www.pawsagainst.co.u
