To reduce the negative impact of brachycephaly on the current generation of dogs , VNs can prioritise good weight control in order to reduce the frequency and severity of conditions such as skin fold dermatitis , brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome ( BOAS ) and spinal problems .
Sometimes , despite every effort to discourage clients from getting a dog with brachycephaly , owners remain resolutely insistent . In such cases , VNs can support less extreme and healthier body shapes by encouraging these owners to source dogs with longer muzzles , less extreme skin folds and a functional tail .
Conclusion
As a profession , we are seeing more and more animals presenting with serious issues related to extreme conformation . It falls to us , as well as rescue centres and other charitable organisations , to deal with the consequences of breeding such animals , which includes their poor health and welfare . Although it is understandable that we can feel overwhelmed by the gravity of the situation , there are ways VNs can continue to advocate for patients .
Mother Teresa reportedly said : “ I alone cannot change the world , but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples .” The issue is huge , and professionals may feel that their own individual actions cannot contribute much towards reversing the negative welfare spiral that human fascination with extreme conformation has taken . But , by engaging with owners , even on a personal one-to-one basis , VNs have huge potential to reach and influence .
VNs can make a difference by engaging compassionately and continuing to advocate for animal health and welfare , as well as by disseminating goodquality , evidence-based information which will reach those we need to target most : prospective owners . Similarly , VNs can strive to teach owners of dogs with extreme conformation about the issues they face ( or could face ), but do so in a constructive way so they feel confident in their abilities as a pet owner and empowered to teach others .
Acknowledgements
Thank you to Dan , Robyn and Lacey for offering their valuable time at BVNA Congress 2022 and for contributing to this article .
Find out more
AWF is a charity led by the animal welfare community for the animal welfare community .
If you ' re interested in learning more about how you can use your position as a respected animal health professional to influence this and other welfare issues , join AWF at a session dedicated to human behaviour change at the AWF Discussion Forum in London on 6 June 2023 .
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28 Veterinary Nursing Journal