In this CAM Live episode, Emma Milne joins Hannah Capon to discuss the impact of breed-related disease on dogs, the veterinary profession, and society. The conversation covers the ethical, economic, and welfare consequences of breeding for appearance, particularly in brachycephalic breeds. Emma shares her insights from years of animal welfare advocacy and challenges the industry to take stronger action to protect canine health.
Published November 2023 – https://youtube.com/live/lhPF54u4DaA

Brief Bio

Emma Milne graduated from Bristol University in 1996 and worked in general practice before becoming a clinical nutrition advisor. She has been a trustee for the Animal Welfare Foundation and the Dog Breeding Reform Group and has worked with multiple charities. Emma is the founder of Vets Against Brachycephalism and has written nine books on animal welfare. In 2021, she was awarded a Fellowship by the RCVS for her contributions to the profession in the field of welfare. She now lives in France, continuing her welfare work and writing.

Key Takeaways

1. Breed-related diseases, especially in flat-faced dogs, are preventable but continue due to outdated breeding standards.
2. The veterinary profession needs to lead by example and stop enabling harmful breeding practices.
3. Economic and ecological consequences are tied to these breeds through increased medical care and reduced animal wellbeing.
4. Public perception of pedigree breeds needs to shift—purebred does not mean healthy.
5. Greater unity and action are required from all professionals to create lasting change in animal welfare.

Relevant Links

Vets Against Brachycephalism - Emma’s campaign to highlight the cruelty of extreme dog breeding – https://www.vetsagainstbrachycephalism.com
Functional Dog Collaborative – A movement supporting healthy, temperamentally sound mixed-breed breeding - https://www.functionalbreeding.org
Valley Vets - A practice refusing artificial fertility support for brachy breeds – https://www.valleyvets.net
RVC VetCompass – A new framework to judge canine health by features, not breed name - https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
CAM Member Zone - £25/year for access to 450+ hours of education and tools – https://caninearthritis.co.uk/the-cam-member-zone/

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Stay tuned to learn how early detection can make a significant difference in managing OA in younger dogs.