THE Kennel Club and University of Cambridge are offering free Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) scheme assessments for Bulldog, French Bulldog, and Pug owners and breeders in the Scottish Borders.

The RFG scheme assesses Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), a life-limiting and progressive disorder that can impair a dog's ability to breathe, sleep, eat, play and exercise.

The aim of the scheme is to advise owners if their dog is affected by BOAS before surgery is considered and gives guidance to breeders so they can make informed decisions to lower the risk of producing affected puppies.

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The Kennel Club is holding a veterinary training day led by Dr Jane Ladlow MA VetMB CertVR CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS, of the University of Cambridge, on Wednesday April 19 at Whitsome Ark, Main Street, Whitsome, Near Duns, Berwickshire, TD11 3NA

Owners of Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs are invited to bring their dog along for a free Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) scheme assessment.

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Dr Jane Ladlow, who is the scheme’s chief assessor and a leading expert in brachycephalic health, will perform the non-invasive assessment, which is estimated to take approximately 15 minutes.

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The vets will use a stethoscope to listen to each dog’s breathing, before and after a three-minute run.

Dog owners who would like to participate can email health@thekennelclub.org.uk with the following details, and The Kennel Club’s health team will confirm the booking:

More information about the scheme can be found at thekennelclub.org.uk/rfgs.