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New health screening scheme for dachshunds
The scheme is available for all varieties of dachshund.
Tool will assess dogs' risk of developing intervertebral disc disease

The Kennel Club hasannounced a new health screening scheme to detect intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dachshunds.

The scheme is based on the existing Dachshund Breed Council IVDD screening programme and evidence from Scandinavia, which shows the risk of IVDD links to the number of intervertebral disc calcifications identified by x-rays in dogs.

Under the scheme, participating practices can submit x-rays from dachsunds of all varieties for subsequent scoring by an IVDD scheme 'scrutineer'.

Scrutineers are neurology experts that use a pre-defined protocol to grade the dog from zero to three, depending on the number of calcifications present in the spine. The higher the number of calcifications found, the more at risk a dog is of developing clinical signs and passing the disease on to offspring.

Following the screening, breeders will be supported by guidance explaining the grade their dogs have received and the health risk of potential matings.

Screening results will be available for the Dachshund Breed Council for publication, breed records and public information. The findings will also be made available via The Kennel Club Health Test Results Finder and the Breed Record Supplement in 2022.

Bill Lambert, Health, welfare and breeder services executive at The Kennel Club, said: “The growing demand for dachshunds from the everyday puppy buyer, combined with the already recognised health problems, means that the scheme is absolutely vital and we really urge breeders to make use of this tool and take advantage of the subsidies on offer when it launches.”

IVDD is the result of a gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs that, in dachshunds,  can happen at a much earlier age compared to other breeds. The calcification of these discs means they don’t absorb shock as well and can lead to disc herniation and spinal cord compression.  

The Kennel Club is offering a £100 subsidy for the owners of dogs that participate in the scheme during 2021. For more information, visit kennelclub.org.uk

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Free event for the global unowned cat community

News Story 1
 International Cat Care (ICatCare) has announced a free, virtual event dedicated to caring for unowned cats to explore new ideas and ways of working.

iCatConnect 2025 takes place on Wednesday, 12 November, and is open to everyone working and volunteering with unowned cats. It will include a line-up of 12 international cat welfare experts, who will consider the bigger picture of unowned cats and explore practical, effective, and inclusive solutions.

Following the session, attendees can put their questions to the experts and share their views. They will also hear frontline challenges and real-world case studies shared by contributors working in shelters, TNR, community cat programmes, and veterinary teams from around the world. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue reaches Wales for first time in 2025

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has revealed that bluetongue has been confirmed in Wales for the first time in 2025.

In their latest statistics, APHA records a total of 109 cases of BTV-3 or BTV-8 in Great Britain in the 2025-2026 vector season.

The total number of BTV-3 cases in Great Britain this season is 107. This includes 103 cases within the England restricted zone and four cases in Wales.

There has also been two cases of BTV-8, which were both in Cornwall.

As a result of the cases in Wales, a Temporary Control Zone (TCZ) is enforced in Monmouthshire. Animals can move freely under general license within the England Restricted Zone, however animals with suspected bluetongue must stay on their holding.

All premises testing positive for blue tongue can be viewed on this map.