Pug Dog Club of America - Educational Seminar on Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

The Pekingese Club of America (PCA), in cooperation with AKC parent Clubs of brachycephalic breeds, including the Pug Dog Club of America and Bulldog Club of America, is working with the Ostrander Laboratory at National Institutes of Health (NIH) on a ground-breaking study initiated by PCA to find the genetic markers for the debilitating breathing condition known as Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS).

The Pekingese Club of America has conducted two seminars on BAS at its National Specialty in 2008 and 2009, and will do so again at the 2010 National at the Hilton New Orleans Airport Hotel on Oct. 16.  The main speaker will be Dr. Jeffrey J. Shoenebeck, a PRAT postdoctoral research fellow in the laboratory of Dr. Elaine Ostrander at NIH.  Additionally, The Pekingese Club of America has helped launch similar efforts in England with two BAS conferences in 2009 supported by the brachycephalic breed community there and embraced by all of the Pekingese clubs throughout the UK.

By working together at home and abroad, the brachycephalic breed community within AKC and in other countries across the globe can help quickly advance understanding of the physiology of airway obstructions in dogs. If successful with the Ostrander Lab BAS Study, dedicated breeders and club members everywhere can pave the way to improvements in breeding and judging, with the ultimate goal of benefitting breeders and owners of brachycephalic breeds the world over.

Dr. Jeffrey Shoenebeck from the Ostrander lab writes:

"Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome presents a formidable challenge to breeders and dog owners alike.  This syndrome’s toll on the breathing and comfort to the animals we love is discernible and not to be underestimated.  It remains unclear whether and to what extent skull conformation contributes to BAS.  It is undisputable that the syndrome appears to occur in higher prevalence among brachycephalic breeds, however other breeds -- breeds not traditionally considered brachycephalic – also report occurrence of the BAS among their population.  This observation suggests that while perhaps exacerbated by brachycephaly, BAS may not be caused by brachycephaly alone.

Our goal at the Ostrander lab is to collect blood samples and trait information in order to map the genetic underpinnings of BAS."

The Board of Directors of Pekingese Club of America commends the Pug Dog Club of America for its initiative in presenting a seminar on BAS at its National Specialty this year and urges breeders and judges throughout the country to attend:

Pug Dog Club of America Seminar on Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Presented by Dr. Stephen Birchard from Ohio State University

Time: 3-5 PM - a question and answer session to follow

Location: Kings Island Resort & Conference Center

5691 Kings Island Drive

Mason, Ohio 45040

Phone: (513) 398-0115

Dr. Stephen Birchard is an associate professor at Ohio State University and a boarded surgeon. He has also been a Pug owner and has a special fondness for the breed.

In conjunction with the BAS seminar, the PDCA is also presenting "The Puppy Puzzle" seminar by Pat Hastings.  Mrs. Hastings started in dogs in 1959 and has been an owner-handler, breeder, professional handler and  judge.  Having traveled the world evaluating litters, in this seminar Mrs. Hastings will discuss how to evaluate the structure of a litter of puppies so that a puppy will be sound enough to do what is required of it during its lifetime.

Also available will be Pat Hastings' videos, books and support material for sale during her talk, with a portion of the proceeds going to benefit Pug Dog Club of America. The Puppy Puzzle seminar will be held Tuesday afternoon, September 14, approximately 1 hour after the conclusion of judging.

The cost of both seminars is $50.00 each (free to PDCA members). Space is limited so please make a reservation.

For more information, contact PDCA Health Committee Chair, Christine Dresser DVM,

cbddvm@aol.com. 

And visit the Pug Dog Club of America website: http://www.pugs.org/LinkNatl2010.htm