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Dogs NZ update: Respiratory function grading scheme announcement
DOgS NZ uPDAte
Respiratory function grading scheme announcement
Dogs New Zealand (previously known as the New Zealand Kennel Club) are collaborating with Cambridge university and the uK Kennel Club to take action to improve and protect the health of brachycephalic breeds worldwide by agreeing to operate under license the Kennel Club/university of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) Scheme. We are extremely fortunate to have secured Dr Kat Crosse as our Chief Assessor with Dr Richard Jerram working alongside in support. this RFG tool enables breeders and owners of Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs to make informed decisions and aims to create a healthier future for these breeds. this move also enables further and international data collection on complex health conditions related to brachycephaly which is vital for ongoing research to provide evidence-based solutions. Dogs NZ President mr Brian Harris says that adopting the RFG scheme was part of an evidence-based approach for Dogs NZ Breeders to improve the health of Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs in NZ. “the RFG scheme will be one of the compulsory health tests available for these three brachycephalic breeds should they adopt our Litter Registration Limitation (LRL) Health schemes” said mr Harris. “In addition, the RFG Scheme will be immediately designated as a mandatory test for the three breeds under our Accredited Breeders Scheme. We look forward to all Pugs, Bulldogs and French Bulldogs in New Zealand having the opportunity to participate in this evidencebased scheme.”
Indeed, since the announcement of the RFG scheme collaboration in New Zealand, Dogs NZ Pug breeders have voted in favour of compulsory brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BoAS) screening using the RFG scheme once it is established here. At that time, each pedigree pug dog that is bred must have had this test done. this is wonderful news for the health and welfare of this breed.
Dogs NZ have encouraged other Kennel Clubs across the world who are committed to improving the health of brachycephalic dogs globally to follow New Zealand’s lead and contact the Kennel Club’s health team. By working together, we can make a difference for dogs and we look forward to collaborating with other Kennel Clubs and organisations internationally to license the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme. unfortunately, there have been ongoing difficulties in getting the scheme up and running in New Zealand, and all other countries who have signed up to operate it, due to the CoVID-19 situation in the uK. the Kennel Club have advised that they are developing a comprehensive online training resource for Chief Assessors, which will replace the immediate need for face-to-face training, allowing it to be delayed until international travel is deemed appropriate. the uK lockdown restrictions will slowly ease and providing these are lifted then filming of the training course can begin with resources being available to our Chief Assessors in due course.
once our Chief Assessors are trained up in the scheme, we can begin a National roll-out so that Regional Assessors can receive their training and begin performing assessments (see next page for assessment protocol). this will be advertised in Companion Quarterly and expressions of interest can be submitted to caninehealth@dogsnz.org.nz.
Brochure produced by uk kennel Club to inform breeders of the Respiratory Function grading Scheme.
l Initial examination prior to exercise test: the dog should be kept as calm as possible with gentle restraint. If the dog is stressed, please allow a period of time to calm.
Auscultation is performed directly over the larynx from the side, avoiding any upward pressure on the pharynx and larynx. Head should be in a neutral position, not flexed. l Exercise test: this is designed to keep the dog active for 3 minutes. the dog should be encouraged to trot at 4–5 miles per hour by the assessors or the owners, but not pulled on the lead. toilet stops should be accommodated.
If the dog has reasons that it cannot manage this pace (e.g. osteoarthritis, obesity, anxiety), a fast walk should be attempted. l Examination after the exercise test: the dog should be auscultated immediately following the exercise test. l Functional grading: the clinical grading was based on respiratory signs before (pre-Et) and immediately after the exercise test (post-Et). The highest grade from any of the three categories (respiratory noise, inspiratory effort, dyspnoea/cyanosis/syncope) should be given as the final grade. l Some dogs may have quieter mouth breathing after exercise than nasal breathing prior to exercise. these are usually grade I dogs. l If the dog is under 12 months old when first graded, it should be re-graded after a year.
a Respiratory noise (stertor and/or stridor) was diagnosed by pharyngolaryngeal auscultation. mild: only audible under auscultation; moderate: intermittent audible noise that can be heard without stethoscope; severe: loud, constant audible noise that can be heard without stethoscope. b An abnormal respiratory cycle characterized by evidence of increased effort to inhale the air in with the use of diaphragm and/or accessory muscles of respiration and/or nasal flaring with an increase in breathing rate. mild: minimal use of diaphragm; moderate: evidence of use of diaphragm and accessary muscles of respiration; severe: marked movement of diaphragm and accessary muscles of respiration. c Dogs that have had episodes of syncope and/or cyanosis as documented by owner’s report are classified into grade III without et. Dyspnoea: irregular breathing, signs of discomfort, and labored breathing. d Dogs with moderate intermittent nasal stertor when sniffing have similar BOAS index (objective respiratory function) to dogs only with mild respiratory noise, therefore, these dogs are considered grade I
Functional Grading
Respiratory noise a
Grade 0 Pre-ET Not audible Inspiratory effort b
Not present Dyspnoea/ Cyanosis/ Syncope c
Not present
Post-ET Not audible Not present
Grade I Pre-ET Not audible to mild stertor, and/or moderate intermittent nasal stertor when sniffing d Not present
Post-ET mild stertor, and/or moderate intermittent nasal stertor when sniffing d, and/or intermittent gentle stertor when panting Not present to mild
Grade II Pre-ET mild to moderate stertor Not present to moderate
Post-ET moderate to severe stertor moderate to severe and/or regurgitation of foam/saliva Not present
Not present
Not present
Not present
Dyspnoea; cyanosis or syncope not present
Grade III Pre-ET moderate to severe stertor or any stridor moderate to severe Dyspnoea; may or may not present cyanosis. Inability to exercise.
Post-ET Severe stertor or any stridor Severe and/or regurgitation of foam/saliva Dyspnoea; may or may not present cyanosis or syncope
ESt, exercise test
