The Health Sub-Committee was formed to monitor the health status of the Flatcoated Retriever, offer advice and general support to members and non-members in times of crisis and at all times to maintain strict confidentiality.  However, the Society asks everyone to appreciate that although any advice is given in good faith, neither they nor the Representative concerned can be held legally responsible.

This article also contains the Health Survey results and links to the Kennel Club, BVA, AHT and relevant forms.

Health Plan:  Please click here for more information regarding the conditions/diseases that are under investigation and here for the relevant form.

British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club Health Schemes (BVA/KC) -  Please note that as from 1st January, 2010, all dogs must be permanently identified (microchip or tattoo) in order to receive certificates under the Canine Health Schemes; from this date both identification and registration documents will be required.  

Hips:  Should be x-rayed and scored under the above scheme.  Please refer to the BVA website for further information.

Eyes:  Please click here for the latest recommendations. If your dog/bitch fails an eye examination, any appeal against the results must be lodged in writing with the BVA within thirty days of the examination.   

It is recommended that all stock should have their hips x-rayed and scored under the BVA/KC Health Scheme and eyes examined by a BVA/KC or AHT/ECVO Eye Panellist in line with the Flatcoated Retriever Society's Code of Ethics.

Health Survey (run by the Flatcoated Retriever Society): It is believed that this was the largest survey undertaken on the breed's health in the UK; a total of 1229 dogs were reported on.  The survey will be repeated in 2011 which should give an insight into any trends towards or away from certain conditions and those that may need further investigation.

The following statistics relating to the cause of death in the Flatcoated Retriever were taken from the survey:

1.  351 deaths were recorded of which 57% died from cancer

2.  Of those dogs that died as a result of neoplasia (cancer), almost half (43%) were over ten years old

3.  The cause of death of the remaining 156 dogs included organ failure, old age, gastric torsion and accident

4.  The mean age reached was 9.3 years

The Flatcoated Retriever Society would like to thank all those enthusiasts who participated in the survey by completing the anonymous questionnaire.

The following is a quote from Dr Jane Dobson, Cambridge Oncology Department, regarding their Health Study into neoplasia in the Flatcoated Retriever: "it does show (from Cambridge's Health Study) reasonable longevity in those dogs that did not die from tumours, which is something the breed might wish to flag somehow.  This study was quite unique, very few other breeds have been subject to such scrutiny and who knows what the figure might be for others".

Storage of Blood at the Animal Health Trust: The storage of blood for DNA research is now firmly established.  The Health Sub-Committee would like to thank members and non members for their continued support of this important project and to remind owners that this is ongoing down the generations as it will be of particular help in identifying some hereditary diseases in the Flatcoated Retriever for the future.  Not only is blood required from healthy dogs/bitches but the AHT would also appreciate blood from the older Flatcoated Retrievers. Blood is still needed from the older Flatcoat (9 years plus) to enable Cambridge to conclude their research. This blood can be accessed by the Cambridge Oncology Department to further their research into the various forms of cancer that affect the Flatcoated Retriever; this work  has been ongoing for many years.

If, unfortunately, your Flatcoat were diagnosed with a serious illness, the AHT would appreciate blood being taken and sent to them, assuming none is already in storage.  Please complete the Submission Form to accompany the blood sample.  Your Vet should forward these together with a copy of a 5 generation pedigree and health records to Dr Cathyrn Mellersh at the addrerss shown on the form.  If you dog/bitch has blood already stored but develops a serious condition, please update the AHT on Form 2H.

Brenda Phillips Memorial Fund: This fund was set up in 2007 and is to be kept and maintained within the Society.  It will be used to encompass all diseases/conditions that affect the Flatcoated Retriever and which need further investigation; Shirley Johnson is the Co-Ordiinator of this fund.  Donations may either be sent to Shirley or the Treasurer of the Society.

In 2008 the fund was in the fortunate position to donate money towards helping the AHT raise £50,000 for the purchase of an endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) piece of equipment which is being used to treat primary glaucoma.  We were also able to subsidise the recent DNA testing in October 2009 which allowed us to carry out a preliminary investigation into juvenile renal dysplasia.

Relevant Links:

The Kennel Club: www.thekennelclub.org.uk

BVA:  www.bva.co.uk/canine_health_schemes/Canine_Health_Schemes.aspx

Animal Health Trust : www.aht.org.uk