{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The WSAVA Podcast","title":"Ethical Dilemmas of Treating Patients with Extreme Conformation","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1933,"description":"In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, Dr Ernie Ward speaks with Professor Sorrel Langley-Hobbs and Dr Becky Murphy about the welfare, ethical, and clinical challenges created by extreme conformation in companion animals. Together, they examine how veterinarians can support individual patients while influencing the wider culture of responsible breeding.Professor Sorrel Langley-Hobbs begins by exploring the growing burden of hereditary orthopaedic disease in cats - from hip dysplasia in Maine Coons to osteochondrodysplasia in Scottish Folds and limb deformities emerging in designer crosses. She explains how pattern recognition, radiographic screening, and genetic testing can help differentiate inherited from acquired conditions. Drawing parallels with canine orthopaedics, she stresses the need for clearer breed standards, better breeder engagement, and open conversations about neutering and quality of life - particularly for brachycephalic breeds such as the Persian, where respiratory and ocular disease are now widespread.Dr Becky Murphy then shifts focus to dogs, describing how clinicians can ethically navigate breeding requests involving extreme conformation. She outlines the value of objective testing, including the Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme for brachycephalic dogs, and how to use both DNA and phenotypic screening data to guide breeding decisions. She discusses the practical differences between preservation and indiscriminate breeders, emphasises collaborative but firm communication, and advocates for a global shift toward prevention-focused, positive messaging that rewards function over form.Together, these conversations call for veterinarians to act as both clinicians and advocates - treating the individual while championing healthier standards for the next generation.Resources & LinksWSAVA Hereditary Disease CommitteeWSAVA Educational ResourcesPawPeds - Breed SpecificInternational Cat Care - Persian Cats and BrachycephalyThe Kennel Club...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/5ZqPCUb38w8Gv_t5MVwyeSPwTySZDgWRnvw_JIVPAQE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80OWM4/ZDU3ODExZGUzZWY2/MGVkZTA0MWY2YmVi/MDM2ZS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}