Health Costs for French Bulldogs – not the whole story.
The French Bulldog Club of NSW, would like to address the upcoming media coverage regarding the health costs of French Bulldogs. We acknowledge that the cost of care for Frenchies has increased, and we have taken steps to ensure the health and well-being of the breed.
We have recognised 23 responsible breeders in NSW who have undergone a rigorous application process and adhere to our strict code of ethics. These breeders use the most current scientific knowledge to produce healthy and well-constructed puppies. We are also working on a new physical endurance test to ensure that our breeding dogs can cope with modern-day life.
However, responsible breeders are facing challenges from veterinarian prejudice and political pressure caused by the actions of negligent breeders. This has resulted in media reports of dogs in pain and families in despair, damaging the breed’s reputation.
Our experienced breeders have reported unnecessary, unwarranted, and often dangerous surgical interventions suggested for Frenchie families. Frenchies are increasingly seen as “cash cows,” and owners are routinely told that their dog needs BOAS surgery or complex spinal interventions without a clinical diagnosis or detailed investigation.
Our responsible breeders maintain a strong connection to their new owners and provide lifelong support, including sanity checks on acute diagnoses by veterinary practices. We encourage potential French Bulldog owners to avoid the pain of bringing home a puppy who might live a miserable existence and need expensive medical interventions. We have implemented strict breeding standards and health testing protocols to ensure the health and well-being of dogs and their puppies.
Buying a puppy from a breeder with poor breeding practices can result in the suffering of dogs, terrible health outcomes, and damage to the breed’s reputation. We urge new owners to choose breeders who work under our standards and comply with our rigorous code of ethics.
We would like to share a case study of a family whose Frenchie was quoted $30K for spinal surgery. On consulting the French Bulldog Club and through discussions with the breeder, a decision was made to refer the owner to a Frenchie specialist vet who diagnosed a slipped disc damaged intervertebral disc as a result of jumping off the lounge. The specialist prescribed a short course of anti-inflammatories, and the dog fully recovered with a ban from being on the lounge and a comfy bed on the floor.
In conclusion, the French Bulldog Club of NSW is committed to the health and well-being of French Bulldogs. We encourage responsible breeding practices and urge potential owners to choose breeders who adhere to our standards and code of ethics. Further information is available on our website.
Find about more about our:
- French Bulldog Spine and Hip Scheme
- Responsible Breeders Explained
- The Club’s Code of Ethics
- Rescue and Rehome Project
More reading:
- Going to the vet: what happens when private equity invests in a cottage industry
- Who is Buying Veterinary Hospitals – The Update
- Health regulators urged to act more as level of corporate ownership rises
- VetPartners’ purchase of Goddard raises competition concerns
More information contact: Lloyd Grosse, Publicity Officer publicity@frenchbulldogclubnsw.asn.au 0406 733 501
Addendum to original post and update on the “More reading” links:
Breeders are significant consumers of veterinarian services and we have noted the concerns being expressed by your own profession about the changing face of Veterinarian Science. The rise of large global companies with deep pockets and private equity capital has raised alarms within the veterinary community itself. One of the companies has incredible vertical integration with a successful acquisition program resulting in them owning a significant number of veterinary practices in Australia as well as a giant national pet supplies chain and multiple Animal Emergency Centres across the country.
In a 2021 interview with ABC, Brisbane-based vet Dr. Scot Plummer explored the fact that an increasing number of retiring veterinarians are choosing to sell their practices to these corporate giants and warned that significant changes can be expected in how pets and their owners are handled and charged. In that interview he also expressed his concerns about the corporate acquisitions, stating that “previously many vets performed surgeries, but now vet clinics largely act as funnels to vet hospitals and after-hours clinics.”
The interview also examined an issue arising from this corporatisation trend, which is the offering of commissions to vet staff, creating a moral dilemma for them as after-hours clinics tie commissions to invoiced services. In the same ABC interview, Chris Jensen, a retired vet with 47 years of experience, highlighted that “there is absolutely no doubt that at some after-hours centres, they have incentives for the staff to charge people as much as possible.”
An article in “The Veterinarian,” an industry magazine for veterinarians, featured a post in 2021 by Dr. Tim Mather, BVSc GAICD, openly questioning the business models used in Veterinary Science. Dr. Mather pointed out the financial challenges faced by veterinarians, stating that the income generated from consultations alone may not be sufficient to cover the expenses of a veterinarian with the support of a vet nurse. He also highlighted the increased use of laboratory diagnostics, radiography, and CT scans as additional sources of income, along with the dispensing of scheduled drugs at quadruple the wholesale price.
Moreover, it is important to acknowledge that French Bulldogs heavily rely on veterinarians for assistance in breeding. Procedures such as progesterone tests, artificial insemination, and Caesarean births all require the expertise of veterinarians. In this role, veterinarians have a responsibility to inform breeders when they believe that an animal should not be part of a breeding program or when the breeder’s choices regarding the parent selection lack due care. Additionally, after a litter is born, veterinarians play a crucial role in providing debriefing sessions to assess the suitability of the animals for continued breeding. Blaming breeders entirely for any breeding issues oversimplifies the situation and disregards the vital contribution of veterinarians in the breeding process.
We firmly believe that veterinarians are vital partners in the health and welfare of our French Bulldogs and play a crucial role in bringing scientific advancements to our Code of Practice. They also contribute to maintaining the robust independent standards of our health scheme. Without their expertise and dedication, our community would not exist. We hold great respect for veterinarians and firmly believe they should receive fair compensation and adequate pastoral care. Our concerns are aligned with those expressed by the veterinary profession itself.
We hope for a continued decline in the demand for French Bulldogs, reaching a more appropriate and balanced level, which seems to be happening post-pandemic. It is essential to acknowledge the significance of nurturing and safeguarding healthy, responsibly bred French Bulldogs in our society. Preserving and protecting French Bulldogs is our duty and we intend to work even harder to ensure this.
Article sources:
- ABC News: Link to article
- The Veterinarian: Link to post
Please note: this thread has comments disabled. This post has generated a number of comments and we welcome the contribution to the conversation but we feel this thread has reached a natural conclusion – should you wish to make a further comment please email publicity@frenchbulldogclubnsw.asn.au.
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I am the owner of Matisse who was on ACA. I got Matisse from a reputable breeder who is registered with French bulldog club of NSW. Yet 5 years down the track here we are with spinal surgery as well as BOAS surgery which will be done when she is well enough. Breeding standards need
To improve dramatically or stop breeding designer dogs that come with a multitude of problems
We acknowledge your concerns and understand your frustration regarding the extensive surgery needed for your French Bulldog, Matisse. It is important to note that Matisse is a 5-year-old dog, and as dogs age, various environmental factors can contribute to the development of health issues, regardless of how well they were screened as a puppy. According to both Dr. Rob Zammit, as mentioned in the story, and our own Veterinary Team, it would have been advisable for you to seek a second opinion or inquire specifically about potential ongoing costs. The decision to proceed with spinal surgery is typically a collaborative process involving discussions with the owners, giving you the opportunity to consider the associated costs and make an informed decision or explore alternative options.
While we understand the shock of the large bill your family is facing, we would like to highlight that our breeders routinely offer free starter insurance to new owners. Additionally, we always advise our new owners to take out and maintain pet insurance for situations precisely like this. The lack of insurance coverage in your case is indeed unfortunate, and we empathise with the difficult position it places Matisse in, as their well-being is of utmost importance in this situation.
There is some misinformation here, and you should be very careful about handing out such poor advice. Often times, if the spinal damage is these cases is bad enough, delaying spinal surgery can result in permanent paralysis or paresis of your French Bulldog. This is just bad advice. Matisse’s owners did the right thing, and did get a second opinion, as stated by the specialty clinic in their response to the news story. Your recollection regarding a “slipped disc” is grossly misleading, as this isn’t even a medical diagnosis. I believe you are referring to a damaged or ruptured Intervertebral disc. While that pet’s symptoms may have improved, that dog’s Intervertebral disc is still permanently damaged, and could at any time in the future flare up and paralyze the dog under the correct conditions. The correct surgery would have prevented such a thing from occurring. Medical management of Intervertebral disc injuries can be an option, but it’s not without risk, and cannot be guaranteed to have a positive outcome. Each case is different and should be based on the MRI, clinical symptoms, and the opinions of the veterinary neurologists and surgeons. The idea that breeders know more than veterinary professionals is something that needs to be a thing of the past. Veterinary medicine is a proud profession, driven by a love of animals, not to find “cash cows”. The suggestion that veterinarians are suggesting unnecessary procedures to make money is shameful. Breeding standards for these sweet dogs have a long way to improve. Many frenchies cannot breathe, have stenotic nares, elongated soft palates, deformed vertebrae, joint deformities, skin allergies, and the list goes on. It’s time to work towards a healthier breed, not blame the profession that lives to care for them, or the owners who live to love them.
Thank you for sharing your concerns and providing additional information on the matter. We appreciate your feedback and value the opportunity to address these points in a more consistent and accurate manner.
Firstly, we acknowledge that every case is unique, and the severity of the condition often determines the need for more immediate intervention. We understand that prompt spinal surgery may be necessary to prevent permanent paralysis or paresis in cases with severe spinal damage.
While we are not veterinarians ourselves, the Club collaborates with highly respected veterinary professionals when crafting our public statements.
We would also like to make clear that our organisation operates entirely on a voluntary basis, driven by a passion for animal welfare.
We apologise for any confusion caused by the use of the term “slipped disc.” In the specific case mentioned, we were referring to a “damaged intervertebral disc,” which is a more accurate medical description. We acknowledge that this type of injury can be caused by various factors with jumping off the lounge onto polished floorboards at the top of the list, something the majority of our breeders explore with new owners to ensure they mitigate the risk of harm. And these injuries are not exclusive to French Bulldogs.
Regarding French Bulldogs, it’s important to note that prior to the breed’s surge in popularity about a decade ago, the breed’s health issues were not causing the same concern. At this time there was only a small group of dedicated owners and breeders worked together to support and strengthen the breed, striving to improve their genetics and breed construction based on evidence-based scientific research. However, the breed’s newfound fame, fuelled by celebrity ownership and social media, led to an overwhelming demand for puppies that surpassed what our small group of experienced breeders could provide.
Unfortunately, this increased demand has led to other breeders entering the market without the same level of knowledge and experience, resulting in insufficient care in selecting good parents and following our code of practice. Many of the health problems seen in French Bulldogs today do not stem from our responsible breeders. Nevertheless, these cases have created a perception among both veterinarians and owners that the breed as a whole suffers from poor health. We acknowledge that veterinarians are dedicated professionals driven by a love of animals, but it is important to recognise that not all veterinarians may have extensive experience or knowledge about the specific issues faced by French Bulldogs.
The French Bulldog Club of NSW has an evolving Frenchie Health Scheme, which aims to create better health outcomes for Frenchies. At present it screens for better hips and backs and will be varied as new advances are discovered – and provide practical tools to help breeders make better decisions.
Recently a collaboration with Dogs Australia, other Breed Clubs, The Kennel Club (UK) and the University of Cambridge has seen us help to research and implement a new Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFG). Last month we promoted and assisted the scheme to train Vets specialising in Frenchies on the new assessment and grading. The addition of the RFG scheme into our Health Scheme and Code of Practice will take time to effect change, however, based on the significant improvements being shown in the UK we are confident it will make a similar change across Australia.
We fully acknowledge and appreciate the skills and dedication of veterinary professionals. We also feel it important to assert that breeders also have unique knowledge and experience. While vastly different than Vets – breeders know the make-up of their puppies going back decades and many many generations.
Our intention is to encourage collaboration between responsible breeders, veterinarians and their owners for the betterment of the breed, rather than suggesting that breeders have superior knowledge or that breeders’ advice is a substitute for good investigative diagnostic Veterinary science.
Every case should be approached individually, with assessments based on thorough evaluations, including MRI scans, clinical symptoms, and expert opinions from veterinary neurologists and surgeons. Decisions regarding surgical intervention or medical management should be made in consultation with these professionals.
We apologise if our statement was interpreted as suggesting that veterinarians are solely motivated by financial gain. Our intention was to emphasise the importance of open communication and seeking second opinions when faced with extensive treatment options. We have the utmost respect for the integrity and dedication of the veterinary profession.
Our primary concern is the significant number of breeders who have produced French Bulldogs with severe health issues. We aim to raise awareness about responsible breeding practices and encourage owners to secure health insurance for their dogs to ensure the best possible medical care without financial burdens.
Thank you once again for your feedback, which helps us provide more accurate and consistent information. We remain committed to the well-being of French Bulldogs and fostering collaboration among breeders, veterinarians, and owners to achieve a healthier future for the breed.
Links:
– Frenchie Health Scheme
– Report back from first Vet Training Day (RFS)
You should be ashamed of not only your post, but also of your answer to the dog in question’s owner.
We apologise if our previous response or the content of our media release has caused any distress or offense. Our intention is to engage in constructive dialogue and address concerns related to the health and well-being of French Bulldogs. We value all feedback and take it seriously.
If there are specific points or issues you would like us to address or clarify, we are more than willing to provide further information. Our aim is to promote responsible breeding practices, educate owners and caregivers, and work towards the betterment of the breed.
We appreciate your perspective and welcome the opportunity to continue the conversation in a respectful manner.
There is no such thing as a Frenchie Specialist Vet.
Have you seen the xray deformities in Frenchies?
They are not due to environmental factors.
Blaming environmental factors for these dogs is absolute rubbish…why do other breeds not have the same problems when exposed to the same ‘environmental factors’?
How about stop breeding deformed dogs so vets don’t have to fix them?
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the issues raised in our media release. We understand that there are strong opinions on the topic, and we appreciate your perspective.
Regarding the term “Frenchie Specialist Vet,” we apologise if it caused any confusion. We meant to refer to veterinarians who specialise in treating French Bulldogs or have extensive experience with the breed. While there may not be an official veterinary specialty dedicated solely to French Bulldogs, there are veterinarians who possess specialised knowledge and expertise in treating the specific health concerns that are common in the breed.
French Bulldogs, like any other breed, can have problems if breeders don’t use the acquired knowledge of the fraternity when choosing parents. Our aim is to work towards improving the breed’s health every generation through responsible breeding practices and ongoing research. We strive to minimise these issues and promote the well-being of French Bulldogs.
We value your input and the concerns you have expressed. It is important to continue the conversation about responsible breeding practices and the health of French Bulldogs. We appreciate your passion for the breed and encourage constructive dialogue to find ways to improve their overall health and well-being.
So French Bulldog club admin, why do you say spinal surgery is unnecessary for Frenchies when only 1 in 1000 tested French Bulldogs in Finland had no spinal abnormalities. Do you have research that shows the stats are much better in your country please??
Thank you for bringing up the issue of spinal abnormalities in French Bulldogs and the statistics from Finland. We appreciate your concern and the importance of data in addressing this matter.
We want to clarify that our media release did not state that spinal surgery is unnecessary for French Bulldogs in all cases. Our intention was to highlight the complexity of these health issues and the importance of seeking multiple opinions and considering all available options before making decisions regarding surgical interventions.
The statistics you mentioned from Finland are indeed concerning, and it emphasises the need for ongoing research and efforts to improve the breed’s health. While we don’t have specific statistics for our country at the moment, we understand the significance of collecting data and conducting studies to gain a better understanding of the prevalence of spinal abnormalities in French Bulldogs.
As a responsible French Bulldog club, we are committed to promoting the health and well-being of the breed. This includes encouraging breeders to adhere to strict breeding standards, conducting health testing, and supporting scientific research to improve breed health. We are open to collaborating with organisations and researchers to gather relevant data and contribute to the overall knowledge regarding spinal abnormalities in French Bulldogs.
We appreciate your engagement on this matter and your dedication to the welfare of the breed. Together, we can work towards better health outcomes for French Bulldogs through education, responsible breeding practices, and scientific advancements.
I think it a bit rough to talk about veterinarian prejudice and seeing them a scash cows when you yourself admit there are highly irresponsible breeders that produce medical nightmare. Which has led you to implement a scheme to register ethical breeders. The reason for any prejudice is because in practice, vets are seeing lots of Frenchies, and pugs with congenital defects, who have been sold to unsuspecting owners. Dogs that cannot breathe properly or who have malformed spines for a start. In fact, the AVA has a policy NOT to use any brachy dog in advertising and https://www.loveisblind.org.au/ Love is blind encourages pet owners to be fully aware of the issues. If we wanted to use Frenchies as cash cows, we would be encouraging their genetic faults. Instead of bashing vets, why don’t you work with the AVA and stop the bad backard breeders.
Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback on our media release. We appreciate your concerns and understand the importance of collaboration between breeders and veterinary professionals in addressing the challenges faced by French Bulldogs and similar brachycephalic breeds.
We want to clarify that our intention was not to undermine the expertise of veterinarians or portray them in a negative light. We apologise if our statement came across as dismissive of their role. We fully recognise and appreciate the valuable work that veterinarians do in caring for animals and raising awareness about breed-related health issues.
The reference to veterinary prejudice and the term “cash cows” was meant to highlight the unfortunate reality that some breeders encounter situations where they feel charged excessive fees or are recommended unnecessary or unexplored surgeries. As breeders, we have a significant financial investment in veterinary services, and it is from this perspective that we offer critiques. We believe it is important to have open discussions about the costs involved and the value received.
We agree that the surge in demand for French Bulldog puppies in the past decade led to the emergence of breeders who lacked the deep knowledge and experience that our Club breeders possess. We suggest that the health problems observed in French Bulldogs that present at veterinary clinics are often not associated with our responsible breeders. Our dedicated hobby breeders invest countless voluntary hours, passion, and dedication to ensure the well-being of the breed.
We acknowledge the impact of the damning report on French Bulldogs by the AVA and the resulting perception that the breed suffers from poor health. It is important to note that responsible breeders working in partnership with competent veterinarians are actually the solution, not the source of the problem. We believe that highlighting the strides taken by the Club in improving the health of the breed and collaborating with veterinary professionals can help address these concerns.
We understand your point regarding the potential faults of veterinary professionals as well. It is crucial for both breeders and veterinarians to maintain open communication and ensure thorough examinations and diagnoses are conducted before recommending any surgical procedures. We support the AVA’s policy of not using brachycephalic dogs in advertising and initiatives like Love is Blind that raise awareness about the potential health challenges these breeds may face when not bred under responsible breeding practices.
Our ultimate goal is to work collaboratively with veterinary professionals, organisations like the AVA, and responsible breeders to address the issues at hand. We believe that by promoting responsible breeding practices, implementing health screening programs, and raising awareness about the specific health concerns within the breed, we can make a positive impact and strive for a healthier future for French Bulldogs.
We appreciate your suggestion to collaborate with the AVA and work towards eliminating irresponsible breeders. We actively support initiatives aimed at improving breeding standards and educating both breeders and the general public about the importance of responsible ownership. We are open to collaboration and welcome opportunities to work together for the betterment of the breed.
Thank you once again for sharing your concerns and offering your perspective. We value your input and remain committed to promoting the well-being of French Bulldogs through responsible breeding practices and collaboration with veterinary professionals.