The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes to our community, and the wearing of face masks is now mandatory. As our facial features and reactions play an important role in how we communicate, having a face mask obscure our face can impact how easily we can read a person’s body language or demeanour – such as is something being said with a smile or a frown.
Hip dysplasia, a degenerative joint disease which affects the ball and socket joint of the hip in the hind legs of dogs, is one of the most common inherited orthopaedic diseases in dogs. Larger breeds of dogs such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers are most commonly affected by hip dysplasia, however it can occur in any breed.
Brachycephalic dog breeds – or short-nosed breeds, are those which have a relatively broad and shortened face or skull, with the resulting distortion of the soft tissue structures involved in breathing causing the dog to experience breathing problems. Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) is a condition that is more common with short-muzzled, flat faced brachycephalic dogs. Commonly affected breeds include the Pug, Shih tzu, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Boxer, Bulldog, Staffordshire bull terrier, Pekingese and Boston terrier.
