The WSAVA Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, host Dr Julian Hoad BSc(Hons) BVetMed Hon MBVNA MRCVS, President of the BSAVA, interviews two leading voices in veterinary genetics to explore what genetic testing means for everyday practice.

Dr Leslie A. Lyons, PhD, Gilbreath McLorn Endowed Professor of Comparative Medicine at the University of Missouri, has identified over 40 inherited DNA variants in cats and published more than 200 peer-reviewed studies. A long-standing leader in feline genetics, she discusses the role of genetic testing in both pedigree and non-pedigree cats, the importance of wellness-related variants such as blood type and coagulation factors, and the potential of whole-genome sequencing to bring precision medicine into the consulting room.

Later, Dr Catherine Mellersh, Senior Research Associate at the University of Cambridge and Head of the Canine Genetics Centre, shares her pioneering work in canine inherited diseases. With a research career spanning three decades and multiple international awards, she explains how DNA testing is helping breeders make informed decisions, the realities of complex conditions such as hip dysplasia, and the responsibilities of both breeders and puppy buyers in reducing inherited disease.

This episode brings genetics into the real world of general practice, offering clear insights into when and how testing can guide clinicians, breeders, and owners alike.

Resources & Links:

• Canine Genetics Centre (CGC) – Led by Dr Catherine Mellersh, developing DNA tests to improve the health and welfare of future generations of dogs.
• Canine Genetic Testing (CAGT) – The commercial arm of the CGC, offering a wide range of tests, with all profits reinvested in research.
• University of Missouri – Feline Genetics and Comparative Medicine Lab – Dr Leslie Lyons’ lab, providing detailed information on breed-related genetic tests.
• OMIA – Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals – Comprehensive catalogue of inherited disorders and genes in animals.
• PawPeds – Information resource for feline genetics, breeding, and health.
• DogWellNet – International Partnership for Dogs knowledge base.

Guest & Host Profiles:

• Dr Leslie A. Lyons – ORCID
• Dr Catherine Mellersh – Canine Genetics Centre
• Dr Julian Hoad – LinkedIn

Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

In this opening episode of the WSAVA Podcast, host Dr Petra Černá speaks with two internationally recognised experts about how genetic testing is reshaping small animal practice.

Dr Jerold S. Bell, DVM, Adjunct Professor of Clinical Genetics at Tufts University and Chair of the WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee, explains the different types of genetic tests, from direct DNA to marker-based approaches. He highlights examples of dominant and recessive traits in cats and dogs, and shares practical advice on how veterinarians can responsibly interpret results in practice.

Later in the episode, Dr Joshua A. Stern, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Cardiology), Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies at NC State CVM, explores hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats. He discusses the value and limitations of current genetic testing in breeds such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls, introduces promising therapies including rapamycin, and reflects on the rapid progress in feline genetics.

Together, these conversations provide practical insights for veterinarians seeking to use genetic tools more effectively in clinical decision-making.

Resources & Links:

• WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee
• WSAVA Educational Resources
• DogWellNet
• PawPeds
• Genetic Testing: Practical Dos and Don’ts for Cats (JFMS)
• University of Missouri Feline Genetics
• Langford Vets Cat Genetic Testing
• Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals
• UFAW: Welfare and Inherited Disorders in Cats

Guest & Host Profiles:

• Dr Jerold S. Bell, DVM – ResearchGate
• Dr Petra Černá – LinkedIn | Instagram
• Dr Joshua Stern – LinkedIn | Stern Lab | Twitter | Instagram

Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

Veterinary medicine is more than a profession, it’s a global story. On the WSAVA Podcast, you’ll hear veterinarians from across the world share their experiences, insights, and solutions in animal health. 

Our first series, created with the Hereditary Disease Committee, explores hereditary disease in dogs and cats - from understanding complex genetic conditions to creating healthier breeds for the future. Make sure to follow and subscribe in your favourite podcast player app to get notified when new episodes drop. 

These are conversations for every veterinary professional - transforming care, one episode at a time.

In the opening episode of the second series of the WSAVA Podcast, interviewer David Clarke speaks with two expert clinicians about the links between oral health, systemic disease, and animal welfare in companion animals.

Dr Maria Soltero-Rivera discusses how oral disease in dogs and cats is rarely limited to the mouth alone. She explores how oral lesions may be associated with a wide range of systemic conditions, and why careful oral examination and pattern recognition are essential parts of medical assessment. Dr Soltero-Rivera also reflects on the need to view dentistry as part of core medicine rather than an isolated procedure.

Later in the episode, Dr Jen Mathis, focuses on oral pain and its impact on welfare. She examines why dental pain is often missed in clinical practice, how it can influence behaviour and quality of life, and the implications of delayed treatment. Dr Mathis also highlights the role of effective anaesthesia and analgesia in supporting patient welfare during dental care.

Together, these conversations introduce key themes for the series and set the stage for a deeper exploration of veterinary dentistry across the full spectrum of care.

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Global Dental Committee
• WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines  
• WSAVA Educational Resources  
• Association of periodontal disease and histologic lesions in multiple organs from 45 dogs
• Periodontal disease burden and pathological changes in organs of dogs
• Association of periodontal disease with systemic health indices in dogs and the systemic response to treatment of periodontal disease
• FECAVA factsheet : Oral health and systemic disease in companion animals
  
  

Contributors

• Dr Maria Soltero-Rivera, DVM, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. EVDC – LinkedIn
• Dr Jen Mathis, DVM – LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | ResearchGate | ORCID 
• David Clarke BVSc, DAVDC, DAVDC-ZWD, FAVD, MANZCVS, Cert IV TA – LinkedIn

Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, host Becky Murphy speaks with Dr Dan O’Neill about the evolving relationship between genetics, breed, and canine welfare, followed by Yaiza Gómez-Mejías in conversation with Dr Petra Černá on the importance of phenotypic screening in feline health. Together, these discussions explore how the traits we value today will determine the wellbeing of companion animals tomorrow.

Dr Dan O’Neill begins by challenging how we define “breed” itself. Drawing on his work as Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College, he traces the modern concept of breed to its human origins in the late 19th century - a time when social prestige, aesthetics, and competition overtook biology. He explains how this cultural construction has shaped today’s diversity of dogs, often fixing harmful mutations and extreme conformations into the gene pool. Yet, he argues, because breed is a human invention, it can also be reinvented to prioritise health.

In conversation with Becky Murphy, Dr O’Neill explores the difference between inherited and conformational disease, ultimately suggesting that the distinction may be artificial - all disease has an inherited component, whether behavioural, physical, or environmental. He calls on veterinarians to act as educators and advocates, engaging owners in honest and empathic dialogue about the health consequences of extreme conformation. He highlights the need for long-term cultural change, beginning with small, positive shifts: promoting healthy breeds on clinic social media, modelling good choices through the dogs veterinarians own themselves, and using non-judgmental language to encourage understanding rather than defensiveness.

Turning from dogs to cats, Yaiza Gómez-Mejías and Dr Petra Černá discuss the challenges of phenotypic screening in feline practice. Dr Černá explains that while genetic tests are expanding, many inherited disorders in cats still require clinical screening through radiographs, echocardiography, and careful physical evaluation. She emphasises the importance of accessible, high-quality testing and the role of general practitioners in guiding breeders toward responsible decisions even when definitive genetic information is lacking. From hypertrophic cardiomyopathy to hip dysplasia, she underlines that phenotypic screening - despite its limitations - is vital to improving welfare, reducing hereditary disease, and supporting the ethical stewardship of breeding lines.

Throughout the episode, both conversations reinforce the veterinarian’s unique position as a bridge between science, ethics, and the public. Whether discussing the reshaping of dog breeds or the evaluation of feline health, the message is clear: advancing welfare requires empathy, evidence, and the courage to rethink what we value in the animals who share our lives.

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee

• WSAVA Educational Resources

• Royal Veterinary College – Companion Animal Epidemiology

• OFA – Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals

• PawPeds – International Cat Health Database

Contributors

Dr Becky Murphy – Companion-animal veterinarian, governance leader, and business owner with a focus on genetics, theriogenology, and welfare-led breeding. President of the NZVA Companion Animal Veterinarians (CAV), member of the WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee, and representative to the Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) Board. Founder and Director of TCI GlenBred, delivering evidence-based reproductive and genetic-health services to support responsible breeding.

Dr Dan O’Neill MVB BSc (Hons) GPCert(SAP) GPCert(FelP) GPCert(Derm) GPCert(B&PS) PGCertVetEd FHEA MSc (VetEpi) PhD FRCVS – Associate Professor in Companion Animal Epidemiology, Royal Veterinary College. Profile

Yaiza Gómez-Mejías MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) – Veterinary Community Co-ordinator, International Cat Care Veterinary Society. LinkedIn | X

Dr Petra Černá PhD, DACVIM (SAIM), Dipl. ECVIM-CA, MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats), CertAVP (SAM-F), MRCVS, AFHEA, AdvCertFB – Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist, Colorado State University. LinkedIn | Instagram

Click here to read the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

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 & Links

• WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee
• WSAVA Educational Resources
• PawPeds - Breed Specific
• International Cat Care - Persian Cats and Brachycephaly
• The Kennel Club (UK) – Health Testing & Screening Guidance
• Cambridge BOAS Respiratory Function Grading Scheme

Contributors

Dr Ernie Ward, DVM, CVFT – Veterinarian, author, speaker and media personality; Co-founder & Chief Veterinary Officer, VerticalVet; Chair of the WSAVA Strategic Advisory Committee; Founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) and World Pet Obesity Association (WPOA).

LinkedIn | X | Instagram | Website

Professor Sorrel Langley-Hobbs – Professor of Feline Orthopaedics, Bristol Veterinary School; clinician and researcher specialising in feline musculoskeletal disease; co-editor of textbooks on feline orthopaedic and surgical disease; international speaker and educator.

LinkedIn | ORCID

Dr Becky Murphy – Companion-animal veterinarian, governance leader and business owner specialising in genetics, theriogenology and welfare-led breeding. President of the NZVA Companion Animal Veterinarians (CAV); member of the WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee; founder and director of TCI GlenBred; former Dogs NZ Canine Health & Welfare Officer.

Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, host Wolfgang Dohne brings us two in-depth conversations that reveal how hidden genetic factors shape common clinical problems in cats and dogs. He first speaks with veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Ursula Dietrich, who explores the genetic and conformational influences behind feline ocular disease. Later, he is joined by veterinary dermatologist Dr. Patrick Hensel to discuss hereditary contributions to canine atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions.

Dr. Ursula Dietrich shares her expertise on the challenges posed by brachycephalic cat breeds, where exaggerated conformation can lead to chronic corneal ulcerations, impaired tear film quality, and painful conditions such as corneal sequestrum and entropion. She highlights how some ocular diseases, once considered rare, are now emerging in clusters within popular breeds, including Maine Coons. Dr. Dietrich explains how responsible breeding practices and vigilant clinical monitoring can help reduce suffering, while also reflecting on genetic retinal degenerations and cataracts where tests now exist—or are under development—to guide breeding choices and early diagnosis.

In the second half, Dr. Patrick Hensel turns the spotlight to canine skin disease, particularly atopic dermatitis. Drawing from decades of clinical and research experience, he explains the multifactorial genetic and environmental interactions that drive allergic skin disease in dogs. From skin barrier defects to immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation, Dr. Hensel outlines the pathophysiology that makes management so complex. He also provides a practical framework for diagnosis and treatment, stressing the importance of ruling out parasites and infections, conducting elimination diets, and integrating modern therapeutics with immunotherapy for long-term control. He discusses breed predispositions, the lack of definitive genetic tests, and the ongoing international research efforts to establish biomarkers that may one day guide breeding and therapy.

Together, these conversations underscore the responsibility veterinarians share in recognising genetic patterns, guiding breeders, and supporting clients with realistic advice on lifelong management. By examining the genetic backdrop of both ocular and dermatological disease, this episode encourages practitioners to think more critically about hereditary influences in everyday cases.

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee
• WSAVA Educational Resources
• The London Cat Clinic – Feline Ophthalmology Services
• Tierdermatologie Basel
• International Committee on Allergic Diseases of Animals (ICADA)

Contributors:

• Wolfgang Dohne DrMedVet MRCVS — Former President of FECAVA, international veterinary educator, and author of Blue Vet Diary
• Dr. Ursula Dietrich Dr.med.vet., Dipl. ACVO, Dipl. ECVO, MRCVS, FHEA — Independent Consultant in Veterinary Ophthalmology
  The London Cat Clinic
• Dr. Patrick Hensel Dr.med.vet., Dipl. ECVD, Dipl. ACVD — Veterinary Dermatologist and Founder, Tierdermatologie Basel
  LinkedIn

Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

What does it really mean to create healthy dog and cat breeds in the 21st century? In this episode, host Yaiza Gomez Mejias speaks with two leading voices working at the frontlines of breeding, welfare, and behaviour: Helle Friis Proschowsky, Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen, and Lucy Hoile, feline behaviourist and author. Together, they explore the challenges of pedigree breeding, hybrid cats, and the shifting role of veterinarians in shaping the future of animal welfare.

Helle Friis Proschowsky opens the discussion with insights from her recent horizon topic paper “A new future for dog breeding”, co-authored with international colleagues including Dan O’Neill, James Serpell, and Brenda Bonnett. She explains how modern dog breeding practices evolved, the problems of exaggerated conformation and inherited disease, and how Denmark’s newly implemented legislation seeks to raise health standards across all breeders—not just kennel clubs or commercial operations. Proschowsky emphasises the need for veterinarians to become confident breeding counsellors, with continuing education in genetics and welfare assessment, while also acknowledging the importance of sensitive communication with breeders.

In the second half, Lucy Hoile brings the conversation into the world of cats—particularly hybrid breeds such as Bengals and Savannahs. Drawing on her work as a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist, she highlights the ethical concerns around early-generation hybrid breeding, including the welfare of domestic cats paired with wild species. Lucy describes the behavioural challenges hybrids may pose in the home—from territorial aggression to chronic stress—and outlines how physical and social environments must be adapted if these cats are to thrive. She argues that hybrids demand dedicated, knowledgeable guardianship and raises the question of whether such breeding should continue at all.

By the end of the episode, listeners are left with a powerful call: breeding choices carry profound welfare implications, and veterinary professionals, policymakers, and owners alike share responsibility for ensuring the next generations of dogs and cats live healthier, happier lives.

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee
• WSAVA Educational Resources
• Proschowsky HF, Arendt ML, Bonnett BN, Bruun CS, Czycholl I, Fredholm M, O’Neill D, Serpell JA, Sandøe P (2025). A new future for dog breeding. Animal Welfare 34: e1. Read the paper
• BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome) functional testing – University of Cambridge
• International Cat Care – behaviour and choosing the right cat

Contributors:

• Yaiza Gomez Mejias MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats) — Veterinary Community Co-ordinator, International Cat Care Veterinary Society
• LinkedIn | X
• Helle Friis Proschowsky DVM, PhD — Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen; Member, WSAVA Hereditary Disease Committee
• LinkedIn | ORCID
• Lucy Hoile MSc CCAB — Feline Behaviourist; Author of The Book Your Cat Wishes You Would Read
• Website | LinkedIn | X | Instagram

Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, interviewer Izzie Tsai speaks with two experienced clinicians about why accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective dental care, and how much disease can be missed when diagnostics are underused.

First, Ana Nemec discusses the role of dental radiography in everyday practice. She explains why visual examination alone can underestimate pathology, and reflects on the importance of image quality, technique, and appropriate case selection when incorporating radiographs into clinical decision-making.

In the second conversation, Jan Bellows focuses on early detection and routine oral examination. He explores why dental disease is frequently overlooked, the value of consistently examining the oral cavity, and how simple diagnostic tools can improve communication and patient outcomes.

Together, these conversations reinforce a clear message: careful examination and appropriate imaging are central to responsible, evidence-based dental care.

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Global Dental Committee
• WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines  
• WSAVA Educational Resources  
• Evaluation of extraction sites for evidence of retained tooth roots and periapical pathology
  
  

Contributors

• Ana Nemec, DVM, PhD, Dipl. AVDC, Dipl. EVDC, Assist. prof. – Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
• Jan Bellows, DVM, DIPL, AVDC, ABVP (Canine & Feline Practice) 
• Izzie Yi-Chin Tsai, DVM, MVM – Facebook | Blog | Instagram

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.

In this episode of the WSAVA Podcast, the focus turns to the vital role of veterinary nurses and technicians in strengthening dental care in everyday practice. Two conversations explore how the wider veterinary team can improve outcomes through better instrumentation, workflow, client communication, and home care support. 

First, Maggie Burley speaks with Mary Berg about building a practical dental toolkit and using instruments safely and effectively. Mary highlights core tools for periodontal assessment and cleaning, including probing, subgingival instrumentation, and the importance of visibility. She also discusses sterilisation, sharpening, and instrument care, emphasising that consistent standards and good ergonomics support both patient safety and long-term team performance. 

In the second conversation, Marcela Perez-de-Tudela is joined by Stephanie Johnson to discuss how technicians can help clients succeed with dental home care. Stephanie shares step-by-step strategies for introducing toothbrushing, keeping experiences positive, and recognising early warning signs that warrant veterinary assessment. She also discusses how to guide owners toward validated dental products and why regular oral exams, imaging, and tailored plans remain important even when home care is excellent. 

Together, these conversations highlight how strong dental programmes are built by the whole team, combining practical skills in-clinic with effective support for owners at home. 

Resources & Links

• WSAVA Global Dental Committee
• WSAVA Global Dental Guidelines  
• WSAVA Educational Resources  
• Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) 

Contributors

• Mary L Berg, BS, LATG, RVT, VTS (Dent) – LinkedIn | Instagram | Website 
• Maggie Burley, RVN, Dip VN (Dental), VTS (Dentistry), TAE - LinkedIn | Instagram
• Stephanie Johnson, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia), (Dentistry) – TikTok
• Marcela Perez-de-Tudela MV, MSc - LinkedIn | Instagram 

Click here for the full transcript

This podcast was edited and produced by Contento Media Ltd.