Pekingese exhibit referred to vet under new KC health rules

THE FIRST dog at Crufts to be referred to a vet for a health check before being allowed to continue competing was the Pekingese from the US, Am Ch Franshaw Hear Me Roar, who won BOB.
Under the Kennel Club’s new health rules, judges and stewards have been told to look out for signs of illness and distress and report them.
In addition, Crufts vets have also been instructed to examine every BOB of the 14 so-called ‘at risk’ breeds, which include the Pekingese, Bulldog, French Bulldog, Clumber, Pug, Neapolitan Mastiff and Dogue de Bordeaux.
“So far, none of the BOBs have had any health problems at all,” said Crufts vet Andreas Schemel on Sunday morning. “But there are observers and all the BOBs are checked so only healthy dogs are in the big ring.”
Reports suggested that a steward became concerned about the Peke’s breathing, so the dog was brought to the veterinary centre where he was examined by Crufts chief vet Steve Dean.
“We looked at all the dog’s parameters – things such as heart rate – and all the clinical signs appeared normal,” Mr Dean said. “The breathing was a bit noisy, but not badly. He was just a bit warm and panting.
“You have to understand that the steward was looking from the ringside and not examining the dog. Nevertheless he was sufficiently concerned that he wanted a vet’s opinion.
“I checked the dog again in the collecting ring before the group and he was fine, so I allowed him to go forward into the ring and he performed quite satisfactorily. In future my plan is to be in the collecting ring all the time to deal with any concerns.”
The Peke, who was handled by Hiram Stewart, was shortlisted but did not win a group placing.