Breeding healthier dogs in Sweden.

Preventive measures in small animal veterinary medicine include not only deworming, feeding and vaccination but also selection of breeding stock with reference to health and longevity. Good cooperation between the veterinary profession and the Swedish Kennel Club in the examination of breeding stock is described. Successful eradication programs against Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Arthroses and Hereditary Eye Defects are chosen as examples of what has been achieved so far. Less extensive and newer programs against Hemophilia A and Progressive Nephropathy are described as well as a recently instituted Inventory of Hereditary Defects and the preparation of educational material on risks involved when certain anatomical features are exaggerated in purebred dogs. A cost-benefit analysis has proven the value of screening programs for hereditary defects with both negative as well as positive results on public records