Speaking at a conference in Britain, Dr. Cathryn Mellersh, a member of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association Hereditary Disease Committee, asked veterinarians to be more proactive in discussing hereditary disorders with pet owners and breeders. Dr. Mellersh related that concern about hereditary disease, especially in dogs, has grown considerably in recent years and that new genetic tests and other resources are available to help reduce the risk of inherited disorders.

Read more about the ways veterinarians can help reduce hereditary diseases in dogs at VetSurgeon.org.