RFG
Details
Dogs Australia (DA) has licensed the "Respiratory Function Grading" (RFG) scheme from the UK Kennel Club (KC). DA operates and administers the RFG Scheme supported by the University of Cambridge who have approved the assessment protocol for the scheme. The aim of the scheme is to detect the presence and severity of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome using a clinical assessment and exercise tolerance test.
The objectives of the scheme are as follows;
- To identify dogs at risk/subject to BOAS to allow for the best care and treatment for managing such conditions l To give the breeder/owner the best available information in terms of the appropriateness of using a dam/sire in a breeding programme
- To give other breeders the information resource of dogs affected and unaffected by BOAS to allow for the selection of the most suitable stock for breeding purposes
- To provide data and statistics in terms of BOAS to monitor the frequency and progress in the breed affected for ongoing research for the overall improvement of the relevant breeds
RFG scheme assessments on brachycephalic breeds other than Pugs, French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs
Grading has been fully validated in Pugs, French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs through the Respiratory Function Grading Scheme by Cambridge University. In these breeds the individual dog is assigned a grade of 0 (no evidence of BOAS), 1 (mild but not clinically significant BOAS), 2 (moderate BOAS) and 3 (marked BOAS). In brachycephalic breeds that are not Pugs, French Bulldogs or British Bulldogs (eg Boston terrier) work is ongoing at Cambridge University to fully validate the RFG grading system for each individual breed.
At this stage an RFG scheme assessment can be performed on brachycephalic breeds other than Pugs, French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs breeds but these other brachycephalic breeds can only be assigned either BOAS negative or BOAS positive grades. BOAS negative dogs are equivalent to grade 0 or 1 and BOAS positive dogs are equivalent to grade 2 or 3.
Latest statistics
Below is a table of results for dogs tested in the latest five years. This data is updated daily.
Grade definitions;
Grade 0
Your dog is clinically unaffected and is currently free of respiratory signs of BOAS. If your dog is under 2 years old we suggest they have an annual health check with their own vet, as BOAS can develop later in life.
Grade 1
Your dog is clinically unaffected but does have mild respiratory signs linked to BOAS. These signs do not affect their exercise performance. If your dog is under 2 years old we suggest they have an annual health check with their own vet, as BOAS can develop later in life.
Grade 2
Your dog is clinically affected (moderate) and has moderate respiratory signs of BOAS that should be monitored and may require veterinary treatment.
Grade 3
Your dog is clinically affected (severe) and has severe respiratory signs of BOAS and should be seen by your own vet for a thorough veterinary examination with treatment. We do not recommend that you breed from your dog. For more details please email: health@thekennelclub.org.uk
Links for vets
The links below are for vets who are performing RFG grading.
