The Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA) recently announced the recipient of the Didier-Noël Carlotti Award for 2023. The annual award recognizes remarkable individuals who have made notable contributions to the field of veterinary medicine and is named in honor of Didier-Noeëll Carlotti, a veterinary surgeon who initiated FECAVA and served as its first President for four years.
Dr. Jane Ladlow, MA VetMB CertVR CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS, was honored with the 2023 award after being nominated by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) for her trailblazing work on brachycephalic dog health and dedicated efforts to increase awareness. Dr. Ladlow is renown for her expertise in veterinary surgery and is a University Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery at the University of Cambridge. Significant advancements have been made in veterinary science due to her research, which focused on brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
As French Bulldog owners well know, BOAS is a breathing issue that impacts many members of the breed. The health of brachycephalic dogs has long been subject to debate among veterinarians, with Dr. Ladlow advocating the promotion of healthy examples of brachycephalic breeds and encouraging dog owners to seek veterinary advice.
Dr Ladlow’s research involved the objective assessment of airway function and the development of effective surgical strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of brachycephalic canine companions. This research led to one of her most notable contributions to the field: Respiratory function scoring for brachycephalic dogs.
Dr. Ladlow began her research in 2019, with her work resulting in the establishment of a national scheme in the UK that provides independent, veterinary-led respiratory function scoring. Brachycephalic dog owners will be pleased to hear the data obtained through the scheme offers valuable insights into the scope and severity of respiratory issues in brachycephalic breeds.
The data further empowers veterinarians and breeders to undertake proactive measures to improve the overall health of these popular breeds.
The dedication and research efforts of Dr. Ladlow have had a valuable impact, both in the UK and globally, due to her continued efforts to promote brachycephalic dog health through her work. Her numerous publications highlight her extensive expertise and ongoing passion for raising the standard of care for companion animals and promoting improvements in veterinary science.
FECAVA and BSAVA will celebrate and congratulate Dr. Ladlow on her achievements at the joint WSAVA/FECAVA Congress in Lisbon, Portugal, on 27-29 September 2023.
