Attitudes of Finnish veterinarians about programs to control canine genetic diseases

A mailed questionnaire survey was performed amongst the members of the Finnish Veterinary Association in order to study veterinarians' knowledge of canine inherited diseases and the present screening and control programs in Finland. The purpose was also to study the veterinarians' attitudes about and compliance with such programs. Veterinarians estimated that their knowledge is quite poor--but they believed in their ability to influence other groups and to promote the programs. The present programs were considered to have a positive effect on the prevention of canine inherited diseases--but information directed to veterinarians and other key groups could give even better results. Inherited skeletal diseases were thought to be important to canine well-being; the importance of inherited ocular diseases was assessed to be lower.