07/01/2026
For all clients with any brachiocephalic breed this is an interesting opportunity to learn more about respiratory grading and have a free evaluation. We are not in charge of the conference but the society for Theriogenology is a fantastic organization. The conference is in Pittsburg so this might be too far for some people to drive.
If interested email Dr. Agnew and she can put you in touch with the organizer.
SFT will be hosting the Annual Therio Conference July 22–24 in Pittsburgh at the Sheraton Station Square. As part of the conference, we will be conducting our second OFA Respiratory Grading Certification Training Lab.
This wet lab provides veterinarians with hands-on training to evaluate brachycephalic breeds for respiratory function and certify them through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). The assessment is performed by a specially trained and approved veterinarian and includes four components:
Health survey – A brief questionnaire regarding the dog’s breathing history and any related concerns.
Resting physical examination – A brief exam while the dog is calm, including auscultation with a stethoscope gently positioned along the side of the neck. This establishes a baseline for the presence and severity of clinical signs associated with Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
Exercise assessment – A brisk three-minute walk designed to reveal clinical signs that may not be apparent while the dog is resting. This assessment is not intended to evaluate cardiovascular fitness.
Post-exercise auscultation – A second airway evaluation following exercise to compare findings with the pre-exercise baseline.
We are reaching out to local SFT members for assistance in identifying additional dogs who can participate in this important training lab.
Volunteer details:
Those interested in participating will be asked to fill out a short intake form providing some general health information about their dogs.
Date: Wednesday, July 22
Location: Sheraton Station Square, 300 West Station Square Drive, Pittsburgh, PA
Sessions: Morning session (7:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.) and afternoon session (12:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.)
Ideally, dogs would participate for the full day, but participation in one session is also welcome.
Breeds needed:
8–10 Pugs
8–10 English Bulldogs
Any number of the newly eligible breeds:
Affenpinscher
Boston Terrier
Boxer
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Chihuahua
Dogue de Bordeaux
Brussels Griffon
Japanese Chin
English Toy Spaniel
Maltese
Pekingese
Pomeranian
Shih Tzu
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Dogs must be over 12 months of age to receive an official OFA certification grade. Dogs younger than 12 months may participate in the training lab but will not be eligible for certification.
Owners are welcome to remain onsite during the session. If they prefer to drop off their dog, our veterinary volunteers will be available to safely manage the dogs throughout the training. Owners who stay onsite will receive a $25 gift card for the Sheraton restaurant. All participating dogs will receive an OFA respiratory grade as part of their participation.
SFT would greatly appreciate your help in identifying additional canine volunteers for this training opportunity. Please feel free to forward this information to any clients who may be interested.
Thank you very much for your assistance and support. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. And we will see you in Pittsburgh in a few weeks!