Call for papers - Impact of extreme body conformations on the health and welfare of dogs and cats

Guest Editors

Nai-Chieh Liu, DVM, MPhil, PhD, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Rowena Packer, BSc (Hons), PhD, Royal Veterinary College, UK

Submission Status: Open | Submission Deadline: 25 November 2025

BMC Veterinary Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on the Impact of extreme body conformations on the health and welfare of dogs and cats.

This Collection aims to examine the health and welfare consequences of exaggerated physical traits in companion animals. The rise in extreme body conformations in pets, especially dogs and cats, has led to significant health complications like respiratory, dermatological, and musculoskeletal issues raising concerns among animal welfare advocates. Advances in veterinary medicine and genetics highlight the need for ethical breeding standards to improve animal welfare.

New Content Item This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being.

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Meet the Guest Editors

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Nai-Chieh Liu, DVM, MPhil, PhD, National Taiwan University, Taiwan

Dr Nai-Chieh Liu graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at National Taiwan University (NTU) and completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge. Her doctoral research focused on developing a non-invasive diagnostic test for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). This research has significantly impacted BOAS studies, including objective screening of BOAS, evaluation of surgical effectiveness, and identification of conformational risk factors. Dr Liu underwent a surgery residency, receiving training in general surgery at QVSH, followed by a clinical fellowship where she developed a strong interest in head and neck surgery. In 2022, she was appointed Assistant Professor at NTU, where she established the Small Animal Otolaryngology and Sleep Medicine Laboratory.

Rowena Packer, BSc (Hons), PhD, Royal Veterinary College, UK

Dr Packer graduated from the University of Bristol in 2009 with a BSc (Hons) in Animal Behavior and Welfare, earning a First Class degree and receiving both the UFAW Dissertation Award for the highest mark in her final year project and the University of Bristol Undergraduate Scholarship for the highest aggregate exam marks. She then joined the Royal Veterinary College as a PhD student from 2009 to 2013. Following her PhD, she held positions as a Postdoctoral Researcher from 2013 to 2016 and as a BBSRC Future Leader Research Fellow from 2017 to 2021. In 2020, she was appointed Lecturer in Companion Animal Behavior and Welfare Science, and in 2024, she was promoted to Senior Lecturer.

About the Collection

BMC Veterinary Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on the Impact of extreme body conformations on the health and welfare of dogs and cats.

The increasing popularity of extreme body conformations in companion animals, particularly dogs and cats, has raised significant concerns among veterinarians, breeders, and animal welfare advocates. Brachycephaly, dwarfism, bulging eyes, alopecia, and anury have become prevalent due to selective breeding practices aimed at enhancing specific aesthetic qualities. These conformations often result in a range of health issues, including respiratory difficulties, skin conditions, and mobility challenges, which can significantly affect the quality of life for these animals.

Addressing the health risks associated with extreme body conformations is essential for promoting responsible breeding practices and improving animal welfare. Recent advances in veterinary medicine and animal genetics have shed light on the consequences of selective breeding, prompting discussions around ethical breeding standards.

We invite submissions of original research articles, that explores topics including, but not limited to key areas of body conformations, including but not limited to:

Health disorders linked to extreme conformations
Welfare assessments in pets with exaggerated traits
Advances in genetic research and selective breeding
Public perceptions and ethical considerations in breeding
Strategies for promoting natural conformation in companion animals

This Collection aims to advance knowledge and shaping policies to support healthier and happier pets.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

There are currently no articles in this collection.

Submission Guidelines

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This Collection welcomes submission of original Research Articles. Should you wish to submit a different article type, please read our submission guidelines to confirm that type is accepted by the journal. Articles for this Collection should be submitted via our submission system, Snapp. During the submission process you will be asked whether you are submitting to a Collection, please select "Impact of extreme body conformations on the health and welfare of dogs and cats" from the dropdown menu.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.