All About Brachycephalic Dogs

 

All About Brachycephalic Dogs

If you've never heard of brachycephalic dog breeds, you might think that the term refers to some type of canine disorder that you would like to avoid. But in reality, the term refers to a group of our most popular and beloved dog breeds. Here's everything you need to know about these adorable flat-faced creatures.

What kind of dogs are called brachycephalic?

The word brachycephalic literally means short-headed, as the American College of Veterinary Surgeons explains. This term refers to dog breeds with flat muzzles. Popular brachycephalic breeds include English and French Bulldogs, Bovine Mastiffs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pugs, Shih Tsu, Lhasso Apso, and Pekingese. The term can also be applied to mixed-breed dogs that have inherited this trait from their brachycephalic ancestors. Brachycephalic dogs tend to have muzzles so short that they look almost flat, which distinguishes them from other breeds, which are simply somewhat shortened.

Are there special health problems in brachycephalic dogs?

Although not all such dogs develop health problems, the shape of the nose and head of a brachycephalic dog puts them at risk of developing the so-called brachycephalic syndrome. This is what Dr. Sherrill Yuill of America's Veterinary Centers says. There are four main pathologies of the upper respiratory tract that can cause this condition, and a dog may have one or more of these pathologies.

These include:

• Stenosis (narrowing) of the nostrils. Small or narrow nostrils that can restrict the flow of air when breathing through the nose.
• Elongated soft palate (soft palate hyperplasia). The soft palate is a fold of mucous membranes on the top of the mouth that is too long and extends to the back of the throat, causing a blockage in the trachea.
• Collapse of the trachea. The airway or trachea is narrower in diameter than normal.
• Inversion of the laryngeal sacs. The laryngeal sacs are outgrowths of the mucous membrane located directly inside the dog's larynx. They can roll over or twist outward if the dog struggles to breathe through narrowed nostrils or an elongated soft palate. Although this pathology is usually caused by one of the disorders described above, it can lead to additional obstruction of the animal's airways.

Dogs with this syndrome usually snore loudly and breathe noisily. They may experience an increased urge to vomit or be prone to sneezing back or tracheal collapse. The gums or tongue can sometimes turn blue from lack of oxygen, and overexertion or agitation can lead to respiratory failure. Due to breathing difficulties, these dogs usually do not tolerate vigorous exercise and are more susceptible to overheating and heat stroke than others.

Because such conditions and their symptoms are exacerbated by obesity, treatment of overweight animals with brachyphalal syndrome is usually supplemented with a dietary diet for weight loss. Mild cases can usually be controlled by monitoring the dog's weight and level of exercise, avoiding exposure to excess heat and moisture, and reducing or avoiding stress. For the short-term treatment of exacerbations causing respiratory distress syndrome (respiratory distress), veterinarians may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and/or oxygenation in a hospital setting ("oxygen treatment"). In more severe cases, surgery may be required to improve the passage of air to the lungs.

Why did such dogs appear?

If flat-faced dogs are so prone to health problems, why are they so popular? And how did they become so popular?

The study, published in PLOS One, offers two theories. One suggests that some breeds, such as the English Bulldog, have been selectively bred to develop this particular trait in order to enhance their fighting qualities. Short muzzles were thought to form stronger jaws, giving dogs an edge in fighting and hunting. Another theory is that in ancient times, pet owners tended to choose and breed smaller dogs with short snouts because the shape of their heads somewhat reminded them of children.

As for why these breeds are not losing popularity despite their inherent health risks, first of all, they are just super cute. Secondly, these breeds have their own characteristics that make them attractive to dog lovers. Considering the big picture, solving health problems in these breeds is a small price to pay for such a wonderful companion. However, there are organizations around the world that are working to end the breeding of brachycephalic dogs. Such as bulldogs due to the hereditary health risks associated with their short snouts. Those who practice this type of breed, including veterinarians, are concerned about the general health and quality of life of these animals. Because of the increased risk of breathing problems in brachycephalic dogs, organizations that oppose breeding them feel that it is unfair to breed them just because of their appearance, which could ultimately affect their overall health.

Therefore, if you are considering taking a flat-faced dog, be sure to check with your veterinarian on how best to care for your pet. With proper care and regular check-ups by a veterinarian, they can live a long and happy life. Remember that while dogs are great companions, it is the owner who is responsible for keeping them healthy and happy.