Ocular morphologic traits in the American Cocker Spaniel may confer primary angle closure glaucoma susceptibility

Gender differences in canine anterior chamber dimensions: Potential implications for primary angle-closure glaucoma

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore anatomical differences in the aqueous humor (AH) outflow pathway between male and female dogs using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

ANIMALS STUDIED

Clinical data were collected from 30 eyes of 30 dogs (15 males: 10 right eyes, 5 left eyes; and 15 females: 7 right eyes, 8 left eyes) treated at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Chungbuk National University, South Korea, between August 2018 and February 2024.

PROCEDURE

The study conducted an in-depth UBM examination, specifically observing peripheral anterior chamber depth (ACD), geometric iridocorneal angle (ICA), and angle-opening distance (AOD) alongside measurements of ciliary cleft width (CCW), length (CCL), and area (CCA), and assessed the longitudinal fibers of ciliary muscle thickness (Lf-CMT) and the longitudinal and radial fibers of ciliary muscle thickness (LRf-CMT) for gender-based differences.

RESULTS

The study identified a significant sex difference in peripheral ACD, with females displaying shallower depths compared to males, potentially clarifying the higher incidence of glaucoma in female dogs. No significant gender differences were found in ICA, AOD, CC parameters, or ciliary muscle parameters measurements.

CONCLUSION

This research uncovered that peripheral ACD is significantly shallower in females than in males, potentially indicating a risk factor that could contribute to the development of primary angle-closure glaucoma.

Quantitative analysis of iridocorneal angle and ciliary cleft structures in canine eyes using ultrasound biomicroscopy

Introduction

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the relative opening of the ICA (RO-ICA) and the structure of the ciliary cleft (CC) using Ultrasound Biomicroscopy (UBM).

Materials and methods

Clinical data from 31 eyes of 17 dogs at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Chungbuk National University, Korea, were analyzed. RO-ICA was categorized as "Slightly Narrow", "Narrow", "Open", and "Wide Open", with eyes further grouped into "Narrow" (including Slightly Narrow and Narrow) and "Open" (including Open and Wide Open) for analysis. Statistical methods, including linear regression and average comparisons between groups, were employed to explore correlations between RO-ICA and parameters such as ICA, CC width (CCW), CC length (CCL), and CC area (CCA).

Results

The distribution showed "Narrow" (3 eyes, 9.7%), "Slightly Narrow" (13 eyes, 41.9%), and "Open" (14 eyes, 45.2%) as the predominant categories. In the Open group, CCL and CCA were significantly larger compared to the Narrow group. A positive correlation was observed between RO-ICA and CCL, and CCA across all groups. Notably, in the Narrow group, RO-ICA demonstrated a particularly significant positive correlation with all assessed parameters, including ICA, CCW, CCL, and CCA. However, no significant correlation was observed between RO-ICA and the assessed parameters in the Open group. In conclusion, while a smaller RO-ICA generally correlates with a smaller CC, a larger RO-ICA does not guarantee a larger CC.

Conclusion

Additional UBM examinations are recommended for comprehensive evaluations, particularly in cases where gonioscopy indicates an open iridocorneal angle.

Ethical Concerns about Fashionable Dog Breeding

The historical relationship between humans and dogs has involved selective breeding for various purposes, such as hunting, guarding, and service roles. However, over time, there has been a shift in preferences from functionality to aesthetics, which has influenced the diverse sizes, shapes, and coats of dog breeds. This review looks at fashionable dog breeding and questions the ethics of prioritising looks over health and behaviour. It aims to alert potential owners, breeders, and regulators to the importance of considering a dog's overall well-being, not just its appearance, which has resulted in fad breeding, leading to genetic disorders, health issues, and a loss of biodiversity. Ethical concerns arise from breeding brachycephalic breeds with respiratory conditions, inbreeding causing inherited disorders, and overbreeding popular breeds while shelter dogs remain unadopted. Additionally, the impact of cosmetic surgeries on popular dog breeds, as well as the neglect of behavioural traits in favour of physical characteristics and strict breeding practices are also considered. The current breeding model can have a negative impact on the emotional and cognitive well-being of dogs, resulting in issues such as aggression, anxiety, and other behavioural problems that can significantly reduce their overall quality of life. Unregulated breeding practices and the demand for rare breeds can lead to illegal breeding, compromising animal welfare. Prospective owners, veterinarians, kennel clubs, and legislators all need to play a responsible role in protecting animals.