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O'Neill DG, Williams A, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, Hedley J. Conformation-associated health in pet rabbits in the UK: A VetCompass cohort study. Vet Rec 2024:e4396. [PMID: 38978404 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.4396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Domestic rabbit breeds vary substantially from the wild rabbit body type. However, little is known about how the conformation of pet rabbits influences their health. METHODS Data were extracted from VetCompass anonymised clinical records of rabbits under UK primary veterinary care during 2019. RESULTS The study included 162,107 rabbits. Based on 88,693 rabbits with relevant breed information recorded, skull shape was classified as brachycephalic (79.69%), mesaticephalic (16.80%) and dolichocephalic (3.51%). Based on 83,821 rabbits with relevant breed information recorded, ear carriage was classified as lop-eared (57.05%) and erect-eared (42.95%). From a random sample of 3933 rabbits, the most prevalent disorders recorded overall were overgrown nail(s) (28.19%), overgrown molar(s) (14.90%) and obesity (8.82%). Compared to those with a mesaticephalic skull shape, brachycephalic rabbits had lower odds of obesity, anorexia and gastrointestinal stasis and higher odds of perineal faecal impaction, tear duct abnormality and haircoat disorder. Compared to erect-eared rabbits, lop-eared rabbits had higher odds of perineal faecal impaction and tear duct abnormality. LIMITATION A large proportion of records with incomplete breed information hindered full analysis for breed-related and conformation-related attributes. CONCLUSION Limited evidence for major links between skull shape or ear carriage conformations and overall disorder risk suggests that factors such as husbandry or even just living life as a domesticated species may be bigger drivers of common health issues in pet rabbits in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan G O'Neill
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Abbie Williams
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Dave C Brodbelt
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - David B Church
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Joanna Hedley
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
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Åsbjer E, Hedhammar Å, Engdahl K. Awareness, experiences, and opinions by owners, breeders, show judges, and veterinarians on canine Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Canine Med Genet 2024; 11:3. [PMID: 38459530 PMCID: PMC10924362 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-024-00137-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exaggerated brachycephalic features have been highlighted over the last decade by their profound effect on the health and welfare of the affected dogs. The term brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) was launched in the early 2000s and has received worldwide attention and awareness. At the same time, the popularity of brachycephalic dogs increased. This study aimed to reveal the awareness and experiences of health issues related to the physical appearance of brachycephalic breeds and compare perceptions and opinions on how to counteract these issues by various stakeholders (dog owners, veterinarians, dog breeders, and show judges) by performing an online survey. RESULTS Altogether, 1602 owners, 1551 breeders, 118 show judges, and 557 veterinarians participated. Awareness and experiences of conformation-related health issues were common among all stakeholder groups. Most participants agreed fully or partly that health issues related to conformity threaten the health of brachycephalic breeds; that the measures taken so far are positive; and that guidelines on the appearance of a dog should be based on knowledge regarding health issues related to physical appearance. A disagreement was noted on further measures to be taken and the importance of adhering to a breed standard. CONCLUSIONS All stakeholders were aware of health issues related to the appearance of brachycephalic dogs, but had variable personal experiences of these issues. Most participants agreed fully or partly that health issues related to conformity threaten the health of brachycephalic breeds, and that attention to these issues and measures taken so far are positive. However, there is a disagreement on further actions to be taken and the importance of adhering to a breed standard. These findings could be used to understand and bridge the gap in opinions between stakeholders and to refine methods to influence the health of dogs with exaggerated brachycephalic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elina Åsbjer
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish Centre for Animal Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Åke Hedhammar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Small Animal Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karolina Engdahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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Menor-Campos DJ. Ethical Concerns about Fashionable Dog Breeding. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:756. [PMID: 38473141 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Menor-Campos
- Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14005 Córdoba, Spain
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Dale F, Brodbelt DC, West G, Church DB, Lee YH, O'Neill DG. Demography, common disorders and mortality of Shih Tzu dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. Canine Med Genet 2024; 11:2. [PMID: 38263229 PMCID: PMC10807147 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-023-00135-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shih Tzus are a popular dog breed in the UK although there is relatively little reported information on their health. This study aimed to characterise the demography, common disorders and mortality of Shih Tzus under primary veterinary care during 2016 in the UK using de-identified clinical records from the VetCompass™ Programme. RESULTS The study population of 336,865 dogs under veterinary care during 2016 included 11,082 Shih Tzus (3.3%). The median age was 4.1 years (IQR: 2.1-7.1, range: 0.3-20.4) and mean adult bodyweight was 7.9 kg (SD: 1.9 kg). Annual proportional births increased from 2.2% of all dog births in 2005 to 3.8% in 2013, dropping to 3.3% by 2016. From a random subset of 2,423 Shih Tzus that had information extracted on disorders diagnosed during 2016, the most prevalent fine-level precision disorders were periodontal disease (n = 229, prevalence 9.5%, 95% CI: 8.4-10.7), anal sac impaction (180, 7.4%, 95% CI: 6.5-8.5) and ear disorders (134, 5.5%, 95% CI: 4.7-6.5). The most prevalent grouped-level precision disorders were cutaneous (n = 402, prevalence: 16.6%, 95% CI: 15.2-18.1), dental (322, 13.3%, 95% CI: 12.0-14.7), and ophthalmological (289, 11.9%, 95% CI: 10.7-13.3). Males were more likely than females to be diagnosed with skin disorders (P = 0.007) and musculoskeletal disorders (P = 0.010) while females were more likely than males to be diagnosed with hernias (P = 0.005). The median age of death was 12.7 years (IQR 8.7-14.3, range 2.0-19.9) and did not differ statistically between males and females. The most common grouped causes of death were enteropathy (7.9%, 95% CI: 3.9-15.4), heart disease (7.9%, 95% CI: 3.9-15.4) and poor quality of life (7.9%, 95% CI: 3.9-15.4). CONCLUSIONS Periodontal disease, anal sac impaction and ear disorders were identified as common health issues. Shih Tzus had higher prevalence of anal sac impaction, umbilical hernias and eye problems than reported previously in dogs overall, suggesting potential predispositions. Shih Tzus appear to be relatively long-lived compared to previous reports of lifespan in dogs overall. The results can inform veterinarians and owners on priority disorders for monitoring to protect welfare. Oral hygiene was highlighted as a healthcare priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Dale
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK.
| | - Dave C Brodbelt
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - Gabriella West
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - David B Church
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - Yan Hui Lee
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - Dan G O'Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hawkshead Lane, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
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Engdahl KS, Brodbelt DC, Cameron C, Church DB, O'Neill DG. English Cocker Spaniels under primary veterinary care in the UK: disorder predispositions and protections. Canine Med Genet 2024; 11:1. [PMID: 38233914 PMCID: PMC10795400 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-023-00136-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The English Cocker Spaniel (ECS) is one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK but information on disorder predisposition and protection is limited. Using anonymised veterinary clinical data from the VetCompass™ Programme, this study aimed to compare disorder predisposition and protection between the ECS and the remaining dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK during 2016. Electronic patient records for random samples of ECS and non-ECS were reviewed. The most common disorders diagnosed during 2016 were extracted and compared using multivariable logistic regression, controlling for confounders. RESULTS The analysis included random samples of 2510/10,313 (24.3%) ECS and 7813/326,552 (2.39%) non-ECS. After accounting for confounding by age, sex, bodyweight within breed-sex, insurance status and veterinary practice group, the ECS had increased odds of 21/43 (48.85%) disorders at fine-level precision, with highest odds for aural discharge (odds ratio (OR) 14.66, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.73-30.90, P < 0.001) and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (OR 7.64, 95% CI: 4.33-14.14, P < 0.001) and lowest odds for atopic dermatitis (OR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05-0.31, P < 0.001) and allergy (OR 0.14, 95% CI: 0.06-0.28, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence for strong predisposition to aural and ocular disorders and protection from hypersensitivity disorders in the ECS. These results can aid dog owners, breeders, and veterinarians to better monitor health in ECS, and promote earlier diagnosis with improved prognosis. Further, the results can help breeding organisations establish key priorities the health-based reforms of the ECS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina S Engdahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Dave C Brodbelt
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Carla Cameron
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - David B Church
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
| | - Dan G O'Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK
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O'Neill DG, McMillan KM, Church DB, Brodbelt DC. Dog breeds and conformations in the UK in 2019: VetCompass canine demography and some consequent welfare implications. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288081. [PMID: 37494312 PMCID: PMC10370710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Growing concerns over health and welfare impacts from extreme phenotypes in dogs have created an urgent need for reliable demographic information on the national breed structures of dogs. METHODS This study included all dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK during 2019 at practices participating in VetCompass. Demographic data on these dogs were analysed to report on the frequency of common breeds and also to report on conformation, bodyweight, sex and neuter associations with these breeds. RESULTS The study included 2,237,105 dogs under UK veterinary care in 2019. Overall, 69.4% (n = 1,551,462) were classified as purebred, 6.7% (149,308) as designer-crossbred and 24.0% (536,335) as nondesigner-crossbred. Across 800 unique breed names, the most frequent breeds at any age were nondesigner-crossbred (n = 536,335, 24.0%), Labrador Retriever (154,222, 6.9%) and Jack Russell Terrier (101,294, 4.5%). Among 229,624 (10.3%) dogs aged under one year, the most frequent breeds were nondesigner-crossbred (n = 45,995, 20.0%), French Bulldog (16,036, 7.0%) and Cockapoo (14,321, 6.2%). Overall, based on breed characteristics, 17.6% (395,739) were classified as brachycephalic, 43.1% (969,403) as mesaticephalic and 8.3% (186,320) as dolichocephalic. Of 1,551,336 dogs that were classifiable based on breed, 52.6% (815,673) were chondrodystrophic. Of 1,462,925 dogs that were classifiable, there were 54.6% (n = 798,426) short haired, 32.6% (476,883) medium haired and 12.8% (186,934) long haired. Of 1,547,653 dogs that were classifiable for ear carriage, 24.5% (n = 379,581) were erect, 28.1% (434,273) were semi-erect, 19.7% (305,475) were v-shaped drop and 27.7% (428,324) were pendulous. Overall, there was a 1.09:1.00 ratio of male (n = 1,163,512; 52.2%) to female dogs (n = 1,067,552; 47.8%). CONCLUSIONS Health and welfare issues linked to popular breeds with extreme phenotypes suggest that there is much work to do to help owners to make more welfare-friendly decisions when choosing which type of dog to own.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan G O'Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Kirsten M McMillan
- DataSEA (Science, Engineering & Analytics), Research Team, Strategy & Transformation, Dogs Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - David B Church
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Dave C Brodbelt
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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Hobi S, Barrs VR, Bęczkowski PM. Dermatological Problems of Brachycephalic Dogs. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2016. [PMID: 37370526 DOI: 10.3390/ani13122016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachycephalic dogs are not only affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), but are also frequently referred to veterinary dermatologists for skin conditions, with English bulldogs and pugs particularly over-represented. Some skin diseases, such as skin fold dermatitis, are directly associated with the abnormal anatomic conformation of brachycephalic dogs, while for others, such as atopic dermatitis and viral pigmented plaques, there is an underlying genetic basis or a general predisposition. Anatomic alterations associated with brachycephaly, leading to fold formation of the skin and stenosis of the ear canal, together with primary immunodeficiencies described in some breeds, favor the development of pyoderma, Malassezia dermatitis, and otitis externa/media. In addition, the frequently neglected but often lifelong dermatological problems of brachycephalic dogs are an important consideration when discussing genetic and medical conditions affecting the welfare of those dogs. Here we review the current state of knowledge concerning dermatological problems in brachycephalic dogs and combine it with clinical experience in the management of these challenging disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Hobi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vanessa R Barrs
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Paweł M Bęczkowski
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Debes C, Wowra J, Manzoor S, Ruple A. Predicting health outcomes in dogs using insurance claims data. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9122. [PMID: 37277409 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36023-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this paper we propose a machine learning-based approach to predict a multitude of insurance claim categories related to canine diseases. We introduce several machine learning approaches that are evaluated on a pet insurance dataset consisting of 785,565 dogs from the US and Canada whose insurance claims have been recorded over 17 years. 270,203 dogs with a long insurance tenure were used to train a model while the inference is applicable to all dogs in the dataset. Through this analysis we demonstrate that with this richness of data, supported by the right feature engineering, and machine learning approaches, 45 disease categories can be predicted with high accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Audrey Ruple
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA
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9
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O'Neill DG, Skipper AM, Barrett K, Church DB, Packer RMA, Brodbelt DC. Demography, common disorders and mortality of Boxer dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK. Canine Med Genet 2023; 10:6. [PMID: 37259166 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-023-00129-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Boxer is a popular dog breed with a distinctive appearance. However, the breed has been linked with several health conditions, some of which have been associated with its moderately brachycephalic conformation and its white colouration. Anonymised primary-care veterinary clinical records were explored to extract data on the demography, common disorders and mortality of Boxers in the UK in 2016. RESULTS The study population of 336,865 dogs included 3,219 (0.96%) Boxers, of which 10.71% were recorded as white. The mean adult bodyweight was 30.43 kg (SD 5.73 kg). Annual disorder counts did not differ statistically between the sexes or between white and non-white Boxers. The most prevalent fine-level precision disorders were otitis externa (n = 230, 7.15%), epulis (188, 5.84%), corneal ulceration (161, 5.00%) and periodontal disease (149, 4.63%). Of the 34 most common fine-level disorders, none differed in prevalence between white and non-white dogs. The most prevalent disorder groups were skin disorder (n = 571, 17.74%), neoplasia (457, 14.20%) and ear disorder (335, 10.41%). White Boxers had higher prevalence than non-white Boxers for two disorder groups: dental disorder and brain disorder. The median longevity of 346 Boxers that died during the study was 10.46 years (IQR 9.00-11.98, range 2.76-18.00). Median longevity did not differ statistically between the sexes or between white and non-white Boxers. The most common grouped causes of death were death - unrecorded cause (n = 73, 21.10%), neoplasia (43, 12.43%) and brain disorder (33, 9.54%). CONCLUSIONS There was minimal evidence of substantial health differences between white and non-white Boxers. Among the four most common disorders recorded in Boxers, two were typically common across all types of dogs (otitis externa and periodontal disease) while two suggested strong predispositions for the Boxer breed (epulis and corneal ulceration), showing the value of eliciting breed-specific disorder patterns for insights for potential health reforms. The overall longevity of Boxer dogs was consistent with other breeds of similar body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan G O'Neill
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK.
| | - Alison M Skipper
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - Kate Barrett
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - David B Church
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - Rowena M A Packer
- Clinical Science and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
| | - Dave C Brodbelt
- Pathobiology and Population Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, Herts, UK
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10
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Banks C, Beever L, Kaye B, Foo M, Ter Haar G, Rutherford L. Influence of extreme brachycephalic conformation on perioperative complications associated with total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy in 242 dogs (2010-2020). Vet Surg 2023. [PMID: 37128636 DOI: 10.1111/vsu.13964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of extreme brachycephalic conformation on presenting signs, imaging findings, intraoperative and perioperative complications following total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy (TECA-LBO). STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional retrospective study. ANIMALS A total of 306 (n = 242 dogs) TECA-LBOs (extreme brachycephalic breeds [EBB] = 81, other breeds [OB] = 225). METHODS Medical records of patients undergoing TECA-LBO at a single referral institution (2010-2022) were evaluated. RESULTS Extreme brachycephalic breeds most commonly presented acutely, at a younger age with oto-neurological signs (46/81, 56.8%). Chronic otitis externa without neurological signs (171/225, 76.0%) was most common in OBs. Extreme brachycephalic breeds preoperatively presented more frequently with facial nerve paresis (p = .001), vestibular syndrome (p = .001), and Horner's syndrome (p = .002) compared to OBs. On diagnostic imaging, bilateral changes (p = .038), aural masses (p = .045), para-aural abscesses (p = .011), otitis interna (p = .001), and brainstem changes (p = .001) were more common in EBBs. The apparent difference in intraoperative complication rate between EBBs (9/81, 11.1%) and OBs (12/225, 5.3%) did not reach statistical significance (p = .078). Perioperative complications occurred in 85/306 (27.8%) of TECA-LBOs with no difference in perioperative complication rate between EBBs (19/81, 23.5%) and OBs (66/225, 29.3%) (p = .586). CONCLUSION Extreme brachycephalic breeds are more likely to present for TECA-LBO acutely, with neurological signs and more advanced diagnostic imaging abnormalities. Intra- and perioperative complication rates did not differ between EBBs and OBs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Despite being subjectively more technically challenging, TECA-LBO did not result in more surgical complications in EBBs. Reported data are useful for effectively informing clients of the specific risks of TECA-LBO surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Banks
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Lee Beever
- Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Benjamin Kaye
- Southpaws Speciality and Referral Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Merianna Foo
- Southpaws Speciality and Referral Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gert Ter Haar
- Anicura Specialistische Dierenkliniek Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lynda Rutherford
- Department of Clinical Science and Services, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
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11
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Bonnett BN. Brachycephalics: 'Once a problem is seen it cannot be unseen'. Canine Med Genet 2023; 10:3. [PMID: 37029399 PMCID: PMC10080771 DOI: 10.1186/s40575-023-00126-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
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12
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Samuel S, Harris D, Alves M, Martins D, Simper C. 'Cancelling' brachycephalics risks their welfare. Vet Rec 2022; 191:126. [PMID: 35929715 DOI: 10.1002/vetr.2108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susie Samuel
- Vets Digital, Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PT
| | - David Harris
- Vets Digital, Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PT
| | - Marcelo Alves
- Vets Digital, Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PT
| | - Daniela Martins
- Vets Digital, Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PT
| | - Claire Simper
- Vets Digital, Wey Court West, Union Road, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7PT
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