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Lilja-Maula LIO, Mäki KH, Aromaa MK, Rajamäki MM. Evaluation of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome breeding test results in Finland from 2017 to 2022. Acta Vet Scand 2024; 66:35. [PMID: 39026339 PMCID: PMC11264736 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-024-00755-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), observed in many flat-faced dog breeds, is one of the most urgent welfare problems in pedigree dogs. Various breeding schemes against BOAS have been implemented in many countries during recent years, but their impact on breed health remains unknown. The BOAS breeding test, used by the Finnish Kennel Club (FKC), includes an exercise component with a recovery assessment, BOAS grading by a veterinarian that evaluates upper respiratory signs before and after exercise, and a nostril stenosis assessment. The aim of our study was to evaluate BOAS breeding test results and estimate the heritability of the BOAS grade using parent-offspring regression from FKC data collected during 2017-2022. RESULTS The majority (80%) of dogs (n = 957) participating in FKC BOAS testing were English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs. In 2022, 89-100% of the litters from these three breeds registered with the FKC had at least one parent tested for BOAS. The proportion of dogs failing the exercise test was highest in English Bulldogs (11%), followed by French Bulldogs (4%) and Pugs (3%). In these three breeds, moderate to severe BOAS signs were reported in 28%, 22% and 30% of dogs, respectively. The proportion of moderate to severe nostril stenosis was highest (71%) in Pugs, followed by French Bulldogs (55%), and English Bulldogs (40%). Estimates of heritability for BOAS grade were separately calculated for these three breeds and for all dogs, and the estimates were moderate to high, ranging from 0.39 to 0.58. CONCLUSIONS The exercise test alone did not sufficiently identify dogs with moderate to severe BOAS signs. To better consider the complex nature of BOAS and breed differences, exercise tolerance, the severity of upper respiratory signs (BOAS grade) and nostril stenosis should all be assessed together in breeding animals. The heritability estimates for veterinary-assessed BOAS grade indicated that BOAS grade could be used in selective breeding to obtain less-affected offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Iiris Onerva Lilja-Maula
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P. O. Box 57, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
- Finnish Kennel Club, Valimotie 17-19, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | - Mimma Kristiina Aromaa
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P. O. Box 57, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna Marjaana Rajamäki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P. O. Box 57, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
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Niinikoski I, Himanen S, Tenhunen M, Aromaa M, Lilja‐Maula L, Rajamäki MM. Evaluation of risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2024; 38:1135-1145. [PMID: 38358051 PMCID: PMC10937515 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.17019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brachycephalic dogs display sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The risk factors for SDB remain unknown. OBJECTIVES To identify risk factors for SDB. We hypothesized that brachycephaly, increasing severity of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), excess weight, and aging predispose to SDB. ANIMALS Sixty-three privately owned pet dogs were prospectively recruited: 28 brachycephalic and 35 normocephalic (mesaticephalic or dolicocephalic) dogs. METHODS Prospective observational cross-sectional study with convenience sampling. Recording with the neckband was done over 1 night at each dog's home. The primary outcome measure was the obstructive respiratory event index (OREI). Body condition score (BCS) was assessed, and BOAS severity was graded for brachycephalic dogs. RESULTS Brachycephaly was a significant risk factor for high OREI value (ratio of the geometric means 5.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.2-9.9; P < .001) but aging was not (1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2; P = .2). Excess weight, defined as a BCS of over 5/9, (3.5, 95% CI 1.8-6.7; P < .001) was a significant risk factor. In brachycephalic dogs, BOAS-positive class (moderate or severe BOAS signs) was a significant risk factor (2.5, 95% CI 1.1-5.6; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Brachycephaly decreases welfare in a multitude of ways, including disrupting sleep. Brachycephaly, increasing severity of BOAS and excess weight are risk factors for obstructive SDB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iida Niinikoski
- Department of Equine and Small Animal MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Sari‐Leena Himanen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health TechnologyTampere UniversityTampereFinland
- Department of Clinical NeurophysiologyTampere University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of PirkanmaaTampereFinland
| | - Mirja Tenhunen
- Department of Clinical NeurophysiologyTampere University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of PirkanmaaTampereFinland
- Department of Medical PhysicsTampere University Hospital, Wellbeing Services County of PirkanmaaTampereFinland
| | - Mimma Aromaa
- Department of Equine and Small Animal MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Liisa Lilja‐Maula
- Department of Equine and Small Animal MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Minna M. Rajamäki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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Türkcü JD, Meller S, Wiegel PS, Nolte I, Volk HA. Evaluation of the Submaximal Treadmill-Based Fitness Test in Six Brachycephalic Breeds-A Follow-Up Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3413. [PMID: 37958168 PMCID: PMC10648995 DOI: 10.3390/ani13213413] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in dogs challenges veterinary surgeons both with a complex clinical picture as well as wide-ranging ways to diagnose the disease, often not easily implemented nor standardised in clinical practice. The assessment of a combination of exercise testing, the occurrence of breathing noises, recovery time, and respiratory effort proved to be an appropriate method to identify Pugs with BOAS. The purpose of this study was to apply an established standardised, submaximal, treadmill-based fitness test for Pugs to other brachycephalic dog breeds. A total of 79 participants, belonging to 6 different brachycephalic breeds, trotted 15 min with an individual comfort speed of 3-7 km/h on a treadmill. Additionally, functional BOAS grading based on respiratory clinical signs before and after exercise was applied. The test was passed if the dogs presented with a BOAS grade of 0 or 1 and their vital parameters recovered to baseline within 15 min after exercise. A total of 68% showed a BOAS grade of 0 or 1 and passed the fitness test. Of the failed participants, 65% failed due to BOAS affectedness, 9% were categorised as not affected by BOAS and failed due to not passing the fitness test only, and 26% showed both failure criteria. The fitness test can be a useful method to identify BOAS-affected dogs in other brachycephalic breeds and to diagnose BOAS in dogs that only show clinical signs under exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Holger A. Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (J.D.T.); (S.M.); (P.S.W.); (I.N.)
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Ujfalussy DJ, Bognár Z, Molnár M, Miklósi Á, Kubinyi E. The difference between two brachycephalic and one mesocephalic dog breeds' problem-solving performance suggests evidence for paedomorphism in behaviour. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14284. [PMID: 37735533 PMCID: PMC10514333 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41229-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite serious health and longevity problems, small brachycephalic breeds are becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. Motivations for choosing short-nosed breeds have been extensively investigated in recent years; however, this issue has been addressed mainly by relying on owner reports, resulting in explanations of "cute looks", referring to the baby-schema phenomenon and "behaviour well suited for companionship". We aimed to compare the behaviour of two brachycephalic (English and French bulldogs) and one mesocephalic (Mudi) breed in a problem-solving context. The dogs were given the task of opening boxes containing food rewards. We investigated human-directed behaviour elements over success and latency (indicators of motivation and ability). We found that both English and French bulldogs were significantly less successful in solving the problem than mudis. Both brachycephalic breeds had longer opening latencies than the mesocephalic breed. Brachycephalic breeds oriented less at the problem box and more at humans present. In summary, the short-headed breeds were less successful but oriented much more toward humans than mesocephalic dogs. Owners might interpret these behaviours as "helplessness" and dependence. The results support the hypothesis that infant-like traits may be present not only in appearance but also in behaviour in brachycephalic breeds, eliciting caring behaviour in owners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorottya Júlia Ujfalussy
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary.
- MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
- ELTE-ELKH NAP Comparative Ethology Research Group, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Zsófia Bognár
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marianna Molnár
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Centre for Environmental Research, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Miklósi
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
| | - Enikő Kubinyi
- Department of Ethology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, Budapest, 1117, Hungary
- MTA-ELTE Lendület "Momentum" Companion Animal Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- ELTE NAP Canine Brain Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
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Aromaa M, Putro H, Lilja-Maula L, Rajamäki MM. Comparison of habitual physical activity in French Bulldogs, Pugs and normocephalic dogs by accelerometry. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e60. [PMID: 38487414 PMCID: PMC10936329 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a major welfare concern in flat-faced dog breeds. As BOAS causes respiratory difficulties and exercise intolerance, it can reduce dogs' daily quality of life (QOL). However, evaluation of QOL in dogs is difficult, and many owners perceive BOAS signs as 'normal' for the breed. Accelerometers that measure frequency, duration and intensity of activities can offer an objective way of evaluating dogs' daily activity and thereby deliver potential insights into QOL. The aim of this study was to assess habitual physical activity of 48 brachycephalic and 23 non-brachycephalic dogs using accelerometers. The accelerometers were used for one week and owners filled in a questionnaire regarding their dog's well-being and activities. Veterinary-assessed BOAS grading for brachycephalic dogs was determined. Compared with controls, more severely affected French Bulldogs and Pugs had significantly lower total activity counts and spent less time in high activity. In Pugs, mildly affected dogs were also less active, but age can be a contributing factor here, as older age decreased activity in Pugs and controls showed a wider age range. In French Bulldogs, those dogs with no or mild signs of BOAS did not differ from controls regarding their daily activity. In conclusion, accelerometers were easy to use for objective measurement of daily activity in bracycephalic dogs, although a degree of discomfort due to the collar was reported. Results showed that BOAS signs were associated with decreased habitual physical activity. These findings emphasise the importance of actions taken to reduce incidence of BOAS in brachycephalic breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimma Aromaa
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Heikki Putro
- Veterinary surgery Eläinlääkäriasema HauMau, Hietaniemenkatu 7, FI-00100 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liisa Lilja-Maula
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna M Rajamäki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 57, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
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Niinikoski I, Kouki S, Koho N, Aromaa M, Holopainen S, Laurila HP, Fastrès A, Clercx C, Lilja-Maula L, Rajamäki MM. Evaluation of VEGF-A and CCL2 in dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome or canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and in normocephalic dogs. Res Vet Sci 2022; 152:557-563. [PMID: 36183612 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.09.022] [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: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF) of West Highland White Terriers (WHWTs) often cause intermittent or chronic hypoxemia. Our objective was to evaluate serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) concentrations of hypoxemia-related proinflammatory mediators vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) in brachycephalic dogs (BDs) and WHWTs with and without CIPF. Additionally, effects of BOAS severity and ageing on these mediators were assessed. 114 BDs (28 English Bulldogs (EBs), 37 French Bulldogs, 49 Pugs), 16 WHWTs with CIPF, 26 healthy WHWTs, and 39 normocephalic control dogs were included. Fifty-four BDs were re-examined after two to three years. Bead-based immunoassay was used for proinflammatory mediator measurements. Compared with controls, significantly higher serum concentrations of VEGF-A were seen in EBs (P = 0.009) and of CCL2 in CIPF and healthy WHWTs (P < 0.001; P = 0.002). BALF samples were available from controls, EBs, and WHWTs. VEGF-A was significantly lower in EBs (P < 0.001) and in CIPF and healthy WHWTs (P = 0.006; P = 0.007) and CCL2 was higher in CIPF WHWTs (P = 0.01) compared with controls. Between visits, only serum VEGF-A significantly decreased in BDs (P < 0.001), but breed, BOAS severity, or its change had no significant effect. In conclusion, in EBs with BOAS proinflammatory changes in VEGF-A were detected in both serum and BALF. Ageing reduced serum VEGF-A in BDs. In WHWTs, our results confirmed earlier findings of CCL2 as an important biomarker for CIPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Niinikoski
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - S Kouki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - N Koho
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Aromaa
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Holopainen
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - H P Laurila
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Fastrès
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bd de Colonster 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - C Clercx
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Bd de Colonster 1, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - L Lilja-Maula
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - M M Rajamäki
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, P.O. Box 57, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland
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