Incidence patterns of orofacial clefts in purebred dogs.

Nicholas Roman,Patrick C. Carney,Santiago Peralta,Nadine Fiani,Simon Russell Clegg

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0224574

Abstract

Cleft lip (CL), cleft palate (CP) and cleft lip and palate (CLP) are the most common types of orofacial clefts in dogs. Orofacial clefts in dogs are clinically relevant because of the associated morbidity and high newborn mortality rate and are of interest as comparative models of disease. However, the incidence of CL, CP and CLP has not been investigated in purebred dogs, and the financial impact on breeders is unknown. The aims of this study were to document the incidence patterns of CL, CP and CLP in different breeds of dogs, determine whether defect phenotype is associated with skull type, genetic cluster and geographic location, and estimate the financial impact in breeding programs in the United States by means of an anonymous online survey. A total of 228 orofacial clefts were reported among 7,429 puppies whelped in the 12 preceding months. Breeds in the mastiff/terrier genetic cluster and brachycephalic breeds were predisposed to orofacial clefts. Certain breeds in the ancient genetic cluster were at increased odds of orofacial clefts. Male purebred dogs were at increased odds of CPs. Results confirm that brachycephalic breeds are overrepresented among cases of orofacial clefts. Furthermore, geographic region appeared to be a relevant risk factor and orofacial clefts represented a considerable financial loss to breeders. Improved understanding of the epidemiology of orofacial clefts (frequency, causes, predictors and risk factors) may help in identifying ways to minimize their occurrence. Information gained may potentially help veterinarians and researchers to diagnose, treat and prevent orofacial clefts.

Highlights

Orofacial clefts are abnormal fissures of oral or facial structures that occur due to incomplete fusion of tissues during embryonic development and have been described in multiple mammalian species, including dogs
A total of 22 respondents indicated that the puppies affected with orofacial clefts had other congenital abnormalities present, and these data were excluded from further analysis
Of 151 respondents who answered the question about how their animals were diagnosed with an orofacial cleft, clefts were diagnosed by a veterinarian in 104 (68.9%) cases and by the owner in 29 (19.2%) cases

Summary

Introduction

Orofacial clefts are abnormal fissures of oral or facial structures that occur due to incomplete fusion of tissues during embryonic development and have been described in multiple mammalian species, including dogs. Orofacial clefts in dogs are of major clinical relevance because of the associated morbidity and high newborn mortality rate due to aspiration pneumonia, failure to thrive or euthanasia [1,2,3,4,5]. Orofacial clefts in dogs are of comparative and translational research interest as they represent useful models of analogous disease in humans [6,7,8].

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