ObjectivesThe aims of the study were to describe a technique for feline ala vestibuloplasty and report long-term postoperative outcomes in 27 brachycephalic (BC) cats.MethodsThe study was a retrospective, questionnaire-based study of owned, clinically affected BC cats (n = 27). Owners completed a single, two-part questionnaire regarding presence or absence, frequency or severity of clinical signs before and >6 months after ala vestibuloplasty. Questions regarding respiratory and gastrointestinal signs, sleep and activity-related behaviors, and ocular, aural and dental health before and after surgery comprised the questionnaire. Response options were scored and individual scores summed to give a total clinical severity score for each cat (range; 0-129). Relationships between clinical variables and outcome were evaluated by regression analysis. Thirteen cats in the cohort were also enrolled in a previous questionnaire-based study reporting real-time preoperative clinical signs. Owner responses regarding preoperative clinical signs gathered at that time and in the present study were compared to assess for recall bias.ResultsTwenty-five/27 (92.5%) cats sustained long-term clinical improvement a mean of 1190 days (range; 354-1802 days) following ala vestibuloplasty. Median clinical severity score improved from 48 preoperative to 17 postoperative (p<0.0001). Owners reported reduced frequencies of sneezing (p<0.0001), coughing (p=0.001), nasal discharge (p=0.0002), snoring (p<0.0001), open-mouth breathing (p=0.001), dyspnea (p=0.0001), difficulty eating (p=0.04), messy eating (p=0.01), dyspnea while eating (p=0.003), regurgitation (p=0.03), vomiting (p=0.03) and dyspnea during activity (p=0.007). Owners also reported increased frequency (p=0.0002) and duration (p=0.0004) of activity. Owners of cats enrolled in both studies recalled their cats' preoperative clinical signs as slightly more severe than originally reported.Conclusions and relevanceAla vestibuloplasty yields long-term clinical improvements in cats' respiratory, gastrointestinal, sleep, activity, aural and ocular signs. Ala vestibuloplasty should be considered for effective treatment of the described clinical signs of feline brachycephalic syndrome.

Radiographic tracheal comparison among American, English, and French bulldogs via the utilization of manubrium and thoracic inlet tracheal indices.

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to describe the clinical implications and surgical treatment of stenotic nares in brachycephalic cats using ala vestibuloplasty and to report the short- and long-term results perceived by veterinarians and owners.MethodsMedical records of cats admitted for stenotic nares between 2017 and 2025 were reviewed. Cats that were treated with ala vestibuloplasty were included. A preoperative questionnaire was also filled out retrospectively. A respiratory grade was assigned based on the severity of respiratory signs exhibited in all cats, both pre- and postoperatively. Long-term follow-up of more than 6 months was evaluated via phone calls and owner questionnaires.ResultsA total of 37 brachycephalic cats that underwent ala vestibuloplasty for stenotic nares treatment were included. Improvement in respiratory signs was observed in all cats postoperatively. The median preoperative respiratory score was 3 compared with 2 postoperatively. No major peri- or postoperative complications occurred in cats undergoing their first nasal surgery during the study period. According to owners, quality of life was improved in 83.8% of cats after surgery.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAla vestibuloplasty is a safe, feasible and effective procedure to address stenotic nares in brachycephalic cats. Age, sex and breed were not significant factors for the outcome. This technique is associated with a long-term improvement in respiratory signs and quality of life. It provided high owner satisfaction and represents a practical option for managing feline brachycephalic airway syndrome.

IntroductionBrachycephaly is characterized by a conspicuously shortened craniofacial structure. While it is a defining trait in certain species such as Bulldogs, Persian cats, Niata cattle, Anglo-Nubian goats, and Middle White pigs, it may also represent a pathological condition. In Duolang sheep, brachycephaly is strikingly pronounced and may arise from distinct genetic and developmental mechanisms linked to breed history. This condition, often accompanied by mandibular prognathism, predisposes affected animals to health problems including brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome, nasal blockage with dyspnea, and feeding difficulties. Duolang sheep, a dominant indigenous breed in southern Xinjiang, China, comprise approximately two million individuals, nearly 10% of which exhibit this heritable defect. Such a high prevalence poses a significant challenge to genetic improvement programs in local populations. Elucidating the genetic basis of this phenotype and identifying candidate genes is therefore essential.MethodsTo characterize the craniofacial phenotype, we obtained X-ray measurements of maxillary length, mandibular length, and incisor angle. Affected sheep displayed significantly shorter maxillae and longer mandibles compared with controls (p < 0.05), whereas incisor angle showed no significant difference. Here, we performed whole-genome resequencing of two phenotypically distinct Duolang sheep cohorts and analyzed genomic architecture and variation patterns using a selective sweep approach.ResultsCandidate regions under strong selection were identified by Fst and π-ratio analyses. Gene annotation revealed functionally relevant candidates associated with skeletal growth and development (MTX2, FGF12, IGF, PPARGC1A, LIPC, LY86, and IL33).DiscussionThese findings provide new insights into the genetic basis of brachycephaly in Duolang sheep and offer strategies for genetic improvement, contributing to broader research on skeletal development and growth regulation in livestock.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in 24-hour Holter electrocardiography parameters in French Bulldogs with nostril stenosis and elongated soft palate before and after corrective surgeries. Nine French Bulldogs diagnosed with brachycephalic syndrome (BOAS) were evaluated. Clinical evaluation involved a detailed anamnesis guided by literature-reported clinical signs, followed by a thorough physical examination of both general and respiratory health and a complete screening evaluation and 24-hour Holter electrocardiography. Also, dogs older than 6 years also underwent echocardiography. Assessments were conducted at two time points: initially (pre-surgery) and again between 6 and 12 months postoperatively. After evaluation, animals who were confirmed to have stenotic nares and elongated soft palates and deemed systemically healthy were approved for surgical correction. Examinations performed six months after the rhinoplasty and staphylectomy procedures indicated a persistent high parasympathetic predominance. This study reveals that, even after corrective surgeries for nostril stenosis and elongated soft palate, French Bulldogs with brachycephalic syndrome continue to exhibit a high degree of parasympathetic predominance, which is an important contribution to the limited body of research comparing pre- and post-operative 24-hour Holter electrocardiographic findings in this breed.

This study compared complication rates and owner satisfaction following enucleation versus evisceration with intraocular prosthesis (EIOP) in dogs. The aim was to increase knowledge of both procedures in the literature. We conducted a medical review of records for 138 dogs presented to the ophthalmology service of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal (Quebec) that underwent either enucleation from 2015 to 2022 or EIOP from 2008 to 2022. A survey of owner satisfaction conducted by email or telephone was done at the time of data collection, 4.1 ± 2.1 y (mean ± SD) post-enucleation and 11.8 ± 4.2 y post-EIOP. There was a difference in the complication rate between the 2 procedures, with EIOP much more prone to complications than enucleation (54.1 versus 15.3%; P < 0.001). No variable tested had a significant effect on the complication rate (age, size, sex, comorbidities, or brachycephalic syndrome). Further, the average duration of administration of topical medication after EIOP in this study (0.49 y) was much longer than intervals mentioned in the literature. The owner survey revealed similar levels of satisfaction regarding the postoperative outcomes of both procedures. Both procedures are viable options, but it is important to clearly communicate to the owner the complication risks and implications for providing extended postoperative care after EIOP. We concluded that EIOP can be a controversial procedure. Further, enucleation can produce a very satisfactory cosmetic result with a much-reduced postoperative burden.

The change in body temperature of 21 brachycephalic and 15 normocephalic dogs was recorded using a rectal temperature probe during a standardised 10-minute run on a treadmill and in the subsequent 10-minute recovery phase. While the basal body temperature of the two groups did not differ, the body temperature increase at all representative time points was significantly different (5 min: 0,39 ± 0,17°C vs 0,21 ± 0,12°C; 10 min: 0,59 ± 0,20°C vs 0,25 ± 0,13°C; 15 min: 0,52 ± 0,20°C vs 0,21 ± 0,14°C; 20 min: 0,44 ± 0,24°C vs 0,15 ± 0,15°C) and correlated with both the phenotypic head shape and radiologically measured skull indices. While the body temperature increased significantly faster in brachycephalic dogs than in normocephalic dogs during the treadmill phase, the dogs in both groups cooled down at the same rate during the recovery phase. We interpret the difference in temperature change as an insufficient response by brachycephalic dogs to physical exertion and postulate an alternative pathway in the pathophysiology of the brachycephalic upper airway syndrome (BOAS): the shortening of the nasal skull reduces the thermoregulatory surfaces of the nasal conchae. Physical exertion and high environmental temperatures lead to a sharp rise in body temperature, which is compensated for by increased breathing and panting. This leads to increased negative pressure in the upper airways, causing the soft tissues, such as the nasal entrance cartilage, soft palate and laryngeal pockets, to be sucked into the upper airways and triggering the typical BOAS symptoms.

Intra-rater reliability, expertise and justifications for the American society of anesthesiologists physical status classification in dogs.

Canine Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome impacts respiratory and hemodynamic physiological adaptations during pregnancy.

The respiratory consequences of brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS) are well known; however, brachycephalic dogs may also present with alimentary tract signs. The electronic medical records of 176 French bulldogs with BAOS were reviewed to classify the gastrointestinal endoscopic findings, and to evaluate the associations between clinicopathological data, endoscopic respiratory, and digestive findings. Dogs that did not undergo endoscopic examination of both airways and the upper digestive tract were excluded. The type and frequency of respiratory and digestive signs were assessed according to a previously described grading system, in addition to gastrointestinal histopathological findings. Video documentation was reviewed to assign a score to each gastrointestinal endoscopic finding (EGF) and to obtain a total EGF score. All dogs showed at least one EGF. The median total EGF score was 5 (range 1-9). A significant association between the score from digestive signs and the total EGF score was found. In addition, laryngeal granulomas were significantly associated with regurgitation. No associations were found between gastrointestinal histopathological findings and the scores from respiratory or digestive signs. Overall, gastrointestinal endoscopic findings and laryngeal granulomas are common among French bulldogs with BAOS. Therefore, a systematic endoscopic approach to alimentary signs is desirable to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Aim of our stud was to discover how different traits of brachycephalic dogs are connected to the frequency and number of their symptoms, and what are the consequences of these in making breeding strategies. 42 pugs and 19 French bulldogs were investigated during regular vet checks. We’ve recorded all symptoms connected to brachycephalic syndrome discoverable and registered in their anamnesis, by the help of veterinarians. Next to recording the dogs’ breed, sex, colour the following body measures were taken: length of the nose bridge, height at withers, and length of the topline. The ratio of all disease is much higher in our study than reported in a recent questionnaire study in Hungary, suggesting the need of objective control when trying to measure frequencies instead relying on dog owners. Non-recognized colour variants had shown late onset diseases significantly more frequently, enlightening how puppy mills work. However, eye defects appearing as a consequence of head conformation being more frequent in registered colours point on the effect of breeding determined by dog shows. Nose length being significantly longer in healthy dogs suggests, that this quantitative measure could be used in selection.

This study aimed to evaluate the pleural thickness, stiffness, and laryngeal stiffness in dogs clinically affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome using B-mode ultrasound and acoustic radiation force impulse elastography. Fifty-two brachycephalic pugs and French bulldogs, clinically classified as having brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) grades 0, I, II, and III, were included, and 15 mesocephalic beagle dogs were used as the control group (CO). All animals underwent B-mode ultrasonography and subsequent elastography of the pleura and arytenoid cartilage of the larynx. Brachycephalic dogs showed greater pleural thickness than the control group dogs (p = 0.008) and a trend toward lower pleural shear wave velocity was observed in brachycephalic dogs compared to CO (p = 0.18). The larynx shear wave velocity was similar between types of skull and BOAS grades (p = 0.80). Measurements of the pleural line thickness and pleural stiffness showed moderate capacity for diagnosing brachycephalic syndrome (p = 0.01, cut-off value of > 0.82 mm and p = 0.04, cutoff value 3.29 m/s). The results suggest a secondary change in inspiratory effort at the tissue level of the pleura in dogs clinically affected by BOAS, which can be identified by B-mode ultrasound and elastography methods; however, it was not possible to diagnose changes in the arytenoid cartilage.

ObjectiveTo describe the complication rate and outcomes of dogs undergoing multilevel airway surgery for brachycephalic airway syndrome (BOAS) with and without the addition of uni‐ or bilateral cuneiformectomy.Study designRetrospective study.AnimalsA total of 180 dogs undergoing BOAS surgery: 94 dogs undergoing modified multilevel surgery (non‐PC); 86 additionally undergoing cuneiformectomy (PC).MethodsCase records from the University of Cambridge and Animal Health Trust databases between 2014 and 2021 were analyzed including data on laryngeal collapse grade, respiratory functional grading scores, BOAS index, hospitalization length and complications.ResultsNeither the incidence risk of overall (non‐PC = 19.4%, PC = 16.3%, p = .758), nor major (non‐PC = 7.4%, PC = 11.6%, p = .482) complications differed between non‐PC and PC dogs. Median hospitalization duration (non‐PC = 1 day, PC = 1 day) did not differ between the two groups (p = .743). Both BOAS grade (median reduction = 1, p < .0001) and BOAS index (median reduction = 28.5%, p < .0001) reduced in dogs that underwent cuneiformectomy. Lower BCS was associated with increased postoperative complications (odds ratio = 0.452, p = .004) when preoperative BOAS grade and gender were controlled.ConclusionCuneiformectomy was not associated with a higher incidence risk of complications than multilevel BOAS surgery alone. Significant improvements in respiratory parameters were observed following cuneiformectomy in addition to multilevel airway surgery.Clinical significanceCuneiformectomy represents a safe and effective adjunctive technique to manage higher grade laryngeal collapse in dogs with BOAS.

PRESENTACIÓN DE REACCIÓN ALÉRGICA DURANTE UNA ANESTESIAEN UN CANINO DE RAZA BULLDOG FRANCÉS PARA CIRUGÍA DESÍNDROME DEL BRAQUICEFÁLICO. REPORTE DE UN CASO

Information on inflammatory laryngeal masses in dogs remains extremely limited. We aimed to describe the clinical and histopathological features and outcomes of five dogs with bilateral, movable inflammatory laryngeal masses. Stridor was a common clinical sign, followed by dysphonia and snoring, all of which were mild. The presence of movable masses was confirmed in all dogs through fluoroscopic or echolaryngographic evaluation. Laryngeal endoscopy identified two masses in each dog, consistent with everted laryngeal saccules. Surgical excision was performed in all dogs, and no recurrence was observed during a median follow-up of 13 months. Histopathological analysis revealed chronic laryngitis characterized by fibrosis, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, edema, and lymphangiectasia, consistent with findings reported in laryngeal saccules associated with brachycephalic airway syndrome in dogs.

ABSTRACT: Respiratory obstruction in brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) can lead to secondary gastrointestinal alterations. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the echogenicity of the stomach, duodenum, and jejunum in dogs affected by brachycephalic syndrome. The correlation of these findings with BOAS severity, hematological alterations, and signs of systemic inflammation was investigated. Fifty-two brachycephalic patients and 15 mesocephalic controls, aged between 1 and 8 years, underwent evaluation including hemogram, biochemical analysis, C-reactive protein, and B-mode ultrasonography of the gastrointestinal tract. Brachycephalic animals were categorized based on the severity of BOAS, and owners provided clinical data via questionnaire. In the quantitative analysis, eight regions of interest were defined within the mucosal layer of the stomach, duodenum, and jejunum, and the mean pixel values were quantified for each structure. Leukocyte count (p≤ 0.001), eosinophils (p = 0.002), monocytes (p &lt; 0.001), creatinine (p≤ 0.001) and total protein (p≤ 0.001) were higher in brachycephalic dogs than mesocephalic dogs. Hematological patterns showed mild leukocytosis, possibly indicating subclinical inflammation. Brachycephalic dogs exhibited elevated echogenicity in the duodenum and jejunum, measured in pixels (duodenum: 18.2 ± 11.3; jejunum: 25.6 ± 15.2), which was significantly higher than mesocephalic dogs (p&lt; 0.05; duodenum: 11.04 ± 4.3; jejunum: 9 ± 7), according to variance analysis. Brachycephalic dogs of grades 0, 1, and 2 exhibited higher values than controls and grade 3 dogs. In conclusion, quantitative ultrasonography reduces subjectivity and provides objective insights into gastrointestinal alterations in BOAS-affected dogs.

The brachiocephalic syndrome is characteristic of dogs and cats with short muzzles that often have breathing problems. The most common causes of respiratory disorders are stenosis of the nostrils, a protruding nasal fold, elongation and thickening of the soft palate, protrusion of the laryngeal sacs, etc. Brachiocephalic syndrome develops in short-faced dogs due to pathological changes in the structure of the upper and lower respiratory tract (collapse, malformation, various deformations). The degree of manifestation of symptoms can vary - from weak respiratory noises to suffocation and the development of acute hypoxia. The article presents the case history of a French bulldog dog, a female, with severe clinical signs of brachycephalic syndrome. In particular, there are pronounced signs of airway obstruction, digestive tract, spinal malformation, and reproductive tract deformation. The work aimed to comprehensively cover all manifestations of brachycephalic syndrome retrospectively, taking into account the dynamics of pathology manifestations, as well as the analysis and discussion of the effectiveness and results of treatment measures, both surgical and therapeutic. The results of clinical studies are described, and there is a vast arsenal of additional ones: laboratory and instrumental. In particular, the results of general and biochemical blood tests, coagulograms at different periods of the animal's life, the results of studies of the respiratory organs and the anterior digestive system, and individual bacteriological, computed tomography, resonance tomography, and histological studies are analyzed. It is shown that the first clinical manifestations of brachiocephalic syndrome are signs of airway obstruction, which gradually progress, starting from the act of feeding up to signs of sleep apnea, despite repeated surgical interventions (complex palatoplasty). The results of the musculoskeletal system study are indicated, demonstrating pronounced multiple pathologies of the spine (kyphosis, scoliosis, protrusions, degenerative-destructive changes in the intervertebral discs, syringomyelia). The results of postmortem histological studies of the gastric mucosa and duodenum are presented.

Abstract The aim of the present study is to evaluate pleural thickness and stiffness and the laryngeal stiffness in dogs clinically affected by brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome using B-mode ultrasound and acoustic radiation force impulse elastography. Fifty-two brachycephalic, pugs and French bulldog, clinically classified as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) grades 0, I, II and III were included and 15 mesocephalic beagle dogs used as a control group. All animals underwent B-mode ultrasound and subsequent elastography of the pleura and arytenoid cartilage of the larynx. Brachycephalic dogs showed greater pleural thickness over mesocephalic group (p = 0.04). Also showed lower pleural shear wave velocity than the mesocephalic group (p = 0.04), The larynx shear wave velocity was similar between types of skull and BOAS grades (p = 0.80). Measurements of pleural line thickness and pleural stiffness showed moderate capacity for diagnosing brachycephalic syndrome (p = 0.01, cut-off value of &gt; 0.82 mm and p = 0.04, cutoff value 3.29 m/s), with low sensitivity and good specificity. However, shear wave velocity measurements of the larynx were not statistically significant for the diagnosis of brachycephalic syndrome. The results suggest a secondary change to the inspiratory effort, at the tissue level of the pleura in dogs clinically affected by BOAS, which can be identified by B-mode ultrasound and elastography methods, but it was not possible to diagnose changes in the arytenoid cartilage.

Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS) is an anatomical abnormality of the upper airway commonly found in brachycephalic breeds, leading to clinical signs and physical capacity impairment. The degree of stenotic nares was reported to be related to BAOS severity in French bulldogs. This study aimed to compare clinical signs and physical capacity in French bulldogs before and after BAOS surgery using modified Roedler questionnaires and a 6-minute walk test (6-MWT). Twenty-seven French bulldogs were enrolled in this study (non-BAOS control (n=7), non-severe stenotic nares BAOS dogs (n=8), and severe stenotic nares BAOS dogs (n=12). BAOS surgery included staphylectomy using bipolar sealing device and vertical wedge alarplasty in all BAOS dogs. The non-severe and severe stenotic nares BAOS dogs before surgery had significantly higher overall BAOS severity scores assessed by owners using the questionnaire compared to the control dogs (vs 3(3.0-3.0) score, p<0.005) and their postoperative scores (17.5(15.25-19.0) vs 4.0(2.25-6.0) score; p=0.002 and 15.5(14.0-19.75) vs 6.0(5.0-6.0) score; p=0.01, respectively). The postoperative 6-MWT distances significantly increased in non-severe and severe stenotic nares BAOS dogs when compared with their preoperative walk distances (500.6±12.67 vs 408.5±15.25 meters; p=0.0003 and 509.8±9.16 vs 403.5±13.86 meters; p=0.0001, respectively). The 6-MWT distances did not show significant differences between non-severe and severe stenotic nares BAOS dogs both before and after surgery (p>0.05). However, the severe stenotic nares BAOS French bulldogs at resting state had significantly higher preoperative compared to postoperative heart rate (132±2.23 vs 120±2.17; p=0.0002) and respiratory rate (59.67±5.98 vs 42.0±4.45; p=0.003). Pain score after surgery was minimal, and no respiratory complications were found immediately after surgery and 4 weeks postoperatively. There were marked improvements in respiratory clinical grades and overall questionnaire scores after surgery in both BAOS groups. Walk distances significantly increased in both BAOS groups after surgery and were similar to the control dogs (p>0.05). In conclusion, short-term postoperative surgical outcomes and physical capacity were excellent in French bulldogs with and without severe stenotic nares assessed by owner's questionnaire scoring and 6-MWT in clinical settings. A quantitative assessment using 6-MWT as a noninvasive test was well-tolerated and feasible for monitoring exercise tolerance before and after BAOS treatment.

Brachycephalic breeds of dogs, most of which show signs of the brachycephalic syndrome may have greater parasympathetic stimulation than other breeds, leading to higher values of heart rate variability and vagal tone index. The aim of this study was to establish a computerized electrocardiographic study and an assessment of the vagus sympathetic balance through heart rate variability and vagal tone index of five brachycephalic breeds compared to mesocephalic dogs. Sixty dogs were used, divided into groups made up of Boxers, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Shih-Tzu and no defined breed mesocephalic dogs. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Shapiro-Wilk test, Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's test or ANOVA and Bonferroni (p<0.05). In the evaluation of vagal sympathetic balance among all the dogs, there was a negative correlation between heart rate and HRV 10RR (r = - 0.7678; p < 0.0001), HRV 20RR (r = - 0.8548, p < 0.0001) and VVTI (r = - 0.2770; p = 0.0321). It can therefore be concluded that the dog's breed and morphology did not alter its electrocardiographic parameters or heart rate variability. The vagal tone index, which in other studies differed in brachycephalic dogs, showed no difference when compared separately in brachycephalic breeds.