I brachycephalic dogsalso called pug-nosed dogsare specimens with very particular conformations.
In this article, we look specifically what does brachycephaly mean?the problems related to this disorder, the causes, how to take care of a brachycephalic specimen and what are the dog breeds suffering from this disorder.
Brachycephalic dog: meaning
The etymology of the word “brachycephalic” takes us back to the Greek: brachys (short, brief) e picture-perfect (head). This word refers, in fact, to an anomaly in the proportions of the skull which gives the head one squashed shape.
This term describes short muzzle and flattened face of many dog breeds, and is caused by genetic mutations which change the way the bones of the skull grow, resulting in a shorter and broader head shape.
In brachycephalic dogs the head is nearly round and the face is crushed, which predisposes these specimens to different types of problems. Let’s see specifically.
The dangers in which brachycephalic dogs incur
Brachycephalic dogs, with flat muzzles and a flattened back of the head, regularly suffer from serious health problems, particularly breathing problems e all’digestive system.
Here are the most common problems these specimens run into:
- Airway obstruction which can lead to tracheal collapse.
- Stenosis of the nostrils which can interfere with breathing.
- Soft palate hypertrophy (part of the palate located at the back of the throat).
- Laryngeal ventricular eversion: they are two portions of skin at the entrance to the larynx which can partially obstruct the entrance to the trachea.
Other conditions such as paralysis oredema of the larynx and thetracheal hypoplasia are to be associated with this conformation.
In the digestive tract you may have:
- Chronic inflammation of the esophagus and of the stomach walls (oesophagitis and gastritis).
- Pyloric stenosis (malformation of the narrowest end of the stomach).
If you own a brachycephalic dog breed you may experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing (leading the dog snoring while sleeping).
- Difficulty making efforts.
- Excessive tearing.
- Syncope with loss of consciousness.
- Regurgitation.
Symptoms of brachycephaly in dogs are due to two triggering causes: the first is congenital (linked to the structure of the dog) and the second is one consequence of its anatomy which can be subject to inflammation and therefore lead to other problems.
Causes of canine brachycephaly
Brachycephalic syndrome, also called upper airway obstructive syndrome was born because of selection of dog breeds by man.
in these specimens the human being has privileged the aesthetics of the animal (dog and cat) with respect to one of the primary functions which is to breathe.
How to best care for a brachycephalic dog?
To take care of a brachycephalic dog in the best possible way, several factors must be taken into account:
- The physical exercise. Such specimens cannot make great efforts.
- Weight. An overweight specimen increases the risks of respirators already present.
- The temperature. They can’t stand the heat and are more prone to heatstroke.
- The power supply. Brachycephalic dogs often have trouble swallowing.
We need to be clear on one point: not all brachycephalic dogs suffer from the same problems. Some specimens breathe with difficulty, others only noisily or still suffer from cough, nausea… in short, the symptoms related to the brachycephalic conformation in the dog we mentioned earlier could present themselves individually in a specimen.
Brachycephalic syndrome in dogs: what to do?
To verify the importance of the problems related to the brachycephalic syndrome in dogs, theendoscopy (analysis of the internal cavities using a special instrument that allows to analyze, in this case, the larynx).
Depending on the specific disorder of the brachycephaly case it is possible to practice various surgeries. It is necessary seek advice from a veterinarian to understand which type of intervention is most suitable for our four-legged friend.
As a rule, one can run a rhinoplasty (to widen the nostrils and thus promote the flow of air) or a palate plastic to reduce the size of the elongated soft palate. In both cases, preference is given tolaser surgery which is less invasive and with a shorter recovery period.
Can brachycephalic dogs fly?
There are no specific restrictions for these specimens with particular cranial bones, but given that brachycephalic dogs tend to completely close their nostrils and, in some cases, the palate as well, it is not recommended to take them with you on an airplane because, under stressrisk asphyxiation.
The case of July 2019 is exemplary. During a Cayenne-Paris flight, a 4-year-old female French Bulldog traveling in the hold has died. Since then, the airline Air France has banned the presence on board of specimens affected by this disorder.
Before planning a trip with your four-legged friend, always consult your vet.
What are brachycephalic dog breeds?
For brachycephaly, it varies breeds with an almost entirely flat muzzle (sometimes referred to as “extreme brachycephalic”), such as Pugs and Chins to less brachycephalic breeds such as Boxers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. Some specimens of Cavalier king and lhasa apso can also suffer from this disorder.
Let’s look at some more common brachycephalic dog breeds.
Chin
The Chin hails from Asia, where it has been enjoyed as a companion for more than a thousand years.
Apparently, it would have been a popular member of the imperial courts Chinese and Japanese, and it was precisely in Japan that its distinctive appearance was developed through selection.
Pug
Legend has it that the Chinese, who mastered the breeding of the Pug, appreciated its muzzle because it resembled a lucky symbols of their language.
These specimens do not tolerate heat and humidity. They are specimens considered purely domestic.
English and French Bulldogs
The English Bulldog and its French equivalent, just like the Pugs, do not tolerate heat and humidity.
Some masters during the hottest periods make these specimens available children’s pools fill with water in a shady spot for alleviate their suffering.
Boston terrier
I short-nosed dogs like Boston Terriers they cannot cool the air that enters their lungs efficiently and because of this they are much more sensitive to heat stress.
Also, due to their short hair, these specimens can’t even stand the extreme cold.