Brachycephalic Syndrome In
Dogs and Cats
We've all seen them. The adorable little
smoosh-faced dogs and cats that happily snort and grunt their way through life.
But what is considered normal? And is there a point where all that
noise can be dangerous?
Brachycephalic syndrome is something that is
commonly seen in our Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and even Persian cats to
name a few. These breeds of dogs and cats have very short noses, but have all
the same parts as our Doliocephalic breeds (those with long noses, like
Collies and Shepards). This makes it harder for them to breathe because there
is more tissue for the air to get through. The classic symptoms of
Brachycephalic syndrome can range from mild snoring, grunting, an noisy
breathing to severe respiratory distress and collapse. It is important for
owners of these breeds to be very careful with them in heat and monitor their
exercise and activity, especially in warmer climates. Severely affected dogs
can benefit from surgery to improve breathing before a life threatening
emergency arises.
The excess noise we hear in these dogs is caused
by four different abnormalities, which are all characteristics of these breeds.
So although they are adorable (I have 3 bulldogs myself), it is a genetic
condition we continue to pass from generation to generation.
Firstly, bulldogs
in particular tend to have a smaller airway opening than other breeds of
similar size. We call this a hypoplastic trachea.
Secondly, there is excessive
tissue hanging in the back of the throat (elongated soft palate), covereing the
opening down into the lungs. This is what creates the snoring sound we hear
because the tissue vibrates as air passes. This is something that can be
surgically corrected in dogs with severe disease.
Third, the nostrils of these animals
can also be narrowed or stenotic. Instead of having a big round opening,
sometimes they look more like 'coin' slots, and only a small amount of air can
pass with each breath. This can also be corrected with surgery.
Before Surgery |
After Surgery |
Lastly, if a
dog has severe issues with the 3 things above, over time the pressures required
in the lungs to breathe will elevate. Once this happens we can see a part of
the larynx (voicebox) collapse and partially or completely obstruct the airway.
At this point, surgery must be done to save the animal. Sometimes this means
putting in a temporary or permament breathing opening in the neck, which of
course carries it's own risks and complications.
So how do I know if my dog's noises are normal? If
you own one of the predisposed breeds, it is a good idea to have their airway
evaluated by a veterinarian. If they would be a good candidate for surgery, you
may be referred to a specialist or someone who is comfortable performing
the procedure. Evaluations may include a good physical exam (which is
sometimes done under sedation to evaluate the back of the throat/soft
palate), and possible radiographs of the airway and chest.
So next time your
cute little dog wakes you up snoring, you may want to ask yourself if this
could be a warning sign for future!
Blog Written by:
Dr. Christine Ross
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
(407) 487-4445
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
(407) 487-4445
Dr. Christine helps families in the greater Orlando, Florida area
Blog posted by: Veterinarian Mary Gardner
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