What are the problems with brachycephalic dogs?
Emma Tromp
2025-06-18 03:57:37
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Health and welfare problems associated with brachycephaly include: Anatomical defects of the upper airway causing breathing difficulties often associated with overheating, sleep apnoea, and regurgitation, eg Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Eye disease, Inability to mate or give birth naturally (requiring Caesarean section), Repeated skin infections, Dental problems. Dogs that are affected may require regular visits to the vet and corrective surgery. Vets tell us that the majority of people who own brachycephalic dogs aren't able to recognise their pet's breed-related health issues.
Talia Stiedemann
2025-06-13 17:18:27
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The structure of their bodies means that these breeds often suffer from health problems like breathing issues, skin fold infections, eye issues, back and joint issues, mobility issues and heatstroke. Many owners consider huffing, snorting and other signs of labored breathing as a cute quirk of the breeds, but these dogs are suffering. Tissues from the mouth, windpipe and lungs are squashed into a smaller, enclosed space, so dogs struggle to breathe sufficient air and oxygen and their airways are narrow and twisted abnormally. This can cause: Allergies Breathing problems (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome or BOAS) Eye issues Difficulty exercising Heatstroke. In addition, the short, stocky bodies and frequent inbreeding of these breeds can cause: Back and joint issues Digestion issues Difficulty giving birth (most brachycephalic breeds are born via C-section) Mobility issues Skin fold infections. BOAS is a consequence of the shortened noses and skulls of these dogs and includes: Elongated and thickened soft palate (a long palate that extends into the throat and interferes with breathing) Stenotic nares (malformed nostrils that do not allow dogs to breathe freely) Everted laryngeal saccules/laryngeal collapse (tissues in the airway that obstruct airflow). Clinical signs of BOAS can include: Dyspnea (difficulty breathing) Stertor (noisy breathing) Exercise intolerance (often leading to obesity, which shortens dogs’ lifespans further) Regurgitation/vomiting Overheating.
Karson Hamill
2025-05-31 04:49:47
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Brachycephalic dogs have an array of health concerns intrinsically linked to their conformation, ranging from eye disease, respiratory disease, dystocia, spinal disease, heat stroke and pneumonia to name but a few. Brachycephalic Ocular Syndrome is the result of the extreme facial alterations that many people find so appealing in brachycephalic breeds. These breeds can suffer from a number of issues from their prominent puppy dog eyes, including Macroblepharon, excessively long palpebral fissures, and Lagophthalmus. This leads to inadequate ocular coverage and lubrication which usually protects the eye surface, resulting in trauma of the eye, exposure keratopathy, superficial pigmentary keratitis, corneal erosion, and corneal ulceration. Brachycephalic dogs can be chronically sleep deprived, and the impact of this on their welfare is often underestimated. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome can cause a number of issues, including stenotic nares, aberrant nasal turbinates, overcrowded turbinates, over long and thick soft palate, and hypoplastic trachea. Soft tissue constricts air flow within the nasal cavity and can cause a partial obstruction of the pharynx and larynx area. Another issue which is seen more commonly in our brachycephalic dogs is spinal deformities and neurological disorders, including syringomyelia, a fluid-filled cavity that develops within the spinal cord causing abnormal sensation and can result in excruciating neck pain.
Landen Will
2025-05-31 04:44:39
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Brachycephalic dogs are increasingly popular pets worldwide, particularly breeds such as the Pug and French Bulldog. Despite their popularity, many brachycephalic dogs are affected by health problems that are linked with their body shape. The health problems detailed below may affect some brachycephalic dogs more than others depending on body shape and structure. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, eye problems, skin problems, spinal problems, and birthing difficulties are some of the health issues associated with brachycephalic dogs. Brachycephalic dogs can suffer from long-term health problems that affect their breathing, eyes, bones and gait, heart, skin and ears. The health problems detailed below may affect some brachycephalic dogs more than others depending on body shape and structure.
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