Congenital malformations of the lumbosacral vertebral column are common in neurologically normal French Bulldogs,English Bulldogs,and Pugs,with breed‐specific differences

Congenital vertebral malformations are common findings on diagnostic imaging of the vertebral column in “screw‐tailed” brachycephalic dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of lumbosacral congenital vertebral malformations in French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs presenting for problems unrelated to spinal disease, as well as possible associations with the degree of tail malformation, lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, or spondylosis deformans. In this retrospective cross‐sectional study, CT scans of vertebrae L6 to S3 and of the coccygeal vertebrae were reviewed for type of congenital vertebral malformations (hemivertebrae, block vertebrae, lumbosacral transitional vertebrae, and spina bifida), lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation, lumbosacral spondylosis deformans, and degree of tail malformation. In 76 (51.0%) of the 149 included dogs (53 French Bulldogs, 37 English Bulldogs, and 59 Pugs) at least one type of congenital vertebral malformations was found, with lumbosacral transitional vertebrae being the most common (34.2%). There was a significantly higher prevalence of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (54.2%) and lower prevalence of hemivertebrae (1.7%) in Pugs compared to English (13.5% and 24.3%, respectively) and French Bulldogs (26.4% and 32.0%, respectively). Tail malformation was significantly more severe in dogs with evidence of hemivertebrae. Congenital vertebral malformations are a common finding in the lumbosacral vertebral column of French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. These anatomical variances need to be considered when interpreting diagnostic studies and when planning for neurosurgical and neurodiagnostic procedures. Furthermore, this study suggests a possible association between the degree of tail malformation and lumbosacral hemivertebrae.     

Assessment of computed tomography derived cricoid cartilage and tracheal dimensions to evaluate degree of cricoid narrowing in brachycephalic dogs

The aims of this observational, analytical, retrospective study were to (i) obtain computed tomographic (CT) cricoid dimensions (height, width, and transverse‐sectional area), (ii) compare the cricoid dimensions between brachycephalic and mesaticephalic breeds, and (iii) compare cricoid cartilage dimensions between dogs without and affected with brachycephalic airway syndrome. The study is important to help to further evaluate and understand the anatomical components of brachycephalic airway syndrome. Measurements were performed in 147 brachycephalic and 59 mesaticephalic dogs. The cricoid cartilage was found to be significantly more oval in Pugs and French Bulldogs compared to mesaticephalic breeds. The cricoid cartilage transverse‐sectional area was smallest for the Pug and, after adjusting for weight, significantly smaller for Pugs (P < 0.001), Boston Terriers (P = 0.001), and French Bulldogs (P < 0.001) compared to Jack Russell Terriers. The tracheal transverse‐sectional area at C4 of English Bulldogs was significantly smaller than for Jack Russell Terriers (P = 0.005) and Labradors (P < 0.001). The cricoid cartilage transverse‐sectional area:weight ratio was significantly lower in brachycephalic breeds compared to mesaticephalic breeds (P < 0.001). The cricoid cartilage:trachea at C4 transverse‐sectional area for brachycephalic dogs was significantly larger than for mesaticephalic dogs (<0.001), demonstrating that the trachea was the narrowest part of the airway. No significant differences were found for cricoid dimensions between dogs affected with and without brachycephalic airway syndrome. However, large individual variation was found among the brachycephalic breeds and further studies investigating the relationship between cricoid cartilage size, laryngeal collapse, concurrent tracheal hypoplasia, and/or severity of brachycephalic airway syndrome are warranted.     

Caudal articular process dysplasia of thoracic vertebrae in neurologically normal French bulldogs,English bulldogs,and Pugs: Prevalence and characteristics

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and anatomical characteristics of thoracic caudal articular process dysplasia in French bulldogs, English bulldogs and Pugs presenting for problems unrelated to spinal disease. In this retrospective cross‐sectional study, computed tomography scans of the thoracic vertebral column of these three breeds were reviewed for the presence and location of caudal articular process hypoplasia and aplasia, and compared between breeds. A total of 271 dogs met the inclusion criteria: 108 French bulldogs, 63 English bulldogs, and 100 Pugs. A total of 70.4% of French bulldogs, 84.1% of English bulldogs, and 97.0% of Pugs showed evidence of caudal articular process dysplasia. Compared to French and English bulldogs, Pugs showed a significantly higher prevalence of caudal articular process aplasia, but also a lower prevalence of caudal articular process hypoplasia, a higher number of affected vertebrae per dog and demonstrated a generalized and bilateral spatial pattern more frequently. Furthermore, Pugs showed a significantly different anatomical distribution of caudal articular process dysplasia along the vertebral column, with a high prevalence of caudal articular process aplasia between T10 and T13. This area was almost completely spared in French and English bulldogs. As previously suggested, caudal articular process dysplasia is a common finding in neurologically normal Pugs but this also seems to apply to French and English bulldogs. The predisposition of clinically relevant caudal articular process dysplasia in Pugs is possibly not only caused by the higher prevalence of caudal articular process dysplasia, but also by breed specific anatomical characteristics.     

Epidemiology and clinical significance of canine distichiasis: A retrospective study of 291 cases

Objective

To describe the epidemiological factors and clinical significance of canine distichiasis.

Animals studied

Two hundred and ninety-one client-owned dogs.

Methods

Retrospective study of medical records for canine patients diagnosed with distichiasis between 2010 and 2019 in an ophthalmology specialty practice. The breed, sex, skull conformation, coat type, age at the time of diagnosis, reason for presentation, clinical examination findings, and affected eyelid(s) were reviewed.

Results

The prevalence of distichiasis was 5.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.9–6.1) in the population of dogs presented to an ophthalmology specialty practice. The breeds with the highest prevalence were English bulldogs (35.2%, 95% CI: 26.7–43.7) and American cocker spaniels (19.4%, 95% CI: 8.3–30.5). The prevalence was significantly higher in brachycephalic dogs (11.9%, 95% CI: 9.8–14.0) than in non-brachycephalic dogs (4.6%, 95% CI: 4.0–5.3) and in short-haired dogs (8.2%, 95% CI: 6.8–9.6) than in dogs with other coat types (5.3%, 95% CI: 4.5–6.1). Most dogs were affected bilaterally (63.6%, 95% CI: 58.0–69.1). Among dogs with clinical signs, 39.0% (95% CI: 26.5–51.4) exhibited corneal ulceration, including superficial ulcers (28.8%, 95% CI: 17.3–40.4) and deep stromal ulcers (10.2%, 95% CI: 2.5–17.8). Distichiasis was non-irritating in 85.0% (95% CI: 80.6–89.4) of affected dogs.

Conclusion

This study reports the largest cohort of canine distichiasis to date. In a large proportion of dogs, distichiasis was a non-irritating condition. However, brachycephalic breeds, especially English bulldogs, were the most frequently and severely affected.     

Evaluation of lung lobe torsion in Pugs: 7 cases (1991-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a predis-position for lung lobe torsion (LLT) in Pugs and describe clinical findings associated with LLT in that breed, compared with findings in other breeds. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 7 Pugs and 16 dogs of other breeds. PROCEDURE: Information collected from records included signalment, history, lung lobe affected, results of clinicopathologic testing, histologic findings, diagnostic imaging results, surgical treatment, and outcome. RESULTS: 23 dogs were diagnosed with LLT, 10 of which were large-breed dogs and 13 of which were small-breed dogs. Seven of the small-breed dogs were Pugs. Pugs with LLT were significantly overrepresented, compared with the general hospital population. Affected Pugs ranged in age from 4.5 months to 4 years (median, 1.5 years). Six of the 7 Pugs had no predisposing conditions, and 6 were male. Six Pugs survived to discharge. Of the other small- and large-breed dogs, 3 of 6 and 5 of 10 survived to discharge, respectively. None of the Pugs were readmitted for complications or recurrence. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that young male Pugs may be predisposed to developing spontaneous LLT. The prognosis for survival and resolution of clinical signs in Pugs with LLT appeared to be excellent. Factors contributing to the development of LLT in Pugs are not known.     

Proportion of litters of purebred dogs born by caesarean section

Objectives : To describe the frequency of caesarean sections in a large sample of pedigree dogs in the UK. Methods : Data on the numbers of litters born in the previous 10 years were available from a cross-sectional study of dogs belonging to breed club members (2004 Kennel Club/BSAVA Scientific Committee Purebred Dog Health Survey). In this survey 151 breeds were represented with data for households that had reported on at least 10 litters (range 10–14,15): this represented 13,141 bitches which had whelped 22,005 litters. The frequency of caesarean sections was estimated as the percentage of litters that were reported to be born by caesarean section (caesarean rates) and are reported by breed. The dogs were categorised into brachycephalic, mesocephalic and dolicocephalic breeds. Results : The 10 breeds with the highest caesarean rates were the Boston terrier, bulldog, French bulldog, mastiff, Scottish terrier, miniature bull terrier, German wirehaired pointer, Clumber spaniel, Pekingese and Dandie Dinmont terrier. In the Boston terrier, bulldog and French bulldog, the rate was > 80%. Clinical Significance : These data provide evidence for the need to monitor caesarean rates in certain breeds of dog.     

Nasopharyngeal turbinates in brachycephalic dogs and cats

This retrospective study reports the presence and incidence of nasal turbinates in the nasopharynx (nasopharyngeal turbinates) in a population of brachycephalic dogs and cats exhibiting signs of upper respiratory disease. Medical records were reviewed for 53 brachycephalic dogs and 10 brachycephalic cats undergoing upper airway endoscopy. Nasopharyngeal turbinates were identified in 21% of brachycephalic animals, including 21% of dogs and 20% of cats. Pugs accounted for 32% of all dogs in the study population and 82% of dogs with nasopharyngeal turbinates. The presence of nasopharyngeal turbinates may play a role in upper airway obstruction in the brachycephalic airway syndrome.     

Prevalence of gastrointestinal tract lesions in 73 brachycephalic dogs with upper respiratory syndrome

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract lesions in brachycephalic dogs with upper respiratory tract disease. METHODS: The gastrointestinal tract and respiratory disorders of 73 brachycephalic dogs presented with upper respiratory signs were evaluated. Clinical signs and endoscopic and histological anomalies of the upper digestive tract were analysed. RESULTS: A very high prevalence of gastrointestinal tract problems in brachycephalic dogs presented with upper respiratory problems was observed clinically, endoscopically and histologically. Endoscopic anomalies of the upper digestive tract were present even in dogs without digestive clinical signs. Furthermore, histological evaluation of the digestive tract sometimes showed inflammatory lesions not macroscopically visible at endoscopy. Statistical analysis showed a relationship between the severity of the respiratory and digestive signs. This was significant in French bulldogs, males and heavy brachycephalic dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These observations show a correlation between upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tract problems in brachycephalic breeds with upper respiratory disease. Surgical treatment of respiratory disease could improve the digestive clinical signs, and/or gastro-oesophageal medical treatment could improve the outcome for surgically treated brachycephalic dogs.     

Domestic dog skull diversity across breeds,breed groupings,and genetic clusters

Domestic dogs have become a model organism for studying the extent and consequences of morphological diversity, especially in the skull. It has been demonstrated that Cephalic Index (CI, skull width/skull length) correlates with central concentration of ganglion cells in the retina and with ventral rotation of the cerebral hemispheres. These changes may be reflected in the behavior of breeds with different skulls shapes. This study explored skull variation in the breed groups (n = 7) described by the Australian National Kennel Club to determine if CI differed significantly among the breed groups; groups were expected to differ not least in behavior. The CI of 12 representative dogs (females, n = 6; males, n = 6) of the most popular breeds (n = 80; total n = 960 dogs) were measured. Multivariate analysis of variance was performed to determine CI variance among the breed groups and between previously reported clusters of breeds with similar DNA, which identifies common ancestry. Although CI differed significantly among some breed groups, neither the breed groupings nor the DNA clusters satisfactorily explained all the variance in CI. The results show that breed groupings and genetic clusters only partially explain CI differences. They also suggest that CI is on a continuum and that the definition of three categories of canine skull as dolichocephalic, mesocephalic, and brachycephalic may be overly arbitrary.     

GENDER,WEIGHT, AND AGE EFFECTS ON PREVALENCE OF CAUDAL ABERRANT NASAL TURBINATES IN CLINICALLY HEALTHY ENGLISH BULLDOGS: A COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC STUDY AND CLASSIFICATION

English Bulldogs have been reported to demonstrate abnormal growth and development of the nasal turbinates, which contribute to an increase in airway resistance and hence clinical signs of brachycephalic airway syndrome. The purpose of this prospective, cross‐sectional study was to assess the prevalence and severity of caudal aberrant turbinate protrusion via CT studies of English Bulldogs with, according to the owners, none or minimal clinical signs of brachycephalic airway syndrome. An additional objective was to propose a classification scheme for describing the degree of caudal aberrant turbinate protrusion in English Bulldogs and to apply this scheme in assessing the effect of gender, weight, and age on prevalence and severity of turbinate protrusion. The nasal cavities of 40 clinically healthy English Bulldogs were examined. The prevalence of caudal aberrant turbinates in this group was 100%. Using our proposed classification scheme, Grade 1 (minimal) was detected in 7 of 40 (17.5%), Grade 2 (mild) in 28 of 40 (70%), and Grade 3 (moderate) in 5 of 40 (12.5%) English Bulldogs. No significant effect of gender, weight, and age on degree of protrusion was found. In conclusion, this study identified minimal to moderate protrusion of caudal aberrant turbinates toward the nasopharynx in all the sampled English Bulldogs, despite the absence of clinical signs of brachycephalic airway syndrome.     

Radiographic Evaluation of the Anconeal Process in Skeletally Immature Dogs

Objective: To determine if a secondary center of ossification (SCO) of the anconeal process is present in skeletally immature dogs that do not develop an ununited anconeal process (UAP). Study Design: Case series. Animals: Dogs 77–154 days of age with conditions other than developmental disease of the elbow (n=78 dogs; total elbows=100). Methods: Mediolateral radiographic projections of the elbow were reviewed for presence or absence of a SCO of the anconeal process. Results: A SCO was radiographically evident in 16% of elbows from breeds that have been reported to be affected by UAP. The appearance of the SCO was different to an UAP fragment. None of the elbows with SCO of the anconeal process developed UAP. A SCO was not present in any small breed dogs. Conclusions: A SCO of the anconeal process is uncommon in medium and large breed dogs and the presence of a SCO does not indicate that UAP will develop. Clinical Relevance: Because radiographic diagnosis of a SCO of the anconeal process and UAP lesions have distinct appearances, an earlier diagnosis of UAP is possible.     

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy in Bulldogs: Evaluation of clinical and histopathologic features,progression, and outcome in 71 dogs (2004–2016)

ObjectivesThis study aimed to characterize the clinical and histopathological features of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) in English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, and Bulldog-type mixed breed dogs and assess affected Bulldogs for a striatin gene mutation previously reported in Boxers with ARVC.AnimalsSeventy-one Bulldogs fit the inclusion criteria. Genetic analysis was performed on five dogs. Cardiac post-mortem evaluations were performed on two dogs.MethodsMedical records from a single veterinary cardiology group (CVCA) were retrospectively evaluated. Tissue and blood samples were submitted for histopathological analysis and genetic testing in select patients.ResultsPresenting complaints included syncope (38%), arrhythmia (81.7%), or murmur (34.2%) documented on examination. On presentation, congestive heart failure (CHF) was diagnosed in 22 (31%) dogs, and 58 (81.7%) had ventricular arrhythmias. On bivariable analyses, the two-dimensional (2D) left atrial-to-aortic root ratio (LA:Ao) was the only prognostic variable significantly associated with survival time. Dogs with 2D LA:Ao below the mean (1.41) had longer median survival to all-cause mortality (12 months; 95% confidence interval [CI] six–15 months) than those with 2D LA:Ao above the mean (four months; 95% CI two–six months; p=0.0384). Most dogs (54%) died from cardiac disease, with 42.1% experiencing sudden death. The median time from diagnosis to cardiac death was four months.ConclusionsArrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy affects Bulldogs with both arrhythmogenic and dilated-type phenotypes. Despite variable arrhythmia severity and predominantly right-sided involvement in many dogs, an increase in left atrial size was the only significant predictor of mortality in this sample of dogs.     

Prevalence of the breed-related glaucomas in pure-bred dogs in North America

Objective To determine the prevalence of the breed‐related glaucomas in pure‐bred dogs presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America that participate in the Veterinary Medical Data Base (VMDB). Materials and methods In this retrospective study, age of first diagnosis, breed, and gender data for all breeds of dogs were collected from the VMDB with the clinical diagnosis of primary glaucoma (glaucoma‐NOS) at 5–10 year intervals from 1964 to 2002. The prevalence for each breed (affected dogs compared to all dogs of each breed), any changes over the 38 years, and any gender differences for these glaucomas were determined. Results The prevalence of the primary breed‐related glaucomas has gradually increased from 0.29% (1964–1973); 0.46% (1974–1983); 0.76% (1984–1993); to 0.89% (1994–2002). Breeds that consistently featured among the highest 10 for glaucoma prevalence from four different periods (1964 to 2002) included American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Wire Fox Terrier, and Boston Terrier. During the last observation period (1994–2002), 22 different breeds had 1% or higher prevalence of the glaucomas. The highest prevalence of glaucomas in 1994–2002 by breed included: American Cocker Spaniel (5.52%); Basset Hound (5.44%); Chow Chow (4.70%); Shar‐Pei (4.40%); Boston Terrier (2.88%); Wire Fox Terrier (2.28%); Norwegian ElkHound (1.98%); Siberian Husky (1.88%); Cairn Terrier (1.82%); and Miniature Poodle (1.68%). A predominance of females with glaucoma occurred in the American Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Cairn Terrier, Chow Chow, English Cocker Spaniel, Samoyed, and perhaps the Siberian Husky, and a predominance of males in the Australian Cattle dog and St Bernard. Age affected the time for first presentation of the glaucomas in the pure‐bred dog. In the majority of breeds the glaucomas were presented for initial diagnosis in dogs between 4 and 10 years of age. Conclusion Breed‐related glaucomas in pure‐bred dogs are frequently presented to the veterinary medical teaching hospitals in North America. The prevalence of the breed‐related glaucomas in the dog appears similar to humans, and in some breeds exceeds that in humans. In many breeds the high prevalence of the glaucomas suggests a genetic basis.     

Association of breed with the diagnosis of congenital portosystemic shunts in dogs: 2,400 cases (1980-2002)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the annual and overall proportion of diagnoses of congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) in dogs and identify breeds at increased risk for CPSS. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 2,400 dogs with CPSS from veterinary teaching hospitals that reported to the Veterinary Medical Database (VMDB) from January 1, 1980 to February 28, 2002. PROCEDURE: The proportion of diagnoses of CPSS was calculated for all dogs and each breed recorded in the VMDB annually and for the 22.2-year period. Odds ratios and adjusted confidence intervals were calculated for breeds with at least 100 accessions by comparing odds of each breed with a diagnosis of CPSS with that of mixed-breed dogs. RESULTS: Congenital portosystemic shunts were reported in 0.18% of all dogs and 0.05% of mixed-breed dogs. The proportion of diagnoses of CPSS increased from 5 in 10,000 dogs in 1980 to 5 in 1,000 dogs in 2001. Yorkshire Terriers had the greatest total number of diagnoses of CPSS. Thirty-three breeds were significantly more likely to have a diagnosis of CPSS, compared with mixed-breed dogs. The greatest proportions of diagnoses were found in Havanese (3.2%), Yorkshire Terriers (2.9%), Maltese (1.6%), Dandie Dinmont Terriers (1.6%), and Pugs (1.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Certain breeds appear to be at increased risk for CPSS, compared with mixed-breed dogs. The increased odds ratios among specific breeds support the hypothesis of a genetic predisposition for CPSS. Clients and veterinarians should consider appropriate diagnostic tests for dogs with clinical signs and those used for breeding from breeds with increased risk of CPSS.     

Breed distribution of dogs with diabetes mellitus admitted to a tertiary care facility

OBJECTIVE: To determine which dog breeds are at low and high risk for developing diabetes mellitus (DM). DESIGN: Cohort study. ANIMALS: Hospital population of 221 dogs with DM and 42,882 dogs without DM during 5.5 years. PROCEDURE: 165 breeds (including a mixed-breed category) were represented in the hospital population. Breed-specific expected numbers of dogs with DM were calculated by multiplying the proportion of all dogs admitted to the hospital that were determined to have DM during the study period by the breed-specific totals during the study period. Breeds or breed groups evaluated in the analysis (n = 20) were restricted to those that had a combined observed and expected count > 5 to document breeds at low and high risk for developing DM. Proportionate changes in the risk of developing DM by breed were calculated and presented using exact odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and P values. Mixed-breed dogs were chosen as the reference breed. RESULTS: Samoyeds, Miniature Schnauzers, Miniature Poodles, Pugs, and Toy Poodles were at high risk for developing DM. Dog breeds found to be at low risk for developing DM were German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, and American Pit Bull Terrier. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The finding that certain dog breeds are at low or high risk for developing DM suggests that some genetic defects may predispose dogs to development of DM, whereas other genetic factors may protect dogs from development of DM.     

Magnetic resonance imaging features of canine incomplete humeral condyle ossification

Incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC) is characterized by an intracondylar fissure located where the intercondylar physis is present in growing dogs. Its radiologic and computed tomographic features have been described but the magnetic resonance (MR) features have not been characterized. Our purpose was to further describe the range of MRappearances of IOHC, to assess the diagnostic capability of MRrelative to radiology, and to determine whether MRis able to identify the disease before a fissure forms. Thirty-eight elbow MRscans and radiographs, when available, were reviewed and divided into three groups. In Group 1 (affected elbows, n = 22), there was an intracondylar defect on MRwith variable appearance; the defect was not visible radiographically in 32% of the elbows. The main difference between Group 2 (nonaffected elbows, n = 6) and Group 3 (contralaterals to IOHC or to condylar fracture, without fissure, n = 10) was the appearance of the humeral condyle in short tau inversion recovery (STIR) sequences: all elbows in Group 2 had a homogeneous humeral condyle, whereas all but one in Group 3 were heterogeneous. One dog in Group 3 developed a complete condylar fissure 7 months after the first examination, when no evidence of an intracondylar defect had been detected. The MRappearance of IOHC is variable and a heterogeneous humeral condyle in STIR images without a clear defect may warn of the possibility for the subsequent development of a condylar fissure.     

Prior joint disease is associated with increased risk of periarticular histiocytic sarcoma in dogs

Periarticular histiocytic sarcoma (PAHS) is the most common synovial tumour in dogs and is characterized by aggressive local disease with a high rate of distant metastasis. Previously, an association between PAHS and prior joint disease has been demonstrated in the Bernese Mountain Dog breed and suggested in the Rottweiler. We hypothesized that this association would be present in other breeds and investigated this via a retrospective, case‐controlled analysis. Cases were dogs diagnosed with PAHS of the stifle or elbow. Controls were age, breed and sex‐matched dogs without a diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma. Diagnosis of prior joint disease was determined based on review of medical records and direct veterinarian and owner communications. Data were evaluated using logistic regression, 2‐sampled t tests, and chi‐squared analysis. Our study population consisted of 28 cases and 46 controls, including Flat‐Coated, Golden and Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, English Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, Australian Shepherds, Staffordshire Terriers and mixed breed dogs. Dogs with PAHS were more likely to have prior joint disease in the tumour‐affected joint compared with the control population (odds ratio [OR] = 13.42, P < .0001, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.33‐48.63). A total of 88.2% of dogs with stifle PAHS had prior joint disease in their tumour‐affected joint, most commonly cranial cruciate ligament rupture. This study confirms that the previously noted association between prior joint disease and PAHS in Bernese Mountain Dogs also applies to other breeds. Additional studies are needed to further investigate for a causal relationship.     

Computed tomographic bronchioarterial ratio for brachycephalic dogs without pulmonary disease

The bronchoarterial (BA) ratio measured with computed tomography is widely used in human medicine to diagnose bronchial dilation or collapse. Although use of the BA ratio in veterinary medicine has been recently studied, this has not been evaluated in brachycephalic dogs predisposed to bronchial diseases including bronchial collapse. The purpose of this study was to establish BA ratios for brachycephalic dogs and compare the values with those of non-brachycephalic dogs. Twenty-three brachycephalic dogs and 15 non-brachycephalic dogs without clinical pulmonary disease were evaluated. The BA ratio of the lobar bronchi in the left and right cranial as well as the right middle, left, and right caudal lung lobes was measured. No significant difference in mean BA ratio was observed between lung lobes or the individual animals (p = 0.148). The mean BA ratio was 1.08 ± 0.10 (99% CI = 0.98~1.18) for brachycephalic dogs and 1.51 ± 0.05 (99% CI = 1.46~1.56) for the non-brachycephalic group. There was a significant difference between the mean BA ratios of the brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic groups (p = 0.00). Defining the normal limit of the BA ratio for brachycephalic breeds may be helpful for diagnosing bronchial disease in brachycephalic dogs.     

RADIOGRAPHIC LIVER SIZE IN PEKINGESE DOGS VERSUS OTHER DOG BREEDS

Differential diagnoses for canine liver disease are commonly based on radiographic estimates of liver size, however little has been published on breed variations. Aims of this study were to describe normal radiographic liver size in Pekingese dogs and to compare normal measurements for this breed with other dog breeds and Pekingese dogs with liver disease. Liver measurements were compared for clinically normal Pekingese (n = 61), normal non‐Pekingese brachycephalic (n = 45), normal nonbrachycephalic (n = 71), and Pekingese breed dogs with liver disease (n = 22). For each dog, body weight, liver length, T11 vertebral length, thoracic depth, and thoracic width were measured on right lateral and ventrodorsal abdominal radiographs. Liver volume was calculated using a formula and ratios of liver length/T11 vertebral length and liver volume/body weight ratio were determined. Normal Pekingese dogs had a significantly smaller liver volume/body weight ratio (16.73 ± 5.67, P < 0.05) than normal non‐Pekingese brachycephalic breed dogs (19.54 ± 5.03) and normal nonbrachycephalic breed dogs (18.72 ± 6.52). The liver length/T11 vertebral length ratio in normal Pekingese (4.64 ± 0.65) was significantly smaller than normal non‐Pekingese brachycephalic breed dogs (5.16 ± 0.74) and normal nonbrachycephalic breed dogs (5.40 ± 0.74). Ratios of liver volume/body weight and liver length/T11 vertebral length in normal Pekingese were significantly different from Pekingese with liver diseases (P < 0.05). Findings supported our hypothesis that Pekingese dogs have a smaller normal radiographic liver size than other breeds. We recommend using 4.64× the length of the T11 vertebra as a radiographic criterion for normal liver length in Pekingese dogs.