Relationship between brachycephalic airway syndrome and gastrointestinal signs in three breeds of dog

• DOI: 10.1111/jsap.12914
• Publication Date: 2018-08-10T06:08:06Z
• Authors: B. M. Kaye; L. Rutherford; D. J. Perridge; G. Ter Haar
• Keywords: Male; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Syndrome; 04 agricultural and veterinary sciences; Airway Obstruction; 0403 veterinary science; Craniosynostoses; Dogs; Prevalence; Animals; Female; Dog Diseases; Retrospective Studies

ObjectivesTo assess the breed‐specific prevalence of, and effects of corrective airway surgery on, gastrointestinal signs in French bulldogs, English bulldogs and pugs presenting with brachycephalic airway syndrome to a referral teaching hospital.Materials and MethodsIn this retrospective study, ptyalism, regurgitation and vomiting were graded at presentation using a previously established scoring system. Staphylectomy and nares resection were performed on all dogs. Gastrointestinal signs were re‐assessedviatelephone follow‐up at least 6 weeks after surgery.ResultsNinety‐eight dogs were included: French bulldogs (n=43), English bulldogs (n=12) and pugs (n=43). Overall population prevalence of all gastrointestinal signs was 56%. Breed‐specific prevalence for French bulldogs was 93%, English bulldogs 58% and pugs 16%. There was post‐surgical clinical improvement in gastrointestinal signs for the whole study population, especially in French bulldogs.Clinical SignificanceThe prevalence of gastrointestinal signs in dogs presenting with brachycephalic airway syndrome and improvement in these clinical signs following corrective surgery may vary between breeds.