Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
French Bulldog with unusual throat bone shape compared to other dogs
By de Bruyn, BW & Hosgood, G·Published in Australian Veterinary Journal·2021·College of Veterinary Medicine Murdoch University Murdoch Western Australia 6150 Australia, Australia·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Abnormal hyoid conformation in French Bulldogs: case report and computed tomographic anatomical comparison
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old French Bulldog was brought in for breathing difficulties, which are common in brachycephalic breeds like this one. The veterinarian discovered a hyoid bone malformation, which can complicate conditions like brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Using advanced imaging techniques, they found that the shape of the hyoid bone in this breed is different from other dog types, potentially contributing to the breathing issues. Treatment focused on managing the breathing problems associated with BOAS, and the dog showed improvement with appropriate care.
People also search for: French Bulldog breathing problems · BOAS treatment for dogs · hyoid bone malformation in dogs
Abstract
BackgroundBrachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is common in brachycephalic breeds and comprises multiple anatomic characteristics. Computed tomography (CT) is increasingly used in the preoperative assessment of dogs presenting with BOAS. We describe the case of a French Bulldog with a presumed congenital hyoid malformation and anatomic comparison of hyoid morphology between French Bulldogs and mesaticephalic dogs using CT.MethodsSkull CT studies of French Bulldogs and mesaticephalic dogs presenting to two referral hospitals between 2013 and 2020 were collected. The degree of curvature of the basihyoid bone and the relative ventrodorsal thickness (RVD) were determined using a novel measurement technique. A circle of best fit was applied to the inside arc of the basihyoid bone, and the radius and sector angle within the basihyoid bone were recorded. The RVD was defined by the ventrodorsal thickness divided by the width in the frontal plane.ResultsThe basihyoid bone of French Bulldogs had a greater mean ± SD RVD of 0.23 ± 0.04 compared to 0.16 ± 0.03 in mesaticephalic dogs (P < 0.01). The sector angle was also greater in French Bulldogs, measuring 144.08 ± 20.88° compared to 103.94 ± 16.49° in mesaticephalic dogs (P < 0.01).ConclusionThis case of hyoid malformation in a French Bulldog reports a rarely documented condition that complicated the management of BOAS. Comparative assessment of hyoid conformation revealed more acute curvature and greater RVD in French Bulldogs than in mesaticephalic dogs. This may represent an additional distorted anatomic component of brachycephalic skull morphology.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13120