Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Abnormal pterygoid bone shape in French bulldogs and airway size
By Del Mar Bovis, Maria et al.·Published in The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne·2024·Moores Orthopedic Clinic, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Abnormal shape of the pterygoid bone in French bulldogs: Prevalence and implication for cross-sectional area.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of French bulldogs was found to have an unusual shape of the pterygoid bone, which could affect their breathing. In a study, 79% of the French bulldogs had this abnormality compared to cocker spaniels, which had normal bone shapes. The airway size was smaller in French bulldogs with the abnormal shape, potentially leading to breathing problems. Understanding these anatomical differences can help veterinarians better manage upper-airway issues in brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs.
People also search for: French bulldog breathing problems · pterygoid bone shape in dogs · brachycephalic airway syndrome treatment
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Retrospective observation of computed tomographic images to describe an anatomical difference in the shape of the pterygoid bone in French bulldogs (FB) and determine its prevalence and effect on the cross-sectional area of the airway, in comparison with normal conformation in brachycephalic and mesocephalic dogs. ANIMALS AND PROCEDURE: Computed tomographic studies of FB and cocker spaniels (CS) that underwent examination of the head were reviewed. The shape and cross-sectional area of the pterygoid bone was recorded and compared between groups. RESULTS: Thirty-six CS and 34 FB were included. In 79.41% (27/34) of FB, there was an abnormal shape of the pterygoid bone in comparison with all 36 CS, which had a normal shape of the pterygoid bone. Only 20.58% (7/24) of FB had a normal shape. The cross-sectional area of the airway at the level of the pterygoid bone for FB was 88.78 mm. The area was larger in FB with normal shape (average: 95.70 mm, SD ± 15.98) than those with abnormal shape (average: 86.98 mm, SD ± 20.32), though this difference was not statistically significant (> 0.05). Cocker spaniels had a larger airway cross-sectional area than dogs in both FB groups, with a mean of 142.28 mm(± 24.87) and< 0.05. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: French bulldogs frequently have an abnormal conformation of the pterygoid bone. This study identified further anatomical factors that might contribute to upper-airway obstruction in brachycephalic dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39494181/