Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Eye problems in seven brachycephalic dog breeds from 2008 to 2017
By Palmer, Samantha V et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·2021·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Ophthalmic disorders in a referral population of seven breeds of brachycephalic dogs: 970 cases (2008-2017).
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 970 brachycephalic dogs, including breeds like Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Boston Terriers, were referred to a veterinary ophthalmology service due to various eye problems. The most common issues included corneal ulcers, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), corneal pigmentation, immature cataracts, and uveitis. These conditions were particularly prevalent in older dogs, with the average age at first examination being 7 years. The study highlighted that while all these breeds have similar facial structures, they experience different rates of specific eye disorders.
People also search for: brachycephalic dog eye problems · Pug corneal ulcer treatment · Shih Tzu dry eye symptoms
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency of ophthalmic disorders in 7 brachycephalic dog breeds referred to an academic veterinary ophthalmology service. ANIMALS: 970 client-owned dogs of 7 brachycephalic breeds that were evaluated by the ophthalmology service in a veterinary teaching hospital from January 2008 through December 2017. PROCEDURES: Medical records of 7 brachycephalic breeds (ie, Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingese, Pugs, and Shih Tzus) were reviewed to collect data regarding patient signalment, ophthalmic diagnoses, affected eyes, and number and dates of visits. RESULTS: Median age at the first examination was 7 years (range, 23 days to 22 years). The number of dogs seen for a first examination increased with age. Corneal ulcers, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, corneal pigmentation, immature cataracts, and uveitis were each diagnosed in ≥ 100 dogs and represented 40.4% (1,161/2,873) of all diagnoses. On the basis of anatomic location, 66.3% (1,905/2,873) of all disorders were located in either the cornea (1,014/2,873 [35.2%]) or adnexa (891/2,873 [31%]). There was a significant difference in breed proportion in the study population; of the 7 breeds studied, Shih Tzus (34.3% [333/970]), Pugs (20.8% [202/970]), and Boston Terriers (16.6% [161/970]) were the most prevalent breeds. The frequency of some diseases within the referral population was associated with breed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Findings suggested that the most prevalent disorders for the brachycephalic breeds in this ophthalmic referral population were corneal ulcers, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, corneal pigmentation, immature cataracts, and uveitis. Although all dogs shared brachycephalic features, the frequency of specific ophthalmic diseases varied between breeds.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34727059/