Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Boxer dogs with early skull suture closure linked to head shape
By Farke, Daniela et al.·Published in Frontiers in veterinary science·2025·Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Germany·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Premature closure of the caudal calvarial midline suture is associated with scaphocephaly and ventriculomegaly in Boxer dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of Boxer dogs was found to have a unique skull shape, similar to a condition called scaphocephaly in humans, due to the early closure of certain skull sutures. This condition can lead to enlarged brain cavities (ventriculomegaly) and may affect their overall health. The study showed that Boxers are more likely to have these issues compared to other dog breeds. Understanding this can help owners be aware of potential health concerns related to their dog's skull shape. If you notice any unusual head shape or behavior in your Boxer, it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian for further evaluation.
People also search for: Boxer dog skull shape · scaphocephaly in dogs · Boxer ventriculomegaly symptoms · dog head shape problems
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Boxer dogs exhibit a distinctive skull morphology resembling scaphocephaly in humans. This study investigates the status of skull sutures in Boxer dogs in comparison with other brachycephalic and mesocephalic breeds. METHODS: Archival magnetic resonance images of the heads of 312 dogs with variable skull morphologies were examined. Sutures and synchondroses of the skulls were assessed as open or closed, and the presence or absence of ventricular dilation was noted. RESULTS: A total of 160 dogs belonged to the mesocephalic group, 103 were brachycephalic, and 49 were Boxer dogs. Age was a predictor for closed sutures and synchondroses ( < 0.05). Sutures and synchondroses were more likely closed in brachycephalic compared to mesocephalic dogs ( < 0.0001). In addition, brachy- and mesocephalic dogs were less likely to show a closed sagittal suture (S4), parietointerparietal suture (S9) ( < 0.0001), and lambdoid sutures ( < 0.05) than Boxer dogs. Cranial index was higher in brachycephalic dogs compared to mesocephalic dogs and Boxer dogs and significantly differed among all groups ( < 0.05). Width/height index of the skull was significantly different among all groups and lowest in Boxer group ( < 0.05). Boxer dogs more likely experienced ventriculomegaly than the other breeds ( < 0.0001). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The parietointerparietal and sagittal suture are more likely fused in Boxer dogs. A premature suture closure is most likely responsible for the Boxer dog's unique skull morphology or scaphocephaly and an associated ventriculomegaly, which resembles a non-syndromical craniosynostosis in humans.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41607937/