Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
High rate of throat collapse in brachycephalic dogs on swallowing
By Pollard, Rachel E et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2018·Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: The prevalence of dynamic pharyngeal collapse is high in brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that 72% of brachycephalic dogs, like Bulldogs and Pugs, showed signs of pharyngeal collapse during swallowing tests, which is a condition where the throat collapses and can cause breathing issues. This was much higher compared to other dog breeds that don't have flat faces, where only 28% with airway problems and just 7% without had the same issue. If you have a brachycephalic dog and notice any breathing difficulties or coughing, it’s important to discuss these findings with your vet, as they may be at higher risk for this condition.
People also search for: brachycephalic dog breathing problems · Bulldog pharyngeal collapse symptoms · Pug swallowing issues
Abstract
The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the frequency of pharyngeal collapse in a large group of brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopic assessment of swallowing or airway diameter. We hypothesized that brachycephalic dogs would have pharyngeal collapse more frequently than dolichocephalic or mesocephalic dogs with or without airway collapse. The medical records database was searched for brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy of swallowing or airway diameter between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2015. A cohort of dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs with videofluoroscopically confirmed airway collapse was age and time matched for comparison. A control group of dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs that did not have documented airway collapse was also evaluated. All fluoroscopic studies were assessed by a board certified veterinary radiologist for the presence and degree of pharyngeal collapse. Results demonstrate that pharyngeal collapse was significantly more common in brachycephalic dogs (58/82; 72%) than in nonbrachycephalic dogs with (7/25; 28%) and without (2/30; 7%) airway collapse. Pharyngeal collapse is more prevalent in brachycephalic dogs undergoing videofluoroscopy than in dolichocephalic/mesocephalic dogs with or without airway collapse.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29931712/