Brachycephalic syndrome in dogs: Review

Abstract

Brachycephalic dogs have become increasingly desirable among pet owners. However, one of the main diseases that affect these animals is brachycephalic syndrome. This condition causes an increase in the resistance to the passage of air through the airways in these animals, caused by several respiratory changes, such as narrowed nostrils in 42.5% to 85.2% of the animals, 86.3% to 100% develop prolongation of soft palate, 8.2% to 38.2% tracheal hypoplasia and 54.1% to 66% develop eversion of the laryngeal sacs. Physical examination is essential, however, as complementary tests for the diagnosis of the syndrome, radiography, endoscopy, blood count and electrocardiogram may be ordered, which exhibit several changes of greater and lesser degree. Surgical treatment is the only curative method, but conducts must be adopted to improve the living conditions of the animals, such as airy places, with mild temperatures and to avoid excessive exercise. The prognosis varies according to the severity of the symptoms, with or without surgical complications. Thus, the best form of prevention is not to subject these animals to reproduction.