WSAVA Nov 2021 Proceedings - Flipbook - Page 34
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care in 2016. There were 4,169 (18.74%) brachycephalic and 18,079
(81.26%) non-brachycephalic types. Brachycephalic dogs were younger
than mesocephalics (median 5.33 years), dolichocephalics (5.07 years)
and crossbreds (3.74 years). Brachycephalic dogs were also lighter than
mesocephalics (median 16.98kg), dolichocephalics (25.80kg) and crossbreds (13.80kg). The brachycephalic group included 34 individual breeds
compared with 169 individual breeds in the mesocephalic group and 66
individual breeds in the dolichocephalic group.
Using multivariable modelling, brachycephalic dogs had 1.27 times the
odds of having at least one disorder compared with crossbred types.
The 95% CI for mesocephalic and dolichocephalic dogs did not overlap
the 95% CI for brachycephalic dogs, indicating that brachycephalic dogs
also had increased odds of having at least one disorder compared with
mesocephalic and dolichocephalic dogs.
The most common disorders (i.e., greatest prevalence) in the brachycephalic types were periodontal disease (n = 485, prevalence = 11.63%),
otitis externa (303, 7.27%), obesity (266, 6.38%), anal sac impaction (249,
5.97%), overgrown nail(s) (212, 5.09%), diarrhoea (143, 3.43%) and heart
murmur (3.43%). Using multivariable analysis, 8/30 disorders showed
higher odds (i.e., disorder predisposition) for brachycephalic types compared with non-brachycephalic types: corneal ulceration (OR 8.40), heart
murmur (OR 3.5), umbilical hernia (OR 3.16), pododermatitis (OR 1.66),
skin cyst (OR 1.52), patellar luxation (OR 1.40), otitis externa (OR 1.29)
and anal sac impaction (OR 1.24). Two disorders had reduced odds for
brachycephalic types: undesirable behaviour (OR 0.52) and claw injury (OR
0.45).
This study provides strong evidence that brachycephalic dogs have
reduced health overall compared with non-brachycephalic dogs based.
Brachycephalic dogs were more likely to have at least one disorder
diagnosed compared with mesocephalic, dolichocephalic or crossbred
dogs. Brachycephalic dogs showed predispositions for 8/30 disorders
compared with protections for just 2/30 disorders. By focusing on common problems that contribute substantially to the overall disease burden,
this study also highlights disorders that should be considered as priority
issues for brachycephalic dogs (5).
In summary, there is now strong evidence to support the common
belief that brachycephalic breeds are generally less healthy than their
non-brachycephalic counterparts. As a key stakeholder in the brachycephalic issue, the veterinary profession must now decide how to use this
new information to redress some important welfare issues related to
the brachycephalic conformation. The UK Brachycephalic Working Group
currently advises owners to ‘Stop and think before buying a flat-faced
dog’. Veterinary professionals and organisations worldwide could adopt
this reflective approach for wider dissemination to owners. This approach
could help owners to reach evidence-based decisions on which dog breed
to purchase after active consideration and prioritisation of the welfare
needs of the dog.
References
1. O’Neill DG, Church DB, McGreevy PD, Thomson PC, Brodbelt DC. Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England. The Veterinary Journal.
2013;198(3):638-43.
2. VetCompass. VetCompass Programme London: RVC Electronic Media
Unit; 2021 [Available from: http://www.rvc.ac.uk/VetCOMPASS/.
3. VetCompass Australia. VetCompass Australia Sydney: The University of
Sydney; 2021 [Available from: http://www.vetcompass.com.au/.
4. O’Neill DG, James H, Brodbelt DC, Church DB, Pegram C. Prevalence of
commonly diagnosed disorders in UK dogs under primary veterinary care:
results and applications. BMC Veterinary Research. 2021;17(1):69.
5. Summers JF, O’Neill DG, Church D, Collins L, Sargan D, Brodbelt DC.
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WSAVA GLOBAL COMMUNITY CONGRESS
Health-related welfare prioritisation of canine disorders using electronic
health records in primary care practice in the UK. BMC Veterinary Research. 2019;15(1):163.