Brachycephalic dogs — time for action

A little over 4 years ago, Fraser Hale, a veterinary dentist, wrote an opinion piece in this journal entitled “Stop brachycephalism, now!” (1). The article focused on the dental problems encountered by brachycephalic dogs and argued that breeding of these animals was a serious animal welfare issue that needed to be addressed. The author anticipated that his article would “stimulate some lively, possibly acrimonious response.” That never happened. This journal received no comments about the article.

Three developments made me decide to write on this topic. One was information that brachycephalic breeds are gaining popularity as pets (2,3). Another was a report that in response to calls from veterinarians and members of the public, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) had recently adopted a strong position on the breeding of dogs with extreme conformation (2). The 3rd was a recent US report on the numerous health issues of brachycephalic dogs (3).

Several writers have discussed the health problems of brachycephalic dogs. The dental problems and constant respiratory distress associated with these breeds are probably the best known. A recent analysis of disease prevalence in over 1.27 million dogs over 9 years (based on pet health insurance claims) identified several other conditions that occurred at exceptional frequency in brachycephalic breeds (3). The study did not involve the conditions well known to be a part of the Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) (stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, tracheal hypoplasia, everted laryngeal saccules). The aim of the analysis was to determine whether brachycephalic dogs had health issues other than those of BOAS.

The protruding eyes of brachycephalic dogs were found to cause a higher prevalence of ocular disease than in other breeds: corneal ulcers were 3 to 4 times more frequent in brachycephalic dogs and there was a significant increase in the prevalence of conjunctivitis and corneal trauma (3). Excessive skin folds in some brachycephalic breeds resulted in increased rates of skin disease. Other conditions that were found at higher frequency include heat intolerance, digestive disorders, urinary tract infection, dental disease, pneumonia, and intervertebral disk disease (3).

The question of the increasing popularity of brachycephalic breeds in spite of their heightened health risk bears looking into. It is suggested that these dogs are considered “cute” and several prominent celebrities own such dogs. At the same time, veterinarians, with few exceptions (1,2) have not been speaking out about the welfare issues (many of the dogs are in constant respiratory distress and have to contend with the wide array of problems inflicted on them by their breeding). A British veterinarian recently wrote about the problems with brachycephalic dogs and the reasons veterinarians seem to be unwilling to discuss the issue (4). He/she argued that veterinarians are concerned that speaking up on this topic is likely to result in a loss of clients. In fact, the author would not identify him- or herself and wrote anonymously. Given this concern, it is important that professional veterinary organizations take up the challenge of seeing what can be done.

The BVA recognizes the need for the profession to play a leading role and to involve all stakeholders including veterinarians, dog breeders, kennel clubs, and prospective dog owners. The BVA and the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) both recommend against the use for breeding of animals with extreme conformation that negatively impacts their welfare and health (2). The BVA is also suggesting revision of breed standards to place limits on features such as shortness of the muzzle, and to investigate approaches such as outcrossing in order to relieve the unnecessary suffering of dogs such as the English bulldog.

The CVMA’s Position Statement on dog breeding is that “The CVMA opposes the selective breeding of dogs resulting in changes in body form, function or temperament that are detrimental to the health and quality of life of the dog.” Recently, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) adopted a similar position (5). These are sound positions and a good base for action involving education of the public and working with breeders, kennel clubs, and humane societies to address the health and welfare concerns.

Interestingly, the AVMA’s Animal Welfare Committee had recommended that companion animals with inherited features that adversely affect their welfare and health should not be bred and had included brachycephalic syndrome among a number of inherited conditions in this category. This was opposed by a number of breed organizations, leading to a final statement in which the mention of specific conditions was omitted.

The public needs to be educated about these dogs, which are doomed to a lifetime of poor health and suffering. Veterinarians can be enormously helpful in advising prospective owners to do pre-purchase research and to consider the welfare issues associated with brachycephalic dogs. Veterinary professional organizations in Canada and the US can follow the British lead and take an active role in finding solutions to the problem.