A Novel Approach to Brachycephalic Syndrome. 1. Evaluation of Anatomical Intranasal Airway Obstruction

ConclusionSelective breeding for short head conformation reduces the size of the nasal cavities to such an extent that intranasal structures grow aberrantly and malformed, leading to obstructed air conducting spaces. Intranasal airway obstruction of brachycephalic dogs may contribute to their exercise and heat intolerance because of impaired pulmonary ventilation and compromised thermoregulatory functions of the canine nose. Failure to address intranasal obstruction might be an explanation for lack of therapeutic success after conventional surgery for brachycephalic syndrome. Future consideration should be given to the diagnosis, management, and treatment of this newly described aspect of airway obstruction.

Source: Veterinary Surgery - January 1, 2016 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Gerhard U. Oechtering, Sabine Pohl, Claudia Schlueter, Johanna P. Lippert, Michaele Alef, Ingmar Kiefer, Eberhard Ludewig, Riccarda Schuenemann Tags: Original Article Source Type: research