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Introduction: Narrowed tracheal lumen diameter (TLD) in dogs caused by congenital hypoplasia or acquired tracheal stenosis can result in adverse health effects. Standardized tracheal scores calculated from radiographic measurements have been used to assess tracheal diameter however comparisons have not been made to characterize differences in tracheal lumen among breeds. Methods: The main objective of this study was to compare tracheal scores at three regions of the trachea among non-brachycephalic dogs, non-bulldog brachycephalic dogs, and bulldogs. Medical records and thoracic radiographs of clinically normal dogs were reviewed. The TLDs 79 of three different tracheal regions (caudal cervical, thoracic inlet, and intrathoracic) were standardized by the manubrium length (ML) and thoracic inlet distance (Ti-D) to calculate the manubrium and thoracic inlet tracheal indexes (M-TI and Ti-TI) at each region. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the differences in tracheal scores among the three breed populations. Results: Overall, M-TI and Ti-TI varied significantly (p < 0.0001) at the three tracheal levels among the three breed populations. Bulldogs and non-bulldog brachycephalic breeds possessed lower (p < 0.016) M-TI and Ti-TI than nonbrachycephalic breeds at the three tracheal regions, and bulldogs possessed the lowest M-TI and Ti-TI scores at all measured regions. Conclusion: Averaged M-TIs <0.38, <0.34, <0.32 in non-brachycephalic, nonbulldog brachycephalic, and bulldog breeds, respectively, may indicate tracheal hypoplasia. Utilizing M-TI can be recommended for the assessment of canine TLD however further investigation in dogs with concurrent respiratory diseases is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hypothesis/Objectives Animals Methods Results Conclusions and Clinical Importance Limited current information exists regarding discospondylitis within breeds commonly affected by congenital vertebral body malformations.Report the prevalence of discospondylitis in English and French bulldogs and investigate for possible associations of discospondylitis with congenital vertebral body malformations.108 client‐owned dogs.Retrospective multi‐institutional study between June 2010 and 2020. Cases with a diagnosis of discospondylitis on computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and complete medical records included. Signalment, discospondylitis location, presence of congenital vertebral body malformations, and the site of maximal kyphosis were recorded.The prevalence of discospondylitis was 3.4 (1.6‐6.7, 95% confidence interval [CI]) times higher in French bulldogs (P < .001) and 4.3 (1.7‐9.8, 95% CI) times higher in English bulldogs (<.001), compared with the overall hospital cohort. One or more vertebral malformations were present in 12 French bulldogs (92.3%), 6 English bulldogs (75.0%), and 1 “other” breed dog (1.1%). Discospondylitis was diagnosed adjacent to congenital vertebral body malformations in 12 (80%) intervertebral discs in French bulldogs and 5 (50%) intervertebral discs in English bulldogs. The median age at presentation was significantly younger in French bulldogs (1.1 years; range, 0.5‐9.2 years) and English bulldogs (1.0 years; range, 0.4‐7.0 years), compared with “other” breed dogs (7.3 years; range, 0.3‐14.0 years; both P < .001).Congenital vertebral body malformations were frequently associated with discospondylitis in French and English bulldogs, with clinical signs commonly encountered at a significantly younger age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, type, site and breed predisposition of thoracic congenital vertebral malformations (CVM) in neurologically normal brachycephalic 'screw‐tail' dog breeds. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Animals: Neurologically normal French Bulldogs (n = 63), British Bulldogs (n = 42), Boston Terriers (n = 4) and Pugs (n = 86) presenting for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome treatment. Methods: Either a plain computer tomography scan of the thorax or lateral and dorso‐ventral digital radiographs of the thoracic vertebral column of each dog were assessed for any vertebral malformations and classed according to the Modified McMaster vertebral abnormality classification scheme proposed by Guiterrez et al. Results: The prevalence of dogs with one or more abnormal vertebrae was 96.82% in French Bulldogs, 90.47% in British Bulldogs, and 76.74% in Pugs. Pugs had significantly lower instances of CVMs than French Bulldogs. The four Boston Terriers all had vertebral malformations, but the results were not considered to be statistically significant due to their small sample size. In French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs, ventral hypoplasia (Type 3) occurred at greater rates than all other types, followed by ventral and median hypoplasia (Types 7) and symmetrical hypoplasia (Type 8). In Pugs, symmetrical hypoplasia (Type 8) was the most common and then ventral hypoplasia (Type 3). The most affected vertebrae were T6–T9 in Pugs and T5–T10 in French Bulldogs and British Bulldogs. Conclusions: The majority of neurologically normal brachycephalic 'screw‐tail' dogs assessed in this paper possessed one or more congenital thoracic vertebral malformations. Dogs with vertebral malformations were found to be more likely to have more than one affected vertebra. Sex had no effect on the prevalence of CVM. Clinical Relevance: A substantial number of neurologically normal brachycephalic 'screw‐tail' dogs suffer from congenital vertebral malformations. Thus, the need for selective breeding programmes to eliminate this hereditary condition is crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The 2024 ACVIM Forum Research Report Program, published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, features abstracts on various topics in veterinary medicine. The abstracts cover areas such as cardiology, equine health, neurology, nutrition, and small animal internal medicine. One study in cardiology examines the impact of right-sided heart disease on gastrointestinal health in dogs, finding that gastrointestinal dysfunction increases with the severity of the disease. Another study in cardiology compares different echocardiographic estimates of stroke volume in healthy dogs, finding that these estimates are not interchangeable. A study in serology evaluates different tests for detecting Trypanosoma cruzi infection in dogs, finding that the indirect fluorescent antibody test had the highest positivity rate. This study aimed to investigate the changes in nerve conduction associated with age and osteoarthritis (OA) in cats. The researchers conducted a prospective, randomized comparison of nerve conduction in healthy cats and cats with OA. They found that cats with OA had alterations in sensory and motor nerve conduction compared to healthy cats. These changes were correlated with age and quantitative sensory testing results. The study suggests that nerve conduction changes may contribute to the mobility and sensory function alterations observed in cats with OA. This study aimed to determine the biological variation of serum phosphorus and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) in healthy cats and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The results showed that both phosphorus and FGF-23 exhibited significant [Extracted from the article]

Background: Urolithiasis can be managed by endoscopic, laparoscopic, percutaneous, or open approaches. We introduce an effective and safe method for stone migration during laparoscopic ureterolithotomy. Description of Technique: We used laparoscopic intraperitoneal approach, with three ports. Stone is localized and the ureter occluded proximally and distally to the stone using bulldog clamps to minimize the risk of stone migration. Patients and Methods: Case 1 had a 15 mm left upper ureteral stone — refractory to ESWL. Case 2 had a 17mm right upper ureteral stone without previous stone procedure. Case 3 had a history of failed ESWL for a 17mm left upper ureteral stone. Results: Mean operation time was 55 minutes, mean hospital stay was two days, and SFR was 100%. No complications occurred during this minimally invasive surgery, either intra-operatively or post-operatively. Conclusion: This is a safe and effective maneuver, increasing the stonefree rate of the procedure, which facilitates stone surgery by releasing the surgeon’s hands and preventing stone migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This short case series describes four young adult miniature English bull terriers that presented with dyspnoea and marked inspiratory stridor as a consequence of cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis. Upper airway examinations in all four dogs documented absent abduction of the arytenoid cartilages bilaterally and a narrowrima glottis. Arytenoid lateralisationwas attempted inall fourdogs, but therewasnoincrease inthe cross-sectional area of the rima glottis in any dog due to an apparent ankylosis of the cricoarytenoid joint. Three dogs were successfullymanaged with permanent tracheostomy (with minor post-operative complications encountered in one dog and major post-operative complications encountered in another), but the owner of the fourth dog elected for euthanasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Neutering dogs is a widespread method and is carried out for various behavioural and husbandry reasons. This study’s main objective is to investigate the behavioural correlations between neutering and the breed of male dogs. In order to possibly find breed-dependent differences in the behaviour of intact and castrated dogs, a differentiation between two clades - the “Huskies“(chow chow, shar pei, akita/shiba inu, alaskan malamute, siberian/alaskan husky) and the “Bulldogs” (german boxer, english/french bulldog, old english mastiff, boston terrier, english bull terrier, staffordshire bull terrier, american staffordshire terrier), based on Parker et al. [1], was made. Using an online questionnaire,, 31 neutered and 37 intact male dogs from the clade “Huskies“ and 30 neutered and 38 intact male dogs from the clade “Bulldogs”, participated in the study (N = 136).The survey included detailed questions on the dogs’ personality and any associated issues as well as a behavioural anamnesis. Further questions relating to four of the “big five” personality dimensions based on the “Budapest questionnaire” by Turcsán et al. from 2011 [2] were also added. The results show, that neutered males from both breed clades more frequently displayed aggression toward humans than intact males (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.002). When it came to aggression towards other dogs, it was the “Huskies” that differed significantly from the “Bulldogs“(multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.04) with being more aggressive. There were also significant differences in stress-related behaviour depending on castration status and breed (multinomial logistic regression, p

Simple Summary: This study considers several factors that may impact canine lifespan, including breed, sex, size, and skull shape. The results reveal that Portuguese dogs typically live for a mean of 8.91 years, with females living slightly longer than male dogs. Additionally, smaller breeds tend to have a longer lifespan compared to larger ones, while brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds exhibit the lowest life expectancy. These findings enhance the understanding of the factors influencing canine longevity and aid in developing strategies to improve the health and lifespan of companion dogs. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive picture of the life expectancy of dogs in Portugal, focusing on the impact of diverse factors including breed, sex, size, and skull shape. The final dataset, gathering data from the national registry database, consisted of 278,116 dogs with confirmed deaths. The mean lifespan at birth for all the dogs was around 8.91 years, with the female dogs tended to have a similar lifespan to male dogs. The analysis of life expectancy at birth for the 20 most common non-Portuguese breeds and 10 Portuguese breeds revealed that Yorkshire Terriers had the highest life expectancy (10.89 years) and French Bulldogs the lowest (6.27 years). Size and cephalic index were found to be influential factors, with large brachycephalic breeds exhibiting shorter life expectancies and smaller, mesocephalic breeds experiencing longer lifespans. Additionally, the cephalic index had a more substantial impact on life expectancy compared to body size. These findings enhance the understanding of the factors influencing canine longevity and aid in developing strategies to improve the health and lifespan of companion dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), observed in many flat-faced dog breeds, is one of the most urgent welfare problems in pedigree dogs. Various breeding schemes against BOAS have been implemented in many countries during recent years, but their impact on breed health remains unknown. The BOAS breeding test, used by the Finnish Kennel Club (FKC), includes an exercise component with a recovery assessment, BOAS grading by a veterinarian that evaluates upper respiratory signs before and after exercise, and a nostril stenosis assessment. The aim of our study was to evaluate BOAS breeding test results and estimate the heritability of the BOAS grade using parent–offspring regression from FKC data collected during 2017–2022. Results: The majority (80%) of dogs (n = 957) participating in FKC BOAS testing were English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs. In 2022, 89–100% of the litters from these three breeds registered with the FKC had at least one parent tested for BOAS. The proportion of dogs failing the exercise test was highest in English Bulldogs (11%), followed by French Bulldogs (4%) and Pugs (3%). In these three breeds, moderate to severe BOAS signs were reported in 28%, 22% and 30% of dogs, respectively. The proportion of moderate to severe nostril stenosis was highest (71%) in Pugs, followed by French Bulldogs (55%), and English Bulldogs (40%). Estimates of heritability for BOAS grade were separately calculated for these three breeds and for all dogs, and the estimates were moderate to high, ranging from 0.39 to 0.58. Conclusions: The exercise test alone did not sufficiently identify dogs with moderate to severe BOAS signs. To better consider the complex nature of BOAS and breed differences, exercise tolerance, the severity of upper respiratory signs (BOAS grade) and nostril stenosis should all be assessed together in breeding animals. The heritability estimates for veterinary-assessed BOAS grade indicated that BOAS grade could be used in selective breeding to obtain less-affected offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: French bulldogs can be affected by several neurological diseases, with myelopathies representing the most frequent cause of neurological signs. Studies focusing on the epidemiology of cervical diseases in this breed are lacking. This study aims to describe the prevalence of neurological pathologies responsible for cervical pain and/or signs of cervical myelopathy, assuming that intervertebral disc herniation represents the most common disease; a second aim was to evaluate how often different pathologies coexist in this spinal region in French bulldogs. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records from the database of a single referral center (AniCura I Portoni Rossi Veterinary Hospital--Zola Predosa, Bologna, Italy) was performed, including French bulldogs presented for neck pain and/or neurological deficits consistent with cervical myelopathy. Clinical and imaging data were reviewed and used as inclusion criteria. Based on the number of MRI-diagnosed diseases, the eligible dogs were divided into three groups. Results: One hundred five French bulldogs met the inclusion criteria. The most commonly diagnosed condition was an intervertebral disc herniation (66.9%), followed by C2 idiopathic hypertrophic ganglioneuritis (15.1%), cervical syringomyelia (11.5%), congenital osseous malformations (1.4%), spinal arachnoid diverticula (1.4%), neoplasms (1.4%), steroid-responsive meningitis-arteritis (0.7%), traumatic vertebral fractures (0.7%), and other (0.7%). For the vast majority of dogs (75/105) a single pathology was diagnosed, with intervertebral disc herniations accounting for 86.7% of cases, involving C3-C4 IVD most commonly. In the remaining 30 dogs, two or three different and concurrent diseases were detected. Among these 30 dogs, intervertebral disc herniations still remained the most diagnosed condition, in combination with C2 idiopathic hypertrophic ganglioneuritis and syringomyelia in 19 and seven cases, respectively. Conclusion: The results of this study highlight that different pathologies can affect the cervical spinal cord in French bulldogs, with intervertebral disc herniations representing the most frequent condition, as previously described in the veterinary literature. In almost a third of cases, different pathologies can coexist at the cervical level. However, for cases in which different pathologies are present at the same time, it is not always possible to clearly establish their clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutering dogs is a widespread method and is carried out for various behavioural and husbandry reasons. This study's main objective is to investigate the behavioural correlations between neutering and the breed of male dogs. In order to possibly find breed-dependent differences in the behaviour of intact and castrated dogs, a differentiation between two clades - the "Huskies"(chow chow, shar pei, akita/shiba inu, alaskan malamute, siberian/alaskan husky) and the "Bulldogs" (german boxer, english/french bulldog, old english mastiff, boston terrier, english bull terrier, staffordshire bull terrier, american staffordshire terrier), based on Parker et al. [1], was made. Using an online questionnaire,, 31 neutered and 37 intact male dogs from the clade "Huskies" and 30 neutered and 38 intact male dogs from the clade "Bulldogs", participated in the study (N = 136).The survey included detailed questions on the dogs' personality and any associated issues as well as a behavioural anamnesis. Further questions relating to four of the "big five" personality dimensions based on the "Budapest questionnaire" by Turcsán et al. from 2011 [2] were also added. The results show, that neutered males from both breed clades more frequently displayed aggression toward humans than intact males (multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.002). When it came to aggression towards other dogs, it was the "Huskies" that differed significantly from the "Bulldogs"(multinomial logistic regression, p = 0.04) with being more aggressive. There were also significant differences in stress-related behaviour depending on castration status and breed (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001; Cramer's V = 0.33) and only the castration status had an impact on the significance (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001). The analysis also revealed significance for stress-indicating behaviour with dependence on neutering status (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001) and showed that stress as well as uncertainty are significantly more common in neutered dogs depending on breed and neutering status (multinomial logistic regression, p < 0.001; Cramer's V = 0.42), in that only neutered "Bulldogs" were stressed, but more "Huskies" overall. According to the Budapest questionnaire data, the "Bulldog" clade had considerably greater extraversion scores overall (ordinal regression, p < 0.001) than the "Huskies". Our findings highlight the risks and potential negative effects of neutering. Gonadectomy in no way substitutes for the dog receiving the necessary socialization, training, or bonding. Although in some circumstances it might have a favourable impact on the dog's behaviour, it should not be seen as a panacea for unwanted behaviour. Given that not all behaviours are influenced by sex hormones, every castration decision must be weighed up individually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine middle ear effusion (MEE) is usually asymptomatic, being an incidental finding when computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head is performed for other reasons unrelated to otic disease. The clinical relevance of the presence of material in the tympanic bulla (TB) remains uncertain, and more detail about its prevalence and appearance in MRI are required. Objective: To assess the prevalence of presence of material within the TB of French bulldogs (FB) with no clinical signs suggestive of otitis (externa, media or interna) that underwent high‐field MRI for other medical reasons. Animals: Two hundred fifty‐two TB of 126 FB were included in this study. Materials and Methods: Nonexperimental retrospective study in which MRI images were evaluated by a board‐certified veterinary radiologist. Results: Fifty‐eight per cent of the dogs had material in the TB lumen (46% of the TB) and 59% were bilaterally affected. The signal intensity of this material related to the grey matter was variable on T1w and mainly hyperintense on T2w sequences. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: FB are predisposed to MEE. This is important when assessing imaging studies of TB of FB with chronic otitis externa, as high percentage of cases may have concurrent MEE. MRI findings in FB with MEE are characterised by a hyperintense signal to the grey matter on T2w in most cases and variable on T1w sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 5‐year‐old, female French bulldog was evaluated for left‐sided congestive heart failure. A diagnosis of bronchoesophageal artery hypertrophy with systemic‐to‐pulmonary shunt was made. Even though Doppler echocardiographic findings were in favour of a left‐to‐right shunting patent ductus arteriosus, the exploratory thoracotomy highlighted a more complex vascular anomaly. An angiographic computed tomography study allowed to establish the final diagnosis. Bronchial‐to‐pulmonary artery shunts can mimic the presence of a patent ductus arteriosus, therefore computed tomography is considered a valuable additional tool for diagnosis and surgical planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2‐year‐10‐month‐old, male, neutered French bulldog presented with a rectal prolapse, rectal bleeding, weight loss and anaemia with left hindlimb oedema. Biopsies of the recto‐anal junction identified moderate neutrophilic and lymphoplasmacytic erosive proctitis, with moderate vascular hyperaemia and moderately ectatic vessels in the rectal submucosa. Abdominal computed tomography identified intra‐abdominal arteriovenous malformations involving the mesenteric arteries, colic arteries, the vertebral venous plexus and femoral veins causing concurrent left hindlimb oedema. The malformations were too extensive to allow for surgical resection of the affected area of intestine. The patient's clinical signs initially responded to immunosuppressive therapy with corticosteroids. However, the patient's clinical signs progressed, and the dog was euthanased 4 months after initial presentation. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of such extensive arteriovenous anomalies also involving rectal prolapse and suspected colonic ectasia in a dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Intervertebral disc herniation is widely recognized as the most common cause of myelopathy in dogs older than 2 years; however, the prevalence of various causes of myelopathy in younger dogs has not been reported. Hypothesis/Objectives: To describe the prevalence, clinical presentation, and etiology of myelopathy in dogs aged 18 months or less. Secondarily, to investigate which clinical features were associated with each of the most common etiologies. Animals: Two hundred twenty‐four dogs aged 18 months or less with myelopathy were included in the study. Methods: Retrospective review of clinical records from 4 referral institutions. Multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed which clinical features were associated with each diagnosis. Results: French bulldogs (n = 51, 22.8%), pugs (n = 18, 8.0%), crossbreeds (n = 12, 5.4%), and English bulldogs (n = 11, 4.9%) were the most frequently affected breeds. Overall, 31 diagnoses were reached. The 5 most frequent diagnoses were vertebral malformation (VM; n = 42, 18.8%), spinal arachnoid diverticulum (SAD; n = 28, 12.5%), traumatic fracture of the vertebral column (n = 22, 9.8%), atlantoaxial instability (n = 18, 8.0%), and osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (n = 17, 7.6%). Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) accounted for 4.5% of cases (n = 10). A final diagnosis of VM was associated with younger, screw‐tailed, and pug breeds with chronic signs of T3‐L3 myelopathy. SAD was associated with screw‐tailed and pug breeds with nonpainful clinical signs. Intervertebral disc extrusion was associated with older, screw‐tailed, and pug breeds with shorter duration of clinical signs. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Prioritization of differential diagnoses for dogs presenting with signs of myelopathy when aged 18 months or less should differ to those for older dogs, with IVDE not the most common cause in the former. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sliding hiatal herniation (SHH) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) commonly occur in French bulldogs. Wireless pH monitoring can quantitatively assess acidic GER in dogs affected by SHH. Hypothesis/Objectives: Measure acidic GER in French bulldogs with SHH, pre‐ and post‐brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) surgery, utilizing a wireless pH capsule (Bravo Calibration‐free, Medtronic, Minnesota), and correlate with owners' observations of regurgitation. Animals: Eleven French bulldogs diagnosed with SHH via swallowing fluoroscopy. Methods: Prospective cohort study. A pH capsule was endoscopically placed in the esophagus. Up to 96 hours of data were acquired as the owner logged clinical signs. Spearman's correlation and Wilcoxon rank‐sum tests evaluated factors correlated with acid exposure time (AET), defined by the % time pH < 4. In 4/11 dogs, Bravo monitoring was repeated 2‐4 months after BOAS surgery. Results: Medians (Q1‐Q3) for age and weight were 21 months (17‐35.5) and 10.0 kg (8.9‐11.5). BOAS severity was mild (3), moderate (4), or severe (4). Medians (Q1‐Q3) for AET and reflux events were 3.3% (2.6‐6.4) and 70 (34‐173). Clinical score (P =.82) and BOAS severity (P =.60) were not correlated with AET, but age was negatively correlated (rho = −.66, P =.03). Median probability (Q1‐Q3) that regurgitation was associated with a reflux event was 72.5% (0‐99). Percent AET numerically improved in all 4 dogs that underwent BOAS surgery although not statistically assessed. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Wireless pH monitoring documented acidic GER in French bulldogs with SHH, captured subclinical events, and showed improvements after BOAS surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 7‐month‐old male French bulldog was referred for abnormal mentation and gait. Physical examination revealed a dome shaped calvarium and persistent bregmatic fontanelle. Neurological examination revealed proprioceptive ataxia, pelvic limb paraparesis and strabismus with moderate ventriculomegaly, thinning of the cerebral parenchyma, and widened cerebral sulci on magnetic resonance imaging. Masses were identified in the region of the thyroid, which appeared heterogeneous and hyperintense in T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted compared with the adjacent muscle signal masses were identified. Radiological diagnosis was hydrocephalus "ex vacuo" and goiter. Blood test revealed abnormally low total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4), and normal thyrotropin concentration. A diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism was confirmed by positive genetic test for thyroid peroxidase mutation. Thyroxine supplementation treatment rapidly improved clinical signs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case series describes the post-mortem findings in 17 bitches (Canis lupus familiaris) with a recent (<7 days) history of caesarean section, most (94%) of which had undergone conservative caesarean section with preservation of the uterus. Brachycephalic breeds accounted for 71% of all cases, with the French Bulldog (35%, n = 6), English Bulldog (18%, n = 3) and Boston Terrier (12%, n = 2) overrepresented. Eleven animals (65%) died between 4 and 48 h after surgery, whereas six (35%) died during the procedure. The most common cause of death was septicaemia (41%, n = 7) associated with Streptococcus canis (29%, n = 5) and/or Escherichia coli (24%, n = 4). Other causes of death included brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)-associated respiratory failure (24%, n = 4), haemorrhagic shock (18%, n = 3), inconclusive (12%, n = 2) and gastric dilatation and volvulus (6%, n = 1). Histopathological changes were seen in the uterus of 10 cases and included marked inflammation (60%, n = 6), marked haemorrhage (20%, n = 2) or both (20%, n = 2). Metritis was often characterized by fibrinonecrotic, neutrophilic to mixed inflammation, consistent with acute infection. However, prominent lymphohistiocytic infiltrates in two cases suggested that infection had been present prior to surgery. Peritonitis, myositis and panniculitis commonly (35%, n = 6) surrounded the incision sites. The presence of inflammation and bacterial colonies within multiple surgical sites suggested iatrogenic implantation of bacteria, potentially from the uterine lumen. Bacterial culture and isolation, as well as tape measurements for evaluation of conformational BOAS risk factors where applicable, are recommended as part of the routine post-mortem work-up for bitches that die shortly after caesarean section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of nasal planum diseases in dogs, focusing on various diseases that can affect this area. It emphasizes the importance of diagnostic procedures such as physical examination, cytology, and skin biopsies for accurately diagnosing these diseases. The article provides key clinical features and signalment information for each disease, and is aimed at veterinary professionals. It discusses diseases such as facial discoid lupus erythematosus, pemphigus foliaceus, and squamous cell carcinoma, providing information on clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment options. The article highlights the significance of histopathological examination for definitive diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

Although the incidence of neoplasms increases with age, some tumors occur more commonly in younger dogs. Still, little information is available on the occurrence of neoplasms in dogs up to the age of 24 months. This study is a retrospective review of histopathological diagnoses of neoplasia at our laboratory during the last seven years (2017–2023) in two groups of dogs: group up to the age of 12 months and group from 13 to 24 months. In a total of 3704 neoplasms found in different dog tissues, 74 (2.00%) were identified in dogs up to 12 months and 135 (3.64%) in dogs aged 13 to 24 months. Canine cutaneous histiocytoma was the most frequent in both groups:41 cases (54.41%) in dogs up to 12 months, followed by 39 cases (28.89%) in those up to 24 months. In the present analysis of the group up to 12 months, 82.43% of tumors (n = 61) were benign, and 17.57% (n=13) were malignant, followed by 68.15% (n=92) benign neoplasms, and 31.85% (n=43) malignant in dogs aged from 13 to 24 months. French bulldogs and mixed-breed dogs were the most frequently affected. These data provide valuable epidemiological information on neoplasms in young dogs in the Republic of Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-year-old American Bulldog developed coalescing exophytic bulbous nodules that grew rapidly on the left pinna and a single cutaneous mass on the left flank. Histological examination of the pinnal biopsy by a diagnostic laboratory revealed a densely cellular neoplasm with haphazardly arranged round to spindle cells with high mitotic activity and epitheliotropism. The initial diagnosis was a poorly differentiated malignant neoplasm with differential diagnoses including melanoma, tumour of histiocytic origin and, less likely, a pleomorphic lymphoma. A panel of melanoma immunohistochemical markers and immunolabelling for CD18 were pursued. Neoplastic cells were immunopositive for CD18 but negative for Melan-A, PNL2, TRP-1 and TRP-2, suggestive of a histiocytic tumour or lymphoma. The left ear masses recurred, and more masses developed on the body. The pinnectomized ear was submitted to the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory. Similar cells were seen and were immunolabelled for CD18 and CD3 but were immunonegative for SOX10, CD79a and CD20. PCR for antigen receptor rearrangements revealed a clonal rearrangement of T-cell receptor gamma. These findings enabled a final diagnosis of epitheliotropic T-cell lymphoma with spindle cell morphology. Lymphoma should be considered as a potential differential diagnosis for cutaneous nodules of spindle cell morphology and lymphocytic immunohistochemical markers should be included in diagnostic panels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Veterinary Journal / Revue Vétérinaire Canadienne is the property of Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Radiographic examination of the middle ear in French bulldogs can be challenging due to their small ear cavity and thick walls. Quantifying opacity on radiographic images is required to determine normal or abnormal results. Aim: To quantify the radiographic opacity of the middle ear in French bulldogs and create a threshold for objective diagnosis. Methods: A study was conducted on 32 French Bulldogs using radiographic images. Significant difference tests were performed on the ears of patients with unilateral and bilateral middle ear filling on computed tomography. A threshold was established for detecting left-right asymmetry in the same individuals. In addition, comparisons were made between the filling and nonfilling middle ear groups to establish a threshold of pixel values that could determine single middle ear filling and nonfilling for different patient images. Results: Significant differences were observed in the left-right difference in max, left-right difference in max-ave, and left-right ratio of max-ave between unilateral and bilateral filling groups. The max-ave left-right ratio had the highest area under the curve value with a cutoff of 1.077% and 92.3% sensitivity. The item that showed a significant difference between middle ear groups with and without filling was corrected for nasopharyngeal pixel values with a cutoff of 1.028% and 85% sensitivity. Conclusion: Pixel value ratios in the middle ear region can detect asymmetries in ear densities. The max value in the region compared to the same image's nasopharyngeal region can determine the filling. Combining individual ear evaluations and symmetry improves accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Muscle hypertrophy, swallowing disorders, and gait abnormalities are clinical signs common to many muscle diseases, including muscular dystrophies, non-dystrophic myotonias, myopathies associated with deficiency of myostatin, and acquired inflammatory myopathies. Here we describe four clinical cases in young French bulldogs displaying the above clinical signs. Using whole genome sequencing in two of the cases and Sanger sequencing validation, variants were identified in the chloride channel gene CLCN1, which causes non-dystrophic congenital myotonia, and in the phosphodiesterase gene PDE4C, which is the major phosphodiesterase expressed in skeletal muscle and may play a role in decreasing muscle atrophy. In one case for which whole genome sequencing was not performed, genotyping for the identified variants was not confirmed. In the remaining case, the CLCN1 variant was confirmed with genotyping. Identification of variants in genes associated with this clinical presentation may assist breeders with breeding programs designed to eliminate them in this currently very popular breed. Further, identification of new disease-causing variants may help us to identify therapies to reverse muscle atrophy in individuals affected by this group of neuromuscular diseases. (1) Background: Muscle hypertrophy, swallowing disorders, and gait abnormalities are clinical signs common to many muscle diseases, including muscular dystrophies, non-dystrophic myotonias, genetic myopathies associated with deficiency of myostatin, and acquired inflammatory myopathies. Here, we investigated underlying causes of this triad of clinical signs in four young French bulldogs via muscle histopathology coupled with whole genome and Sanger sequencing. (2) Methods: Dogs were evaluated by veterinary clinical internists and neurologists, and biopsies were obtained for histopathological diagnosis. DNA was submitted for whole genome sequencing, followed by bioinformatics evaluation and confirmation of variants via Sanger sequencing in two cases. (3) Results: Two novel variants were identified. The first, found in two related French bulldogs, was a homozygous variant in the chloride channel gene CLCN1 known to cause non-dystrophic congenital myotonia, and the second, found in an unrelated French bulldog, was a heterozygous variant in the cAMP phosphodiesterase gene PDE4C, which is the major phosphodiesterase expressed in skeletal muscle and may play a role in decreasing muscle atrophy. An underlying molecular basis in one other case has not yet been identified. (4) Conclusions: Here, we identified two novel variants, one in the CLCN1 and one in the PDE4C gene, associated with clinical signs of muscle hypertrophy, dysphagia, and gait abnormalities, and we suggested other bases of these phenotypes in French bulldogs that are yet to be discovered. Identification of genes and deleterious variants associated with these clinical signs may assist breeders in improving the overall health of this very popular breed and may lead to the identification of new therapies to reverse muscle atrophy in people and animals with neuromuscular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) incongruity and morphological variations can result in clinical signs but have also been reported in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs. The purpose of this study was to assess TMJ morphology in a group of brachycephalic dogs using computed tomography (CT). French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS), Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were retrospectively enrolled. The severity of the TMJ morphological changes was determined using a modified 5-grade classification system. The intra- and inter-observer agreements were calculated. One hundred fifty-three dogs were included. When evaluating the medial aspect of the TMJ in the sagittal plane, there was a spectrum of variations in the shape of the head of the condylar process of the mandible, the mandibular fossa and the retroarticular process ranging from a rounded concave TMJ with a long retroarticular process to a flattened TMJ with an absent process. Variations in the articular surface of the head of the condyle in the transverse plane ranged from flat, through curved and trapezoid to sigmoid. The prevalence of severe TMJ dysplasia (grades B3 and C) in the CKCS and French Bulldog was high (69.2% and 53.8%, respectively). The intra- and inter-observer agreements were moderate. Variations in TMJ morphology exist in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs. Marked changes seem to be highly prevalent in the French Bulldog and CKCS and should be considered a breed variation. The TMJ classification described in this study could be used to standardize assessment of canine TMJ morphology. However, further research is needed to determine its clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report describes a novel example of an extranodal null-type lymphoma in the myocardium of a middle-aged English bulldog who presented with signs of right heart failure. An echocardiogram found, in addition to the pericardial effusion, thickened right and left ventricular free walls and the interventricular septum. The right ventricular free wall myocardium had multinodular lesions, suspicious for infiltrative disease. The owner elected humane euthanasia, and permission for necropsy was obtained. Multifocal left and right ventricular nodules and an incidental aortic root mass were detected, the latter of which was later confirmed as a chemodectoma. Microscopically, the myocardial nodules were sheets of round cells consistent with a high-grade lymphoma. Neoplastic cells were not immunoreactive to CD3 (T-cell) or CD20 and CD79a (B-cell), Mum-1 (plasma cell), CD117 (mast cell), or CD18 (histiocyte). These findings are consistent with a high-grade, null-cell-type lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine herpesvirus 1 (CaHV-1) infects dogs, causing neonatal death and ocular, neurological, respiratory, and reproductive problems in adults. Although CaHV-1 is widespread in canine populations, only four studies have focused on the CaHV-1 whole genome. In such context, two CaHV-1 strains from both the kidney and spleen of 20-day-old deceased French Bulldog puppies were recently isolated in Sardinia, Italy. The extracted viral DNA underwent whole-genome sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The Italian CaHV-1 genomes were nearly identical (>99%), shared the same tree branch, and clustered near the ELAL-1 (MW353125) and BTU-1 (KX828242) strains, enlarging the completely separated clade discussed by Lewin et al., in 2020. This study aims to provide new insights on the evolution of the CaHV-1, based on high-resolution whole-genome phylogenetic analysis, and on its clinicopathological characterization during a fatal outbreak in puppies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the preoperative clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of evisceration with implantation of an intrascleral silicone prosthesis (EIISP) procedures in dogs and evaluate whether brachycephalic dogs are more prone than non‐brachycephalic dogs to develop postoperative complications after EIISP. Animal studied: Ninety‐One dogs (19 of which were brachycephalic) were included. Procedures: Medical records from 2010 to 2019 were reviewed. Signalment, reason for EIISP, postoperative complications, follow‐up time, and postoperative eye appearance were analyzed. Results: The most frequently represented breeds were French Bulldog [11/91 (12%) dogs], Jack Russell Terrier [6/91 (7%)], and Shih Tzu [6/91 (7%)]. Brachycephalic dogs were statistically younger than non‐brachycephalic dogs at the time of EIISP (p = 1.61 × 10−5). Uncontrolled glaucoma was the most common reason for EIISP in both groups. Short‐term complications (from D0 to D15) seen in 7/91 (8%) dogs included epithelial corneal ulcers (n = 3), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) (n = 2), and prosthesis extrusion (n = 2). Long‐term complications seen in 26/91 (29%) dogs included KCS (n = 11), epithelial corneal ulcers (n = 7), stromal ulcers (n = 3), entropion (n = 4), and prosthesis extrusion (n = 1). Extrusion of the prosthesis occurred twice in eyes that had undergone diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. The risk of postoperative complications was not significantly different between brachycephalic and non‐brachycephalic dogs (p =.3). Conclusions: Brachycephalic status in dogs does not appear to influence the risk of complications from EIISP. Nevertheless, the present study is a reminder that EIISP focuses on esthetics, and considering the possible complications associated with it, it does not provide a benefit to the patient compared to enucleation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report the results of prophylactic use of intraoperative temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps in patients clinically diagnosed with abnormally invasive placenta. Methods: This retrospective study included 61 patients diagnosed with FIGO grade 3 abnormally invasive placenta between January 2018 and March 2022. After transfundal incision and fetal delivery, bilateral temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps was performed in all patients. The grades 3b and 3c group underwent cesarean hysterectomy whereas selected cases of grade 3a abnormally invasive placenta underwent fertility‐preserving procedures. Preoperative and postoperative findings were compared. Results: Cesarean hysterectomy was performed in 50 (82%) patients and cesarean plus conservative procedures were performed in 11 (18%) patients. Intraoperative blood replacement was not performed in 83.6% of all patients. Mean blood loss was 1.37 ± 0.53 L (range 0.5–2.5) in all patients. Estimated blood loss was significantly higher in cesarean hysterectomy group. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of peroperative blood replacement, bladder, and ureteral injury. Conclusion: Prophylactic bilateral temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps should be performed in cases of grade 3 abnormally invasive placenta. Fertility‐preserving steps may be undertaken safely in selected cases with this approach. Synopsis: Prophylactic temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps should be considered in abnormally invasive placenta. Acceptable estimated blood loss is observed with this technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Intervertebral disc protrusion (IVDP) is a neurological disorder commonly observed at the lumbosacral junction of old, medium-to-large breeds, non-chondrodystrophic dogs. Although uncommon, lumbosacral IVDP can also be seen in chondrodystrophic dogs, among them French Bulldogs (FBs) and could be associated with congenital vertebral malformations in this breed. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence, clinical features, and MRI characteristics of lumbosacral IVDP and congenital vertebral malformations in FBs diagnosed with thoracic or lumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) and to evaluate the possible interference of the neurologic deficits related to chronic IVDP on neurological examination. Materials and methods: This is a single-center, retrospective case series. A search for FBs diagnosed with IVDE affecting the thoracic or lumbar regions is done on the database of the AniCura I Portoni Rossi Veterinary Hospital (Zola Predosa, Bologna, Italy). Eligible dogs have a complete medical report and a high-field MRI of the lumbosacral junction. MRIs of the lumbosacral junction are evaluated to determine the position of IVDP, cranial intervertebral foraminal stenosis, and signs of nerve root involvement. Radiographs, when available, are reviewed to identify the presence of lumbosacral congenital vertebral malformations. Results: Eighty FBs are included in the study. The prevalence of lumbosacral IVDP among FBs is 91.3%. Among FBs with lumbosacral IVDP, 45.0% show concurrent cranial intervertebral foraminal stenosis, 28.8% exhibit concurrent nerve root involvement, 56.2% appear to be asymptomatic for lumbosacral changes, while 15.1% manifest a decreased or absent withdrawal reflex as a supposed consequence of chronic lumbosacral IVDP. Congenital vertebral malformations are detected in 10 dogs. Conclusion: The results of this study support the hypothesis that lumbosacral IVDP is frequent in FBs presenting with thoracic or lumbar IVDE. In over half the dogs lumbosacral IVDP appears to be asymptomatic; however, in other cases, chronic lumbosacral IVDP seems to cause neurological deficits that may lead to erroneous localization of acute IVDE, representing a confounding factor for clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat Related Illness (HRI) in dogs is expected to increase as heatwaves surge due to global warming. The most severe form of HRI, heat stroke, is potentially fatal in dogs. The current study investigated the incidence and risk factors for HRI in dogs in NSW, Australia, from 1997 to 2017. We identified 119 HRI cases during this period, with a fatality rate of 23%. Dog breeds at elevated risk of HRI were Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, British Bulldog, French Bulldog, Maremma Sheepdog, Italian Greyhound, Chow Chow, Airedale Terrier, Pug, Samoyed, English Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Border Collie, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and pooled non‐Australian National Kennel Council breeds (which included the American and Australian Bulldog) when compared with cross breeds (i.e., the reference variable). As expected, HRI cases were more likely in December and January, during the Australian summer and during hotter years (e.g., 2016). There were no differences in the risk of HRI between males and females nor between desexed or un‐desexed dogs; but older dogs were at increased risk of HRI. These findings underscore the need for data collection that will enable the incidence of HRI in dogs to be monitored and to better understand canine risk factors particularly as temperatures will continue to rise due to global warming. The risk of mortality from HRI underpins the need for education programs focussed on prevention and early identification of HRI so that owners present affected dogs to their veterinarian as promptly as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bulldog scalp syndrome or cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a rare cutaneous disorder with an incidence of just 0.026 to 1 per 100,000 population and cosmetic problems should not be ignored as they can affect the quality of life of patients in social and psychological aspects. In CVG the scalp thickens to form folds resembling sulci and gyri just as the skin fold of bulldog. It is a clinical diagnosis with various etiologies. It is classified as primary essential or nonessential and secondary CVG. It can manifest with symptoms ranging from mild to severe intensity. Cosmetic problems are the major concern that can affect patients' social and psychological health. If the folds are heavy, they can cause mass symptoms. Thus, surgery remains the definitive treatment option for improving the cosmetic appearance. Both our cases have different etiologies, however, were managed surgically with removal of skin folds (gyrae) and scoring of aponeuroses of the scalp followed by stretching of the scalp and closure to improve appearance. The surgical team as well as patients were satisfied with the appearance of the scalp after healing. CVG though a rare disease with various etiologies is a benign condition with good prognosis with no reports of malignant transformation so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 1‐year‐old, male, entire English bulldog presented for progressive paraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography revealed a dermoid sinus with distal dilation, meningocele and spina bifida. The lesion was successfully surgically resected, and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of a dermoid sinus enveloped with dura mater. This case adds to the literature on dermoid sinuses and demonstrates that there can be variations within the classically described types of dermoid sinus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 4‐year‐old French bulldog was presented with neck pain and left forelimb lameness. CT scan revealed a bony defect in the craniodorsal rim of the endplate of C5 with a concomitant disc protrusion leading to ventral spinal cord compression. Ventral slot at C4‐C5 was performed to remove the protruding material and the fragment. Based on CT and histological findings, this bone defect was consistent with osteochondritis dissecans. Neck pain was absent immediately after the operation and the dog recovered without complication. Only a slight proprioceptive deficit of the left forelimb persisted during the 6‐month of follow‐up. Based on our search of the veterinary literature, this is the first published report of an osteochondritis dissecans of cervical endplate treated surgically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A five‐year‐old male English Bulldog was presented with a firm, well‐circumscribed, 1 cm in diameter cutaneous mass on the left flank. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy samples were collected for cytologic analysis. Cytology revealed a highly cellular sample consisting of spindle cells, numerous bundles of thick, glassy eosinophilic material (hyalinized collagen), and inflammatory cells. Spindle cells showed moderate anisocytosis and anisokaryosis, had oval nuclei with coarsely stippled chromatin, 1–3 prominent round nucleoli, and moderate amounts of wispy cytoplasm. Cells were occasionally associated with an eosinophilic extracellular matrix. Binucleated and trinucleated spindle cells were often noted. Low numbers of macrophages, small lymphocytes, and individual well‐granulated mast cells were also present. The lesion was excised and submitted for histopathologic examination, revealing a well‐delineated, nonencapsulated mass composed of hyalinized collagen fibers separated by spindle‐shaped mesenchymal cells in the deep dermis and subcutis. Mild anisocytosis and anisokaryosis and less than one mitosis per 10 × high power fields were present. Excision of the mass was complete. The findings were consistent with a keloidal fibroma, a rare benign variant of fibroma. Neoplastic cells showed positive immunoreactivity for vimentin, and a small‐to‐moderate number of tumor cells showed positive immunoreactivity for α‐smooth muscle actin. This is the first cytologic description of a keloidal fibroma correlated with histopathologic findings and immunolabeling. In cases where keloidal neoplasia is suspected, and since moderate cellular atypia can be present on cytologic examination even in cases of keloidal fibroma, histopathologic examination is necessary to differentiate between keloidal fibroma and keloidal fibrosarcoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)