Brachycephalic pets, those “smash-faced” animals such as bulldogs, boxers, French bulldogs, pugs, shih tzus, and Persian cats, are extremely popular because their distinctive features make them irresistible. However, these characteristics can also lead to certain health challenges. At  State Ave Veterinary Clinic we always enjoy cuddling with your brachycephalic pet, but it is important for us to  explain conditions these pets may experience and how to best care for your flat-faced four-legged friend.

Common conditions affecting brachycephalic pets

Brachycephalic cats and dogs have an exaggerated shortened muzzle and a wide skull. In addition, their bottom jaw is disproportionately longer than their upper jaw (also known as “monkey mouth”). While adorable, these features and other physical traits caused by selective breeding can lead to health complications such as:

  • Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) — BOAS is characterized by airway abnormalities, such as narrowed nostrils, an elongated soft palate, enlarged tongue size, reduced tracheal size, and excess tissue in the larynx, that cause breathing difficulties. Signs include noisy breathing, such as snoring and snorting, open mouth breathing, exercise intolerance, gagging when eating or drinking, and collapse. The condition also predisposes affected pets to overheating. In many cases, surgery is beneficial to correct airway abnormalities to improve the pet’s breathing ability and quality of life. This includes trimming the elongated soft palate, opening the nares, and sacculectomy for everted laryngeal saccules. (insert photo of anatomy).  At State Ave Vet Clinic, we are able to provide all these surgical procedures and assessments including a 3-dimensional CT scan of the nasal passages.
  • Brachycephalic ocular syndrome — Brachycephalic pets often have shallow eye sockets which cause protruding eyes, hindering the eyelids’ ability to sufficiently cover the sensitive corneal tissue. This can lead to painful ocular problems such as corneal ulceration, dry eye, and corneal inflammation. In addition, flat-faced breeds have an increased risk for abnormal eyelid conformation, which can cause facial hairs to rub the eye, leading to corneal trauma. “Cherry eye” is a common malady in which the third eyelid everts. At State Ave Vet, we can correct cherry eye surgically.  (Photo)
  • Dental disease — Brachycephalic pets have a normal number of teeth, but their flattened face decreases the space inside their mouth, causing the teeth to become overcrowded. This promotes bacterial growth in the mouth, leading to dental disease. While all pets are susceptible to dental disease, brachycephalic pets are typically affected at a younger age and need more frequent dental cleanings than other pets.
  • Skin disease — Many brachycephalic pets have deep skin folds over their body, particularly around their face and at their tail base. Skin folds create a moist, warm environment that allows bacteria and fungi to thrive, leading to skin infection. 
  • Birthing complications — Birthing complications are common in brachycephalic dogs because these puppies’ heads and shoulders are wider than the moms’ hips and birth canals. In addition, BOAS can impair a brachycephalic mom’s ability to breathe during the stress and physical exertion required to give birth. C-sections are often necessary to safely deliver brachycephalic puppies.

Caring for brachycephalic pets

Understanding how to care for your brachycephalic pet properly is crucial to ensure they live a happy and healthy life. Tips include:

  • Keeping your pet at a healthy weight — Carrying excess weight exacerbates breathing problems. At State Ave Vet we help you calculate your pet’s daily caloric needs by considering their age, weight, body condition score, activity level, and spay/neuter status. We help you figure out the measured amounts of their food to ensure they receive the correct portion size for calories and nutrition. In addition, give treats in moderation, and opt for healthy snacks, such as small pieces of vegetables and fruits. 
  • Providing regular dental care — Brush your pet’s teeth daily and provide dental chews to help reduce plaque and tartar accumulation. Also, schedule regular professional veterinary dental cleanings which, at State Ave Vet,  includes a skull CT scan to look for underlying, diseased painful teeth. Complete Oral Health Assessments Treatments are necessary to remove dangerous bacteria and pain that lurk below your pet’s gumline.
  • Grooming your pet properly — Clean your pet’s skin folds using a damp cloth or a pet-safe wipe to help prevent infection. In addition, keep their eyes clean and monitor them closely for irritation.
  • Exercising your pet safely — Exercise your brachycephalic pet safely by avoiding high-intensity exercises that can strain their breathing, and exercise during the cooler times of day to prevent overheating.
  • Scheduling regular veterinary visits — Yearly or twice-yearly veterinary visits allow our team to monitor your pet’s health and detect emerging issues before they become severe.

Brachycephalic pets are a joy, but they require extra care and attention. Contact us at  State Ave Veterinary Clinic to schedule your “smashed-faced” pet’s wellness visit or dental exam.