Subject(s)
Larynx/pathology , Larynx/physiopathology , Nose/pathology , Nose/physiopathology , Vocal Cords/pathology , Vocal Cords/physiopathology , Airway Obstruction/pathology , Airway Obstruction/physiopathology , Airway Obstruction/veterinary , Animals , Humans , Pulmonary Ventilation/physiology , Species SpecificityABSTRACT
Nasal airflow resistance in brachycephalic dogs is significantly elevated compared to normal dogs. LaserAssisted TurbinEctomy (LATE)-surgery as well as xylometazolin were shown to reduce pathologically increased intranasal airway resistance in brachycephalic dogs by approximately 50 %. Impulse oscillometry provides a reliable and sensitive method to examine intranasal stenoses in the canine nose. Acoustic rhinometry allows assessment of changes in cross sectional area and volume of the canine nasal cavity.
Subject(s)
Airway Resistance/physiology , Craniosynostoses/physiopathology , Craniosynostoses/veterinary , Dog Diseases/physiopathology , Nasal Obstruction/physiopathology , Nasal Obstruction/veterinary , Nose/abnormalities , Nose/physiopathology , Animals , Craniosynostoses/surgery , Dog Diseases/surgery , Dogs , Laser Therapy/veterinary , Nasal Obstruction/surgery , Nose/surgery , Oscillometry/veterinary , Rhinometry, Acoustic/veterinary , Turbinates/surgeryABSTRACT
Selective breeding for exaggerated features caused in many brachycephalic dog and cat breeds virtually a loss of the nose, with serious anatomical and functional consequences. In addition to respiratory and olfactory tasks, in dogs the nose is of vital importance for thermoregulation. As obligatory nose breathers, dogs suffer far more than humans when their nasal ventilation is restricted. An open discussion in the broad public has to motivate authorities and kennel clubs to recognize extreme brachycephalic breeding as seriously affecting animal health and welfare.