Health and welfare issues of brachycephalic (flat-faced) animals are one of the most pressing problems facing companion animals right now. Dogs, in particular, are suffering from a ‘brachycephalic crisis’ resulting from a perfect storm where predispositions to an array of health issues are amplified by a population boom for certain brachycephalic breeds such as the French Bulldog and Pug. But yet, for many owners, these dogs represent the perfect companion: endearing personas and cute looks in a socially desirable package. So where is the truth in all of this?
This book will equip veterinary professionals, animal welfare scientists, breeders and owners with the fuller story about brachycephalic health and welfare. The first half of the book provides the context of how and why we are in this crisis, offering in-depth historical, social, ethical, communication, nursing, welfare, epidemiological, genetics and international perspectives. The second half shifts towards the clinical arena, with chapters that cover the background, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the many unique healthcare needs of brachycephalic animals. Cutting-edge knowledge is shared on a range of disciplines including respiratory disease, ophthalmology, dermatology, dentistry, neurology, obesity, reproduction and anesthesia.
With twenty chapters written by world-leading experts, lifetimes of experience and knowledge are condensed into the first book dedicated exclusively to brachycephaly in companion animals. This essential reference resource will inform, challenge and stimulate; it will open your mind to new opportunities for you to improve the welfare of brachycephalic animals by your personal and collective choices and actions. But prepare to be surprised: you may just find that your views on brachycephaly in companion animals will be changed forever.
Introduction: The brachycephalic boom – where are we now and how have we got here?
Rowena M. A. Packer and Dan G. O'Neill
PART 1
A historical perspective of brachycephalic breed health and the role of the veterinary profession
Alison Skipper
Flat-faced fandom: Why do people love brachycephalic dogs and keep coming back for more?
Rowena M. A. Packer
Ethical challenges of treating brachycephalic dogs
Anne Quain, Siobhan Mullan and Paul McGreevy
Discussing brachycephalic health with current and prospective dog owners
Zoe Belshaw and Sean Wensley
Nurses and the brachycephalic patient – practical considerations and the role of veterinary nurses in improving brachycephalic health
Kate Price
The epidemiology of brachycephaly – prevalence and risk factors of common disorders, and implications of changing demographics
Dan G. O’Neill
The genetics of brachycephaly, population genetics and current health testing for brachycephalic breeds
David Sargan
International and national approaches to brachycephalic breed health reforms
Brenda N. Bonnett, Monique Megens, Dan G. O’Neill and Ake Hedhammar
PART 2
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) – Clinical assessment and decision making
Jane Ladlow and Nai-Chieh Liu
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) - Surgical management and post-operative management
Michael S. Tivers and Elizabeth Leece
Ophthalmology in practice for brachycephalic breeds
Màrian Matas Riera
Dermatological problems in the brachycephalic patient
Hilary Jackson and Deborah Gow
Dental and Oral Health for the Brachycephalic Companion Animal
Fraser Hale
Brain disorders associated with brachycephaly
Clare Rusbridge and Penny Knowler
Vertebral malformations and spinal disease in brachycephalic breeds
Steven De Decker and Rodrigo Gutierrez-Quintana
Obesity and weight management of brachycephalic breeds
Eleanor Raffan
Reproduction in brachycephalic companion animal species
Aoife Reid, Laura Cuddy and Dan G. O’Neill
Anaesthesia for the brachycephalic patient
Frances Downing and Rebecca Robinson
Conclusion: Can a brachycephalic dog be a healthy dog, and how do we achieve this?
Dan G. O'Neill and Rowena M. A. Packer