There are a huge number of dog breeds on our planet, and all of them can be divided according to the structure of the skull into two species - dolichocephalic and brachycephalic. Unfortunately, brachycephalic dogs are less fortunate. The special structure of the cranium provides a number of inconveniences to animals, and sometimes it is life-threatening.
What is brachycephaly?
Brachycephaly is a shortening of the front of the skull. That is, it is all of us beloved and very popular breeds of dogs with a flattened face, which funny snore and grunt. But for animals with such a rather original appearance, this feature brings a lot of unpleasant moments. A large number of soft tissues in conjunction with the abnormal structure of the skull lead to many health problems.
In these four-legged animals, their appearance is really strikingly different from their fellow dolichocephalic species. The nose of the dog is short, wide head, malocclusion, due to which the lower jaw is in front of the upper. Of course, you can try to cure brachycephaly using plastic surgery, by expanding the nostrils and removing excess tissue. Therefore, before starting such a doggie, it is worth considering - can you provide him with the necessary care?
Brachycephaly problems
The first problem brachycephalic dogs face is difficulty breathing. Do not disregard if you notice the following:
- your dog’s breathing has become heavy;
- inspiratory exhalations increased;
- wheezing and whistling are heard;
- cough is accompanied by the release of foamy saliva;
- the dog is restless;
- her tongue and gums are bluish.
Take your pet to the vet for examination. In general, the breathing of brachycephalus must be carefully monitored, because it is already difficult for them to breathe, and if any pathological processes occur, then this is a double health risk.
The structure of the skull of dogs with this feature brings a lot of problems for the teeth, and the wrong bite is the most harmless. The fact is that the jaws and teeth cannot develop normally due to the shortened muzzle. They have little space, and they grow one after another, because of this the animal suffers from a curvature of the teeth. Pieces of food remain between them, and gingivitis may develop later. In addition, the curvature is such that the upper teeth can bite into the tissues of the mouth, which, of course, causes discomfort to the dog and can cause infection.
Inadequate care for the folds on the muzzle leads to the appearance of a fungus and bacteria between them, since brachycephalic dogs have increased skin moisture. If this is not followed, then the process can be aggravated and only plastic surgery to remove skin folds can help.
In addition, in dogs with brachycephaly, thermoregulation is impaired. During heat or physical activity, due to the reduced area of the nose and mucous membrane, they are unable to lower their body temperature, which leads to overheating.
Feeding such dogs is not strongly recommended - they are prone to excess weight, which contributes to the appearance of shortness of breath, which is fraught with consequences.
Most brachycephalic dogs are allergic. It is dangerous in that it can lead to respiratory edema, which is a threat to life. Allergies can also manifest as dermatitis.
The effect of the disease on vision
The problem of vision in brachycephals is a separate topic. The eyes of these dogs are overly protruding. The extent of this depends on the breed of the dog. Some animals are even unable to completely close their eyes, which leads to the drying of the cornea and the appearance of ulcers and other diseases on it.
In addition, brachycephalus dogs may experience increased lacrimation due to impaired outflow of fluid from the lacrimal canals. Thanks to this, the eyes are constantly wet, and the hair around them is wet. But the large bulge of the eyes creates difficulties in another. Such dogs quite often because of their curiosity injure their organs of vision, bumping into sharp or hard objects.
Care and maintenance rules
In order for your pet with brachycephaly to feel more or less comfortable, you need to create suitable conditions for him and adhere to some recommendations.
- Do not walk the animal in the collar. Give preference to dogs with such a harness feature that will not squeeze the neck, but will evenly distribute the load and pressure.
- Watch for changes in breathing and sounds made by the dog. They may indicate a disease.
- Do not self-medicate. At the slightest sign of danger to your pet's health, contact your veterinarian.
- Every year carry out a medical examination in a veterinary clinic. A timely examination will help prevent the onset or development of a particular disease.
Also, owners of brachycephalic dogs should always have several injectable preparations on hand: Furosemide or Lasix liquid withdrawal agent, and Prednisolone and Tavegil in case of severe allergic edema.
What breeds of brachycephalus dogs exist
The following species of our favorite breeds are referred to brachycephals:
- English bulldog;
- French Bulldog;
- pug;
- Pekingese;
- sharpei;
- chihuahua;
- Japanese chin;
- Pomeranian and others.
The unusual structure of the skull and soft folds of the skin make them especially cute and very popular among dog lovers.
Description of the French Bulldog
One of the most popular dogs with a flattened face is a French bulldog. It belongs to fighting breeds, medium-sized and short-haired. His ears are erect, the nose of the dog is flat and forked. This is a fun and lively animal, with a stable psyche and very reliable, capable of always protecting its owner in danger.
In general, each of the dogs mentioned above has attractive appearance and character traits, but when choosing a pet, remember that you are responsible for those you tame.