Do dog owners perceive the clinical signs related to conformational inherited disorders as ‘normal’ for the breed? A potential constraint to improving canine welfare

Abstract

Selection for brachycephalic (foreshortened muzzle) phenotypes in dogs is a major risk factor for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Clinical signs include respiratory distress, exercise intolerance, upper respiratory noise and collapse. Efforts to combat BOAS may be constrained by a perception that it is 'normal' in brachycephalic dogs. This study aimed to quantify ownerperception of the clinical signs of BOAS as a veterinary problem. A questionnaire-based study was carried out over five months on the owners of dogs referred to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (QMHA) for all clinical services, except for Emergency and Critical Care. Owners reported the frequency of respiratory difficulty and characteristics of respiratory noise in their dogs in four scenarios, summarised as an 'owner-reported breathing' (ORB) score. Owners then reported whether their dog currently has, or has a history of, 'breathing problems'. Dogs (n = 285) representing 68 breeds were included, 31 of which were classed as 'affected' by BOAS either following diagnostics, or by fitting case criteria based on their ORB score, skull morphology and presence of stenotic nares. The median ORB score given by affected dogs' owners was 20/40 (range 8-30). Over half (58%) of owners of affected dogs reported that their dog did not have a breathing problem. This marked disparity between owners' reports of frequent, severe clinical signs and their perceived lack of a 'breathing problem' in their dogs is of concern. Without appreciation of the welfare implications of BOAS, affected but undiagnosed dogs may be negatively affected indefinitely through lack of treatment. Furthermore, affected dogs may continue to be selected in breeding programmes, perpetuating this disorder.

How does severe brachycephaly affect dog’s lives? Results of a structured preoperative owner questionnaire

“…A recently published study showed a disparity in recognition and perception of clinical signs associated with brachycephaly in dogs. Dog owners reported a high frequency and severity of respiratory signs but did not perceive them as problems (Packer et al, 2012). We tried to address this by asking questions that used objective criteria, such as time needed for recovery and questions about activities that could easily be observed by a dog owner.…”

Selection of Breeding Stock among Australian Purebred Dog Breeders, with Particular Emphasis on the Dam

“…Brachycephalic dog breeders gave even higher importance to Dam Genetics and Health than breeders of non-brachycephalic dog breeds. It is assumed that breeders of brachycephalic dogs are aware of the problems associated with these breeds of dogs (e.g., obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a common constraint for brachycephalic breeds [43]), and therefore place more importance on additional genetic and health aspects which may also be present. Genetic testing was more relevant to some breeds than others, likely reflecting known issues within the breed.…”

Identifying suitable detection dogs

“…Breeds with elongated noses (mesocephalic breeds) have more olfactory receptor cells, allowing them to identify and retain more scent (Craven et al, 2007;Abney, 2009). Brachycephalic breeds also typically have breathing issues, resulting in less oxygen provision to the brain causing the dogs to tire easily (Rauth-Widmann, 2006;Packer et al, 2012;Bartels et al, 2015). Brachycephalic breeds should therefore be avoided when selecting a detection dog.…”