Prevalence of neurological disorders in French bulldog: a retrospective study of 343 cases (2002–2016)

Abstract

BackgroundFrench Bulldog (FB) has significantly gained in popularity over the last few years, and seems to be frequently affected by various neurological conditions. The purpose of this retrospective study was to report the prevalences of neurological diseases in a large population of FB, presented with neurological signs between 2002 and 2016, and for which a definitive diagnosis was established. A secondary objective was to identify epidemiological characteristics regarding specific diseases in this singular breed.ResultsDuring the study period, 533 FBs were presented for neurological signs, representing 18.7% of all admitted FBs (N = 2846). In total, 343 FBs with definitive diagnosis were included in this descriptive epidemiological study. Hansen type I intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH) was by far the most common neurological disorder (45.5% of all cases). The IVDH location was cervical in 39.8%, and thoracolumbar in 60.2% of cases. The median ages for cervical and thoracolumbar IVDH were 4.2 and 4 years, respectively. C3-C4 was the most commonly affected disk (57.8% of cervical IDVH) all locations combined. Spinal arachnoid diverticulum (SAD) was detected in 25 FBs, representing the second most common myelopathy (11.3%). A concurrent spinal abnormality was identified in 64.0% of SAD cases. Brain tumours represented 36.8% of encephalopathies, with glioma (confirmed or suspected) being the most common. Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) represented 25.0% of brain disorders, females less than 5.5 years being more likely to be affected. Aside from central nervous system conditions, otitis interna associated with peripheral vestibular signs and bilateral congenital deafness (associated with white coat) were also common.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest that FB seems to be prone to several neurological diseases. IVDH is clearly predominant in FB and cervical location seems more represented than in other breeds. FBs affected by IVDH tend to be younger than previously described, either for both cervical and thoracolumbar locations. Thoracic SAD was the second most common myelopathy, with a concurrent spinal anomaly identified in two thirds of the cases. MUO was more likely to affect young to middle-aged females. These findings could be of interest for owners, breeders, practicing veterinarians and insurance companies.

Spontaneous regression of a cervical intervertebral disc extrusion in French bulldogs documented on MRI after medical management

“…The cases were of similar age and the same breed, and both the dogs were affected at the C3–C4 and C4–C5 disc spaces. This is consistent with recent literature suggesting that the most common site of IVDE in the French bulldog is C3–C4 and that the median age of affected French bulldogs is about four years old 1. Regression of an IVDE has been documented at the level of the L3–L4 intervertebral disc space in a three-year-old French bulldog after five weeks of medical management 2.…”

Vestibular disease in dogs: association between neurological examination, MRI lesion localisation and outcome

“…French bulldogs were statistically over-represented in this study. Primary brain tumours (Gough & Thomas 2004) or meningoencephalitis (Timmann et al 2007, Coates & Jeffery 2014, Mayousse et al 2017) are both common possible causes for vestibular dysfunction in French bulldogs and, furthermore, brachycephalic breeds are predisposed for the development of otitis media with effusion, which could also effect the inner ear (Hayes et al 2010, Mayousse et al 2017. In this study, only one French bulldog was diagnosed with a primary brain tumour and four were diagnosed with encephalitis, while the remaining two dogs were diagnosed with either an infarct or with otitis media/ interna.…”

“…, Mayousse et al . ). In this study, only one French bulldog was diagnosed with a primary brain tumour and four were diagnosed with encephalitis, while the remaining two dogs were diagnosed with either an infarct or with otitis media/interna.…”

“…, Coates & Jeffery , Mayousse et al . ) are both common possible causes for vestibular dysfunction in French bulldogs and, furthermore, brachycephalic breeds are predisposed for the development of otitis media with effusion, which could also effect the inner ear (Hayes et al . , Mayousse et al .…”

Pathologic Features of the Intervertebral Disc in Young Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers Confirms Chondrodystrophy Degenerative Phenotype Associated With Genotype

“…11,13 However, disease presentation within the "chondrodystrophic" breeds can also vary in the age of onset, with French bulldogs having an earlier onset and commonly affected breeds such as Dachshunds having a later onset. 1,22 This likely reflects additional genetic modifiers that compound the CFA12 FGF4 retrogene-related pathology or genetic selection pressures within breeds (eg, Dachshunds) that are essentially fixed for the CFA12 FGF4 retrogene. In addition, premature chondroid degeneration and mineralization of IVDs can be seen, albeit less frequently, in nonchondrodystrophic breeds 8,9 and specifically in those that do not carry the CFA12 FGF4 retrogene.…”