Skin and ear health in a group of English bulldogs in Finland – a descriptive study with special reference to owner perceptions

Abstract

Background Dermatological conditions are common in English bulldogs (EBs). Hypothesis/Objectives This cross‐sectional study describes the dermatological health status of a group of EBs and compares the results with owner perceptions and its possible impact on quality of life (QoL). Computed tomographic (CT) findings of the ear canals were compared between EBs and mesaticephalic dogs. Animals Twenty‐seven EBs participating in a health study in Finland. Methods and materials A QoL questionnaire was completed for EBs with owner‐reported clinical signs referable to the skin or ear. Clinical evaluation included recording the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index, the Otitis Index Score, false paw pad grading and the presence of interdigital furunculosis. These were summed to form a total clinical score (TCS). The cross‐sectional surface areas of the horizontal ear canals were measured from CT images and compared with respective images of 14 mesaticephalic dogs collected from a patient database. Results All 27 EBs had abnormal findings on dermatological examination, but 37% of the owners had not recognized skin or ear signs. The median QoL score was 5.0 (range 0–12) and correlated with TCS (correlation coefficient = 0.507, P < 0.05). English bulldogs had narrower horizontal ear canals than mesaticephalic dogs (P < 0.001). Conclusions and clinical importance All EBs had abnormal dermatological findings that were unnoticed or considered to be of minor significance to the QoL by most owners. Narrow ear canals were common, possibly related to the brachycephalic conformation of the breed.

Radiographic findings have an association with weight bearing and locomotion in English bulldogs

“…Owners willing to take part in the study filled in the pre-study questionnaire on their perceptions of the dog's physical activity and overall health. From the 54 answers received, 30 dogs with variable activity levels were chosen (one dog/owner) to participate in the study [7]. The study protocol was approved by the Committee of Experimental Animals, and all owners signed an informed consent.…”

“…During the second visit, a maximum of 1 week later, dogs were anaesthetized, upper airways were visually evaluated and radiographic and computed tomography examinations were done. The results of dermatological and upper airway examinations, the exercise test and the computed tomography of the ears have been reported elsewhere [4,7].…”

“…Many animals require surgical intervention for relief of their symptoms [2,3]. However, brachycephalic syndrome is not the only problem suffered by this breed; musculoskeletal [1], dental [5], dermatological [6,7] and ophthalmological [8] abnormalities have also emerged. Previous studies have reported an increased risk for hip dysplasia [9,10], and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has ranked the English bulldog as one of the breeds most prone to both hip and elbow dysplasia [11].…”

Aural CT characteristics of American Cocker Spaniels have features of both mesaticephalic and brachycephalic breeds

“…Taking into account the slight difference in methods, our measurement results of the horizontal ear canal are in line with previous studies. 26,29 Interestingly, a small and narrow horizontal ear canal does not necessarily cause otitis externa, as most of the English Bulldogs with very narrow horizontal ear canals did not suffer from otitis. 26 However, with proliferative changes of the ear canal, the small lumen may readily disappear completely.…”

“…Image evaluations were performed by the veterinary radiology spe- The veterinary radiology specialist selected multiplanar reconstruction images for the measurements of the TA (mm 2 ) of the horizontal ear canal. The window level and width were 300 HU and 1500 HU, respectively, following Seppänen et al 26 First, the dorsal image plane was determined from the midsagittal image as a parallel plane to the skull base ( Figure 1A). Second, the transverse image was straightened at the level of the middle ears using the cochleae as landmarks.…”