Surgical correction of brachycephalic syndrome in dogs: 62 cases (1991-2004).
OBJECTIVE
To assess results of surgical correction of brachycephalic syndrome (including stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, and everted laryngeal saccules) in dogs and determine whether dogs with hypoplastic trachea have a less favorable long-term outcome.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
62 dogs with brachycephalic syndrome.


METHODS
Medical records from 1991 to 2004 were reviewed for information regarding signalment, clinical signs, diagnosis, surgery, and long-term outcome. Surgical outcome was rated by owners as excellent, good, fair, or poor. Common abnormalities, treatments, and long-term outcomes among the 62 dogs were assessed.


RESULTS
Predominantly affected breeds included English Bulldog, Pug, and Boston Terrier. Elongated soft palate was the most common abnormality (54/62 [87.1%] dogs); the most common combination of abnormalities was elongated soft palate, stenotic nares, and everted saccules (16/62 [25.8%] dogs). The English Bulldog was the most common breed for all abnormalities, including elongated soft palate (27/54 [50%] dogs), stenotic nares (14/36 [38.9%] dogs), everted saccules (20/36 [55.6%] dogs), hypoplastic trachea (7/13 [53.9%] dogs), and laryngeal collapse (2/5 [40%]). No dogs had everted saccules alone. Outcome did not differ between dogs under-going staphylectomy by use of laser or scissor resection. Follow-up information was obtained for 34 dogs; 16 (47.1%) had an excellent outcome, and 16 (47.1%) had a good outcome. Overall treatment success rate was 94.2%, and overall mortality rate was 3.2%.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical treatment of brachycephalic syndrome in dogs appeared to be associated with a favorable long-term outcome, regardless of age, breed, specific diagnoses, or number and combinations of diagnoses.
Riecks
Todd W
TW
MedVet and Associates Ltd, 300 E Wilson Bridge Rd, Columbus, OH 43085, USA.
Birchard
Stephen J
SJ
Stephens
Julie A
JA
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001947:Breeding; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D010160:Palate, Soft / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000601:surgery; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome