13 February 2023

Health and welfare of Brachycephalic dogs: Ocular conditions

spotlight topic:

Health and welfare of Brachycephalic dogs

Ocular conditions Published 10 February 2023 | Updated 9 May 2025 The anatomical changes associated with brachycephalic breeds may increase the frequency and severity of conditions of the eye, including corneal ulceration.

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O’Neill, D.G. et al. (2017) Corneal ulcerative disease in dogs under primary veterinary care in England: epidemiology and clinical management. Canine genetics and epidemiology, 4, no. 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40575-017-0045-5
Shin, S. et al. (2024) Oral bacteria may affect conjunctival microorganisms in brachycephalic dogs: a preliminary study. American Journal of Veterinary Research. https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.23.11.0260
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Labelle, A.L. et al. (2013) Characteristics of, prevalence of, and risk factors for corneal pigmentation (pigmentary keratopathy) in Pugs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 243 (5), pp. 667-674. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.243.5.667
O’Neill, D.G. et al. (2022) Breed and conformational predispositions for prolapsed nictitating membrane gland (PNMG) in dogs in the UK: A VetCompass study. PLoS ONE, 17 (1), p. e0260538. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0260538
White, C. and Brennan, M.L. (2018) An evidence-based rapid review of surgical techniques for correction of prolapsed nictitans glands in dogs. Veterinary Sciences, 5 (3), no. 75. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci5030075
Genetic welfare problems of companion animals. English Bulldog: Brachycephalic ocular syndrome
Genetic welfare problems of companion animals. Pug: Brachycephalic ocular syndrome
Genetic welfare problems of companion animals. Shih Tzu: Brachycephalic ocular syndrome
Genetic welfare problems of companion animals. Pekingese: Brachycephalic ocular syndrome

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