Respiratory compromise in French bulldogs presented with intervertebral disc extrusion

Foster, Emma; West, Natalie; Butterfield, Sarah; Rusbridge, Clare; Crawford, Abbe

Abstract

Background
French bulldogs hospitalised for the management of intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) are frequently affected by respiratory compromise, typically brachycephalic-associated upper respiratory obstruction and/or aspiration events. We evaluated the occurrence of such respiratory compromise events in French bulldogs presented to two referral hospitals.

Methods
Clinical data for French bulldogs diagnosed with IVDE were retrospectively collated, including severity of neurological deficits, neuroanatomical localisation, diagnosis, details of respiratory compromise, treatment and outcome.

Results
A total of 306 dogs diagnosed with IVDE were included. Sixty dogs (19.6%) experienced respiratory compromise, of which 31 dogs (10.1%) progressed to cyanosis, collapse or respiratory arrest.

Limitations
The study was limited by its retrospective nature. Furthermore, the duration of hospitalisation was not evaluated and the decision for euthanasia was often multifactorial.

Conclusion
One in five French bulldogs presented with IVDE experienced respiratory compromise. The detrimental welfare effects of this warrant further discussion.

Citation

Foster, E., West, N., Butterfield, S., Rusbridge, C., & Crawford, A. (in press). Respiratory compromise in French bulldogs presented with intervertebral disc extrusion. Veterinary Record, https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3603

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 31, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 8, 2023
• Deposit Date: Jan 17, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 19, 2024
• Journal: Veterinary Record
• Print ISSN: 0042-4900
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/vetr.3603
• Keywords: General Veterinary; General Medicine