02/27/2025
Hey friends,
I wish to thank all of you for the very kind comments regarding the first post. As many of you know, I do not utilize FB on a regular basis (as in I last checked my personal page pre-COVID??). It was fun to read the comments of people I have not seen in a long time (like the radiologist I used to work with 15 years ago - Hi Dr. Shaiken!).
Medical terminology lesson:
Brachycephalic (Boston, Pug, Shih Tzu, Lhasa, Bulldog, Boxer) - having a broad, short skull shorter than length, often markedly so
Mesocephalic (Beagle, Viszla, Brittany Spaniel) - having a head shape of medium, balanced width / length proportions
Doliocephalic (Whippet, Borzoi, Collie, Scottish Deerhound) - relatively long skull with width less than length
Brachycephalics compose roughly 50% of our canine patients. I fondly refer to them as bug-eyed dogs. They are adorable, loving breeds which do often have multiple ocular surface diseases. I often will say there is a reason the fox, the wolf, and the coyote do not have the anatomy of the Pug, the French Bulldog, and the Shih Tzu. These breeds do not have eyes that would make it on their own in the wild as the eyeball has become too exposed. Attached is an example of the human influence on the genetics of skulls of different breeds over the last century. It is rather dramatic! Breathing will be negatively impacted by these structural changes (brachycephalic) as well.
The brachycephalic anatomy predisposes the patient to serious eye conditions: corneal ulcers, exposure problems, and corneal pigment build up. Many of these breeds are additionally at elevated risk of dry eye and surface immune diseases. Brachycephalics (and don’t forget the English Bulldog fits into this category!) are encouraged to have thorough annual exams given their high risk of smoldering concerns. Also, if your brachycephalic dog is squinting, tearing, and/or rubbing for even just 48 hours, you should be touching base. Problematic diseases do also progress more rapidly in these breeds.
Here’s to hoping March gets here soon.
Best,
Susan Keil
