Why does my cavalier king charles snore

Quote: "Objective—To determine the prevalence of individual anatomic components of brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome BAOS , including everted tonsils, and analyze the frequency with which each component occurs with 1 or more other components of BAOS in brachycephalic dogs.

Dogs most commonly had 3 or 4 components of BAOS, with the most common combination being stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, everted laryngeal saccules, and everted tonsils.

No specific BAOS component made dogs more likely to have complications. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The prevalence of components of BAOS in brachycephalic dogs of this study differed from that reported previously, especially for everted tonsils.

Thorough examination of the pharynx and larynx is necessary for detection of BAOS components. Human evolutionary history: Consequences for the pathogenesis of otitis media. Charles D Bluestone, J. Douglas Swarts. Quote: "Among veterinarians, chronic ME effusion termed primary secretory otitis media is a well-known disease in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

It has been reported to be present in up to 40 percent of these animals. The effusion is mucoid and fills the entire ME. Diagnosis is made by operating microscopic examination, computed tomography scanning, or magnetic resonance imaging MRI , and has been confirmed at the time of myringotomy.

Myringotomy and tympanostomy tube placement has been recommended for treatment. This breed has been artificially selected to have a shortened front-to-back diameter of the skull, a shape termed brachycephaly, which arises due to premature fusion of the coronal sutures.

The term neotenous retention of juvenile characteristics into adulthood is also appropriate for these breeds. The Cavalier snores habitually like other brachycephalic dogs, including the English Bulldog, a breed that has been reported to be the only animal known to develop obstructive sleep apnea. The snoring is undoubtedly secondary to its constricted pharynx, a consequence of the shortening of the snout.

Figure 5 compares the head shape of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel , with its extremely short face, to that of a Golden Retriever, which has a classic prognathic snout. The investigators suggested that the reduced nasopharyngeal space in the Cavalier and Boxers, when compared with the Cocker Spaniel, predisposed them to OM. It might be that one or both of the paratubal muscles is dysfunctional due to the abnormal palatal anatomy in these breeds and is the cause of their OM.

The underlying pathogenesis of the Cavalier's ME disease is currently under investigation in our laboratory. Schmidt, A. Neumann, K. Amort, K. Failing, M. Quote: "The general skull morphology of the head of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel CKCS was examined and compared with cephalometric indices of brachycephalic, mesaticephalic, and dolichocephalic heads. Measurements were taken from computed tomography images. Defined landmarks for linear measurements of were identified using three-dimensional 3D models.

The calculated parameters of the CKCS were different from all parameters of mesaticephalic dogs but were the same as parameters from brachycephalic dogs. However, the CKCS had a wider braincase in relation to length than in other brachycephalic breeds. Studies of the etiology of the chiari-like malformation in the CKCS should therefore focus on brachycephalic control groups. As Chari-like malformation has only been reported in brachycephalic breeds, its etiology could be associated with a higher grade of brachycephaly, meaning a shorter longitudinal extension of the skull.

This has been suggested for other breeds. Canine brachycephalic airway syndrome: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and nonsurgical management. Michelle Trappler, Kenneth W. Compend Contin Educ Vet. May ;33 5 :E; quiz E5. Quote: Canine brachycephalic airway syndrome is a progressive disease that affects many brachycephalic dogs.

This article describes the components of this syndrome and focuses on acute emergency management and long-term conservative management of these patients. Surgical management is described in a companion article. William R. Forum Abstract Program: Abstract C The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between left atrial enlargement and large airway collapse in dogs with MMVD and chronic cough.

We hypothesized that airway collapse was independent of degree of left atrial enlargement. Preliminary results failed to identify an association between left atrial enlargement and airway collapse in dogs with MMVD but did suggest that airway inflammation is common in affected dogs. Further studies are needed to identify factors contributing to airway collapse in dogs with and without MMVD.

The Anatomy of the Dog Soft Palate. Anatomical Record. July ; 7 Quote: "In brachycephalic dogs, the skull bone shortening is not paralleled by a decreased development of soft tissues. Relatively longer soft palate is one of the main factors contributing to pharyngeal narrowing during normal respiratory activity of these dog breeds, which are frequent carriers of the brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome BAOS , which affects most part of them during their postnatal life.

No histological studies assessing the morphology and the normal tissue composition of the soft palate in brachycephalic dogs are available, neither has ever been determined whether the elongated soft palate is a primary or secondary event. Aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the caudal soft palate in brachycephalic dogs with Grade I BAOS to identify potential features possibly favoring the pathogenesis of BAOS.

The brachycephalic soft palates showed peculiar features such as thickened superficial epithelium, extensive oedema of the connective tissue, and mucous gland hyperplasia. Several muscular alterations were evidenced in addition. The results of this investigation add to the general knowledge of the anatomy of soft palate in the canine species and establish baseline information on the morphological basis of the soft palate thickening in brachycephalic dogs.

Underlying diseases in dogs referred to a veterinary teaching hospital because of dyspnoea: cases Noble, Rachel D. Quote: "Objective—To identify the most frequent underlying diseases in dogs examined because of dyspnea and determine whether signalment, clinical signs, and duration of clinical signs might help guide assessment of the underlying condition and prognosis. Design—Retrospective case series. Animals— dogs with dyspnea. Dogs with upper airway and pleural space disease were significantly younger than dogs with lower respiratory tract and cardiac diseases.

Dogs with lower respiratory tract and associated systemic diseases were significantly less likely to be discharged from the hospital. Dogs with diseases that were treated surgically had a significantly better outcome than did medically treated patients, which were significantly more likely to be examined on an emergency basis with short duration of clinical signs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In dogs examined because of dyspnea, young dogs may be examined more frequently with breed-associated upper respiratory tract obstruction or pleural space disease after trauma, whereas older dogs may be seen more commonly with progressive lower respiratory tract or acquired cardiac diseases. Nontraumatic acute onset dyspnea is often associated with a poor prognosis, but stabilization, especially in patients with cardiac disease, is possible.

Obesity can be an important contributing or exacerbating factor in dyspneic dogs. Use of the harmonic scalpel for soft palate resection in dogs: a series of three cases.

J Michelsen. Austr Vet J; Nov ; 89 12 The patient had a history of slowly worsening inspiratory obstruction and was becoming increasingly exercise intolerant. The nares were not stenotic and the laryngeal saccules appeared normal. Under general anaesthesia it was judged that the soft palate was 5 mm too long and surgery was performed to resect the redundant tissue.

The staphylectomy took 5 min without complications. The modified surgical procedure was used in this case and the patient recovered uneventfully, with no postoperative bleeding or respiratory compromise. Respiratory function was much improved at recovery from anaesthesia and at 24 h. The patient was virtually asymptomatic 6 months postoperatively. Soft palate resection is performed to resect a redundant or diseased soft palate, often associated with brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome BAOS.

Resection has been associated with numerous complications, including coughing, bleeding, pharyngeal oedema, respiratory obstruction and death. Traditionally, the surgery is performed by sharp dissection and suturing, but other reported techniques include the use of an electrothermal sealing device or a laser. Operative time for sharp dissection is approximately 12 min, but is shortened to around 5 min when using a laser, as the haemostatic properties of the instrument negates the need for post-resection oversewing.

The successful use of a harmonic scalpel to resect redundant soft palates in three dogs is described. The resected soft palates were not oversewn and the surgical time was comparable with that for laser surgery. The first dog had a minor bleed 6 h postoperatively, possibly associated with suboptimal placement of the harmonic scalpel cutting jaws. The following two patients had no postoperative complications. The harmonic scalpel laparoscopic handpiece allowed excellent visualisation of the surgical field and rapid performance of the procedure.

All three patients had markedly improved postoperative respiratory function. Cleaning and resterilisation permitted multiple reuse of the handpiece, making it cost-competitive with other surgical techniques. Surgical management of laryngeal collapse associated with brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome in dogs. J Sm An Prac; Jan ;53 1 — Quote: "Objective: To describe the use of cricoarytenoid lateralisation combined with thyroarytenoid caudo-lateralisation arytenoid laryngoplasty for the management of stage II and III laryngeal collapse in dogs.

In all cases, a left-sided arytenoid laryngoplasty was performed. Two dogs were euthanased postoperatively as a result of persistent life-threatening respiratory compromise. The procedure resulted in subjective enlargement of the rima glottidis and an associated improvement in respiratory function in the remaining 10 dogs. Clinical Significance: Combined cricoarytenoid and thyroarytenoid caudo-lateralisation may be a useful procedure for treatment of stage II and III laryngeal collapse in the dog.

Breed-Specific Anesthesia. Stephanie Krein, Lois A. Quote: "Certain breed differences can lead to greater risks for airway obstruction, increased responsiveness to anesthetic drugs, and delayed recovery, all of which can result in increased anesthesia-related morbidity and mortality. If cardiac disease is suspected, a full cardiac workup with a veterinary cardiologist is recommended. Brachycephalic Breeds e. Problem: Brachycephalic airway syndrome; increased respiratory effort; potential for upper airway obstruction.

Avoid excessive sedation. Brachycephalic breeds have anatomic considerations that may affect anesthetic outcome. Most brachycephalic breeds suffer from brachycephalic airway syndrome BAS , which is characterized by stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, everted laryngeal saccules, and hypoplastic trachea.

Affected dogs have narrower upper airways than do dogs with normal anatomic features. Because in brachycephalic breeds additional airway contraction can occur with stress ie, increased respiratory effort, turbulent flow , clinicians need to be prepared for possible upper airway obstruction.

Furthermore, brachycephalic dogs must be monitored closely after premedication, throughout anesthesia and the postoperative period, and after extubation. An oxygen source and endotracheal tube should be readily available. Many brachycephalic dogs respond well to acepromazine in conjunction with an opioid; however, the sedative dose should be half of that used for nonbrachycephalic dogs.

Full mu-opioid agonists can be used but because they may cause excessive respiratory depression, a reversal agent should be available. Dexmedetomidine should be avoided because of the presence of high vagal tone in these breeds.

Anticholinergics, such as glycopyrrolate, may be used to decrease airway secretions and counteract high vagal tone. Preoxygenation is recommended before dogs with BAS are induced.

Propofol or a similar short-acting drug should be used for induction and intubation should be completed as rapidly as possible. Mask inductions should be avoided, and smaller endotracheal tubes should be used. Because brachycephalic breeds tend toward obesity, controlled or mechanical ventilation is often necessary.

Most problems associated with mechanical ventilation occur during induction and recovery, so monitoring is particularly important. Extubation should be postponed until the patient is bright, alert, swallowing—even chewing on the endotracheal tube. If extubation is attempted while the patient is sedated and groggy from anesthesia, there is increased risk for upper airway obstruction.

If upper airway obstruction occurs, the patient should be reintubated. A potential constraint to improving canine welfare. Animal Welfare May ; 21 S1 : Quote: "Selection for brachycephalic foreshortened muzzle phenotypes in dogs is a major risk factor for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS. Clinical signs include respiratory distress, exercise intolerance, upper respiratory noise and collapse.

This study aimed to quantify owner perception of the clinical signs of BOAS as a veterinary problem. A questionnaire-based study was carried out over five months on the owners of dogs referred to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals QMHA for all clinical services, except for Emergency and Critical Care.

Without appreciation of the welfare implications of BOAS, affected but undiagnosed dogs may be negatively affected indefinitely through lack of treatment. Furthermore, affected dogs may continue to be selected in breeding programmes, perpetuating this disorder. Normal for the breed? Rowena Packer. June ;3 5 Clinical signs include noisy and laboured breathing, breathing difficulties even on short walks and easily overheating. These difficulties can prevent dogs from being able to enjoy simple pleasures such as exercise, play, food and sleep.

In severe cases dogs can experience almost continuous breathing difficulties and collapse due to lack of oxygen. This is of additional concern as clinical signs often get worse over time if they are left untreated, and prognosis is improved with early intervention.

As such, this is an area that the veterinary profession should aim to tackle by raising awareness through client education. For example, we urge the veterinary team to make clients aware of what clinical signs such as snoring, snorting and difficulty exercising may indicate in these breeds, even if their dogs are not presented for these signs but are suspected to have BOAS.

Effect of brachycephalic, mesaticephalic, and dolichocephalic head conformations on olfactory bulb angle and orientation in dogs as determined by use of in vivo magnetic resonance imaging. Aseel K. Hussein, Martin Sullivan, Jacques Penderis. July ; 73 7 Quote: "Objective: To determine the effect of head conformation brachycephalic, mesaticephalic, and dolichocephalic on olfactory bulb angle and orientation in dogs by use of in vivo MRI. Animals: 40 client-owned dogs undergoing MRI for diagnosis of conditions that did not affect skull conformation or olfactory bulb anatomy.

Procedures: For each dog, 2 head conformation indices were calculated. Olfactory bulb angle and an index of olfactory bulb orientation relative to the rest of the CNS were determined by use of measurements obtained from sagittal T2-weighted MRI images.

Results: A significant negative correlation was found between olfactory bulb angle and values of both head conformation indices. Ventral orientation of olfactory bulbs was significantly correlated with high head conformation index values ie, brachycephalic head conformation.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Low olfactory bulb angles and ventral olfactory bulb orientations were associated with brachycephalia. Positioning of the olfactory bulbs, cribriform plate, and ethmoid turbinates was related.

Indices of olfactory bulb angle and orientation may be useful for identification of dogs with extremely brachycephalic head conformations. Such information may be used by breeders to reduce the incidence or severity of brachycephalic-associated diseases.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Pathophysiology and Diagnosis. Dena L. Lodato, Cheryl S. July ; 34 7. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Management. Aug ; 34 8. Jeffrey J. Schoenebeck , Sarah A. Hutchinson, Alexandra Byers, Holly C. Beale, Blake Carrington, Daniel L. Kidd, Raman Sood, Adam R. Boyko, John W.

Wayne, Carlos D. Bustamante, Brian Ciruna, Elaine A. PLoS Genet. Quote: "As a result of selective breeding practices, modern dogs display a multitude of head shapes. Here, we have coupled the phenotypes collected from museum skulls with the genotypes collected from dogs and identified five regions of the dog genome that are associated with canine brachycephaly [including the cavalier King Charles spaniel ].

Fine mapping at one of these regions revealed a causal mutation in the gene BMP3. Bmp3 's role in regulating cranial development is evolutionarily ancient, as zebrafish require its function to generate a normal craniofacial morphology. Our data begin to expose the genetic mechanisms unknowingly employed by breeders to create and diversify the cranial shape of dogs. Owner recognition of breathing disorders in brachycephalic dogs. Animal Welfare. This study aimed to quantify ownerperception of the clinical signs of BOAS as a veterinary problem.

Stop brachycephalism, now! Fraser Hale. Quote: "In many Canadian jurisdictions, veterinarians have advocated for and achieved a ban on tail-docking, ear-cropping, and dewclaw removal as these are considered unnecessary cosmetic procedures that cause temporary pain with no benefit to the animals.

I believe that as protectors of animal welfare, veterinarians should start a public awareness campaign to inform people of the serious, life-long negative impacts of brachycephalism.

I believe we must stop referring to these conditions as 'normal for the breed' and refer to them as 'grossly abnormal in accordance with breed standards' because there is nothing rebut comical breeds in advertising and promotional materials as this just increases public demand because they are 'so cute. Laryngeal Disease in Dogs and Cats. Catriona MacPhail. Clinics of N. Quote: "Brachycephalic airway syndrome refers to the condition of obstructive airway distress attributable to anatomic abnormalities of breeds such as English and French bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels.

Giessener Elektronische Bibliothek. Quote: "Until now the Chiari-like malformation was only diagnosed in brachycephalic dog breeds. Based on the decreased length-breadth ratio of its skull the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel can be classified as a highly brachycephalic dog. Therefore it could be assumed that the grade of brachycephaly is a pathophysiological factor for the development of syringomyelia and a retarded length growth of the skull might be the cause for the changes found in the Chiari-like malformation.

The question is, if a shortening of the cranial base gives rise to the pathological changes in Chiari-like malformation. Based on this question we examined the anatomical parameters of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in relationship to the occurrence of syringomyelia. The study should give information about the pathogenesis of the Chiari-like malformation and the development of syringomyelia and if there is a difference in the cranial base length in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with or without syringomyelia.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniels examined in this study were mostly presented for breeding examinations, but some were also presented because of clinical signs. The age of the examined dogs ranged from 6 month to 9 years. We performed computed tomography of the skull and magnetic resonance imaging of the skull and spine of all patients. The examination of the spine in patients introduced for breeding examinations, were performed until the 5th cervical vertebra. In patients with neurological signs the examination included also the caudal cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.

Changes consistent with the Chiari-like malformation were found in all Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The results of the study showed that the incidence of syringomyelia is correlated to the variables age p less than 0, , SBI [skull base index] p less than 0, , PI [presphenoid index] p less than 0, and BI [basisphenoid index] p less than 0, Furthermore it is shown that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with a decrease in SBI have an increased risk to develop syringomyelia odds ratio 1, In addition also the presphenoid and the basioccipital bone showed a reduced length, with an increase in breadth in dogs with syringomyelia.

This study showed, that a reduced length of the cranial base represents a risk factor for the occurrence of syringomyelia. These results support the assumption of other authors that the cause of the Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia is up to a growth disturbance of the cranial base. Tracheal Collapse in Dogs. Mary Dell Deweese, Karen M. Clinicians Brief. May ; Evaluation of a novel tracheal stent for the treatment of tracheal collapse in dogs. Clarke, E. July ;28 4 Quote: "The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and satisfaction associated with a novel variable diameter tracheal stent designed specifically for canine anatomy and tracheal collapse.

This was a multicenter retrospective study of 27 consecutive cases of tracheal collapse treated with the stent. Data forms requiring chart review and client interviews were distributed to the veterinarian placing each stent. Information was collected that compared symptoms pre- and post-stenting as well as a number of other parameters relating to the procedure and subsequent clinical course to assess stent performance and ease of use.

Symptoms were graded on a visual line scale of Paired t-tests or sign rank tests were used to determine changes in symptoms following stenting. Responses were obtained from 20 of 27 cases. Data was normally distributed. There were no procedural complications. There were no stent fractures or stent related deaths; symptomatic granulation tissue developed in one case.

Statistically significant improvement was seen in cough, respiratory function, quality of life, and exercise tolerance. All veterinarians stated they would use the stent again.

Tracheal stenting performed with the novel implant is both safe and subjectively effective in significantly improving clinical symptoms. Veterinarians and clients expressed a positive perception regarding outcomes associated with the stent. Introducing breathlessness as a significant animal welfare issue. Beausoleil N, Mellor D. July ; Quote: "Breathlessness is a negative affective experience relating to respiration, the animal welfare significance of which has largely been underestimated in the veterinary and animal welfare sciences.

In this review, we draw attention to the negative impact that breathlessness can have on the welfare of individual animals and to the wide range of situations in which mammals may experience breathlessness. Each one occurs in a variety of pathological conditions and other situations, and more than one may be experienced simultaneously or in succession.

However, the three qualities vary in terms of their unpleasantness, with air hunger reported to be the most unpleasant. We emphasise the important interplay among various primary stimuli to breathlessness and other physiological and pathophysiological conditions, as well as animal management practices.

Using this information as a guide, we encourage animal welfare scientists, veterinarians, laboratory scientists, regulatory bodies and others involved in evaluations of animal welfare to consider whether or not breathlessness contributes to any compromise they may observe or wish to avoid or mitigate.

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: a growing problem. Terry Emmerson. Small Animal Practice. November ;55 11 Quote: "The Cavalier King Charles spaniel CKCS is often considered a brachycephalic breed and can present with typical brachycephalic airway signs such as respiratory noise, snoring, stertor and exercise intolerance.

However these dogs often do not demonstrate the typical abnormalities of the brachycephalic breeds. They often do not have an overlong palate as judged by standard criteria or stenotic nares or everted laryngeal ventricles.

Some present with isolated laryngeal collapse and we have seen some dogs with concurrent laryngeal paralysis. As a breed they often have a particularly thick soft palate and small nasopharynx which may be the main factors driving the signs in this breed. Other breeds that can present with BOAS-like symptoms but often without the typical abnormalities include the bull terrier and Mastiff breeds.

Like the CKCS , these breeds often do not have a surgically correctable problem. BOAS is a complex problem which currently we do not fully understand. We need to better understand the anatomical and breed variations in these cases and their relationship to severity of signs and postsurgical outcome.

Current surgical options offer a way to alleviate signs and can provide significant improvement. However, there is still a frustrating subset of cases with poor outcomes that we struggle to identify pre-operatively. Surgery should be performed on affected dogs to improve quality of life and as a welfare issue.

However, ultimately, the only way to truly improve this condition is by education of the public and breeders regarding the problems of these breeds and with breeding aimed at improving conformation.

Use of silicone tracheal stoma stents for temporary tracheostomy in dogs with upper airway obstruction. Quote: "Objectives: To report the use of silicone tracheal stoma stents for temporary tracheostomy in dogs with upper airway obstruction.

Methods: Retrospective review of medical records for dogs in which silicone tracheal stoma stents were placed. Results: Eighteen dogs [including three cavalier King Charles spaniels ] had a silicone tracheal stoma stent placed for maintenance of a tracheostomy stoma for periods ranging from three hours to eight months.

No intra-operative or immediate postoperative complications were recorded. In 11 dogs the stent was removed by simple traction after a period ranging from 36 hours to 6 weeks, and the tracheal stoma was left to heal by second intention. Five of the 18 dogs were determined as being tracheostomy dependent and underwent conversion to permanent tracheostomy after a period ranging from five days to eight months following stent placement.

One dog was euthanased after three months, with the stent still in place, because of poor respiratory function, and one dog [a CKCS ] died of unrelated reasons ["severe immune-mediated thrombocytopenia ITP "]. Clinical Significance: Silicone tracheal stoma stents may be used as an alternative to conventional trache-ostomy tubes in selected dogs with upper airway obstruction.

Long-term use of the stent beyond five days is not recommended because of granulation tissue formation. The long-term consequences of partial tracheal ring resection are unknown. I ntroducing breathlessness as a significant animal welfare issue. January ;63 1 Quote: Breathlessness is a negative affective experience relating to respiration, the animal welfare significance of which has largely been underestimated in the veterinary and animal welfare sciences.

Martin J. May Quote: "Large cerebral ventricles are a frequent finding in brains of dogs with brachycephalic skull conformation, in comparison with mesaticephalic dogs. It remains unclear whether oversized ventricles represent a normal variant or a pathological condition in brachycephalic dogs. There is a distinct relationship between white matter and grey matter in the cerebrum of all eutherian mammals.

The aim of this study was to determine if this physiological proportion between white matter and grey matter of the forebrain still exists in brachycephalic dogs with oversized ventricles. The relative cerebral grey matter, white matter and cerebrospinal fluid volume in dogs were determined based on magnetic-resonance-imaging datasets using graphical software. In an analysis of covariance ANCOVA using body mass as the covariate, the adjusted means of the brain tissue volumes of two groups of dogs were compared.

Group 1 included 37 mesaticephalic dogs of different sizes with no apparent changes in brain morphology, and subjectively normal ventricle size.

Group 2 included 35 brachycephalic dogs [including 7 cavalier King Charles spaniels , 4 of which were diagnosed with syringomyelia] in which subjectively enlarged cerebral ventricles were noted as an incidental finding in their magnetic-resonance-imaging examination. Whereas no significant different adjusted means of the grey matter could be determined, the group of brachycephalic dogs had significantly larger adjusted means of lateral cerebral ventricles and significantly less adjusted means of relative white matter volume.

This indicates that brachycephalic dogs with subjective ventriculomegaly have less white matter, as expected based on their body weight and cerebral volume. Our study suggests that ventriculomegaly in brachycephalic dogs is not a normal variant of ventricular volume.

Based on the changes in the relative proportion of WM and CSF volume, and the unchanged GM proportions in dogs with ventriculomegaly, we rather suggest that distension of the lateral ventricles might be the underlying cause of pressure related periventricular loss of white matter tissue, as occurs in internal hydrocephalus.

The influence of ventriculomegaly on brain function in dogs is unclear. Detailed behavioural studies of the impact of WM loss on the full functional integration of the nervous system are necessary to clarify whether ventriculomegaly might be an indication for CSF shunting procedures in dogs.

Rowena M. Quote: "Concern has arisen in recent years that selection for extreme facial morphology in the domestic dog may be leading to an increased frequency of eye disorders. Exaggerated juvenile-like craniofacial conformations and wide eyes have been suspected as risk factors for corneal ulceration. Even moderately lowered tear production associated with dry eye may produce clinical signs in brachycephalic dogs, as a larger portion of the globe is exposed.

In a UK based study, a higher proportion of brachycephalic dogs that were affected by ulcers, than were non-brachycephalic dogs with dry eye, e. This study aimed to quantify the relationship between corneal ulceration risk and conformational factors including relative eyelid aperture width, brachycephalic short-muzzled skull shape, the presence of a nasal fold wrinkle , and exposed eye-white. A 14 month cross-sectional study of dogs entering a large UK based small animal referral hospital for both corneal ulcers and unrelated disorders was carried out.

Of dogs recruited, measured and clinically examined, 31 were affected by corneal ulcers. Morphometric data were collected for each dog using previously defined measuring protocols, measuring 11 conformational features that were demonstrated to be breed-defining: muzzle length, cranial length, head width, eye width, neck length, neck girth, chest girth, chest width, body length, height at the withers and height at the base of tail all in cm. A further morphometric predictor of interest for corneal ulcers was craniofacial ratio, CFR : the muzzle length divided by the cranial length, which quantifies the degree of brachycephaly, was used to differentiate skull morphologies.

Exposed eye-white was associated with a nearly three times increased risk. The results demonstrate that artificially selecting for these facial characteristics greatly heightens the risk of corneal ulcers, and such selection should thus be discouraged to improve canine welfare. Rubin, D. Holt, J. Reetz, D. Snoring is often seen in dogs with nasal, pharyngeal or soft palate disease.

Exposure to respiratory irritants can trigger louder snoring especially in allergic dogs, explains veterinarian Dr. Examples of irritants include dust, smoke, pollen and mold spores. At times, the irritant may be inside the dog's nose as seen when grass awns or blades of grass get stuck in the dog's nasal passages. In these latter cases though, dogs are often snorting and sneezing a whole lot to get rid of the foreign object.

It may seem odd, but dogs at times may be snoring more because of an underlying tooth problem. Not many dog owners know, but dogs have teeth that have very long roots that reach the dog's nasal area. An infected tooth can therefore lead to inflammation of the dog's nose and snoring occurs secondary to this problem. A tooth infection can also cause inflammation in the back of the dog's throat and therefore trigger snoring.

Sometimes dogs may develop upper respiratory infections that can cause them to become stuffy and snore more as a result. A nasal fungal infection may also trigger inflammation and therefore snoring, but in these cases, the snoring would likely be accompanied by sneezing and nasal discharge.

Your vet can likely find the underlying cause by doing a nasal scope or taking x-rays of the dog's nose and sinuses if necessary. A medical condition known as laryngeal paralysis can result in loud breathing and snoring because of obstruction caused by incompletely retracted vocal cords, explains veterinarian Dr.

What happens here is that the laryngeal folds that are meant to open when the dog inhales and close when the dog swallows, end up becoming weak and paralyzed. This results in loud breathing, gagging, stridor and changes in a dog's barking. This condition requires prompt veterinary attention because affected dogs can develop aspiration pneumonia when eating from the inhaled food in the lungs causing a serious infection.

In some cases, the dog's esophagus food pipe may become enlarged, a condition that is known as megaesophagus. Affected dogs tend to regurgitate their food shortly after eating and also risk aspirating the food into the lungs, once again causing aspiration pneumonia as described above.

It's important that these dogs are fed food that is mixed into a slurry and are fed in an elevated position using a Bailey Chair. Always consult with your vet if you notice snoring accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing, voice changes, sneezing and regurgitation. Tumors can grow virtually almost anywhere and sometimes they may grow also in some areas of the dog's airway, causing trouble breathing and snoring due to the excess tissue.

Tumors may be benign such as polyps but in some cases can be malignant. If your dog has started snoring, it's therefore important seeing your vet to determine whether there may be an underlying medical cause that may need addressed. If you are looking for ways to stop your dog's snoring, consider that there are some strategies to reduce the snoring sounds. Here are a few tips:. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional.

Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Health Problems. Freshwater Pets. Freshwater Aquariums. Saltwater Pets. Saltwater Aquariums. Severe nasal septal deviation, aberrant nasal turbinates, and soft palate elongation and thickening were noted on computed tomography and rhinoscopy of each dog.

Whole-body barometric plethysmography measurements during sleep in 3 dogs documented periods of choking, snoring, and apnea. Treatment combined laser turbinectomy, folding flap palatoplasty, tonsillectomy, laryngeal sacculectomy, and cuneiform process resection. All dogs improved in terms of incidence and severity of sleep apnea within 1 week, with 4 of 5 dogs achieving complete resolution.