Episode 12: Flat Faces (Brachycephaly)

Squishy-faced animals are super cute, we get it. Sadly, flat-faced animals, or brachycephalics, come with a range of health issues that require lots of extra care.

Nicole and Jez discuss the various issues brachycephalics get, and the most important thing to do if you have a flat-faced pet.

Citations

Davis, M., Cummings, S. and Payton, M., 2017. Effect of brachycephaly and body condition score on respiratory thermoregulation of healthy dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 251(10), pp.1160-1165.

Farnworth, M., Chen, R., Packer, R., Caney, S. and Gunn-Moore, D., 2016. Flat Feline Faces: Is Brachycephaly Associated with Respiratory Abnormalities in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus)?. PLOS ONE, 11(8), p.e0161777.

Haar, G. and Sanchez, R., 2021. Brachycephaly-related diseases. Veterinary Focus, 27(3), pp.15-22.

Johnson, J. and Burn, C., 2019. Lop-eared rabbits have more aural and dental problems than erect-eared rabbits: a rescue population study. Veterinary Record, 185(24), pp.758-758.

Kernot, H., 2017. Charities highlight brachycephaly in rabbits and cats. [online] Vettimes.co.uk. Available at: <https://www.vettimes.co.uk/app/uploads/wp-post-to-pdf-enhanced-cache/1/charities-highlight-brachycephaly-in-rabbits-and-cats.pdf> [Accessed 19 October 2021].

Oechtering GU, Schlüter C, Lippert JP. [Brachycephaly in dog and cat: a "human induced" obstruction of the upper airways]. Pneumologie (Stuttgart, Germany). 2010 Jul;64(7):450-452. DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1255513. PMID: 20632241.

Pohl, S., Roedler, F. and Oechtering, G., 2016. How does multilevel upper airway surgery influence the lives of dogs with severe brachycephaly? Results of a structured pre- and postoperative owner questionnaire. The Veterinary Journal, 210, pp.39-45.

Roedler, F., Pohl, S. and Oechtering, G., 2013. How does severe brachycephaly affect dog’s lives? Results of a structured preoperative owner questionnaire. The Veterinary Journal, 198(3), pp.606-610.

The Tiny Vet Podcast

By Dr Nicole Su & Jez Watts

A very small podcast about big animal issues. Weekly episodes hosted by Dr Nicole Su (BSc. BVMS MANZCVS Unusual Pets).

Dr Nicole Su is a veterinarian, Jez Watts is a comedian-biotechnologist, and together they discuss commonly misunderstood topics in the pet and vet world. They live with three rabbits who are their children.

Presented by Upilio Pty Ltd.