Brachycephalic (or flat-faced) breeds are popular. From pugs and French bulldogs to shih tzus and boxers, with their big eyes and exuberant personalities, it is easy to understand why. But some of the features that make them so engaging also increase the risk of health issues. While awareness of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) in these breeds is high, eye health is less commonly discussed. So, if you have ever wondered about your French bulldog’s eye problems, or wondered if dog eye drops would help your pug… read on to find out our top 10 things you need to know about brachycephalic ocular syndrome (BOS)
1. Brachycephalic breeds are at 3.6 times greater risk of dog dry eye
Dog dry eye, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), can affect any breed, but those with flat-faced anatomy are 3.6 times more likely to suffer with the condition than breeds with medium length skulls.1 Lubricating eye drops for dogs, alongside veterinary prescribed medication, are often used in the management of dog dry eye. Lubricants help to support the tear film, which is vital for vision, comfort and corneal health
2. Brachycephalic breeds have lower tear production
Even without a medical diagnosis of dog dry eye, brachycephalic breeds have lower tear production than those with longer face shapes.2
In addition, the skull shape of brachycephalic breeds means that the eye socket (orbit) is shallow. The eyes are more prominent and tend to protrude forwards (exophthalmos). This makes them more prone to drying, and also vulnerable to injury.
3. Brachycephalic breeds may not blink effectively
Blinking is essential for eye health and to help distribute tears across the eye surface. With prominent eyes and large eyelid openings, brachycephalic breeds often have a reduced ability to blink, leading to the centre of the cornea being left exposed and prone to drying.
Incomplete closure of the eyelids due to breed-related anatomy is known as lagophthalmos, and it is common in brachycephalic breeds, being present in 82% of shih tzus for example. It can even lead to eyes staying partially open when asleep.
4. Inward rolling of the eyelids is common in brachycephalic breeds
Known as entropion, inward rolling of the eyelids is more common in brachycephalic breeds. The haired skin rubs on the eye surface, leading to irritation and if untreated, the condition leads to damage to the cornea and scarring. While dog eye drops can help soothe the eyes, prompt veterinary treatment is needed to prevent long term complications and pain.
5. Dog eye ulcers are more common in brachycephalic breeds
With a reduced tear production, poor blink function and tendency to conditions like entropion, dog eye ulcers (corneal ulcers) are common in flat-faced pets. In fact, one study showed that brachycephalic breeds had 11 times the risk compared with non-brachycephalics.3 Dog eye ulcers are painful and can have serious consequences. Changes in your pet’s eyes? Seek veterinary advice without delay
While brachycephalic breeds may be at increased risk of several eye conditions, there is much that can be done to support the eye health of these pets.
6. Book regular vet checks to measure tear production
When it comes to eye health, early diagnosis is key. Regular veterinary checks are a great opportunity to discuss any health concerns. For brachycephalic breeds, your vet may suggest checking tear production regularly, using a Schirmer tear test. This is a quick, pain-free test that can pick up dog dry eye in the early stages.
Starting treatment early means the condition can be more successfully managed; veterinary-prescribed eye ointment aimed at preserving existing tear production is usually the treatment of choice, supported by lubricating dog eye drops.
7. Pay particular attention to older pets
For every additional year of life, the risk of dogs developing dog dry eye increases by 10 percent and the flat-faced breeds are no exception.4
8. Check your dog’s eyes regularly
Check your brachycephalic dog’s eyes as part of the daily routine, using plenty of positive reinforcement to reward calm behaviour. Not only will this help you to pick up any changes in your dog’s eyes, but it will also help to make eye examinations at the vets a stress-free process.
9. Use lubricating dog eye drops regularly
Lubricating dog eye drops, such as Oculeze™, can be used to support the tear film in all breeds of dog and cat, including brachycephalics. Speak to your vet about your dog’s eye health and ask whether your pet would benefit from daily use of lubricating eye drops for dogs.
And last but by no means least…
10. Always follow the advice of your veterinary surgeon
Find out more about Oculeze™ Eye Drops, Millpledge Veterinary’s ocular lubricant here
References
- O'Neill, D.G., Brodbelt, D.C., Keddy, A., Church, D.B. and Sanchez, R.F. (2021). Keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK: an epidemiological study. J Small Anim Pract, 62: 636-645
- Bolzanni, H., Oriá, A.P., Raposo, A.C.S. and Sebbag, L. (2020) Aqueous tear assessment in dogs: Impact of cephalic conformation, inter-test correlations, and test-retest repeatability. Vet Ophthalmol. 23(3):534-543
- O’Neill D.G., Lee, M.M., Brodbelt, D.C., Church, D.B. and Sanchez, R.F. (2017) Corneal ulcerative disease in dogs under primary veterinary care in England: epidemiology and clinical management. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 4:5
- Palmer, S.V., Espinheira Gomes F. and McArt, J.A.A. (2021) Ophthalmic disorders in a referral population of seven breeds of brachycephalic dogs: 970 cases (2008-2017). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 259(11):1318-1324
