Manchester vet issues dog warning
Stylish 'pug style' dogs are having to be treated for corrective surgery.
A veterinary surgeon based in Manchester has warned of a rise in cases of flat-faced dogs needing corrective surgery to live a normal life.
Prof John Williams, a vet at an emergency hospital in the Whitefield area of the city, said an increasing number of the pug-style breeds are being referred for corrective treatment.
To prevent cases spiralling even further, he is calling on prospective pet owners to do their research before buying the highly fashionable pets.
If untreated, dogs with shortened muzzles can suffer agonising health problems such as eye ulcers, heatstroke and breathing difficulties.
Prof Williams’ warning comes on the day several flat-faced breeds, including pugs, cavalier King Charles spaniels and Pekingese, are on display at Crufts.
He said: “All brachycephalic breeds have been bred to shorten the bones of the skull and elsewhere.
“This results in too much soft tissue being present in areas such as the throat and face and can lead to lifelong health problems which are detrimental to the dog’s welfare.
“One of the most common is breathing difficulties and this invariably leads to the need for corrective surgery on the nose, soft palate or the larynx.
“Over the past 10 years I’ve seen a significant rise in the number of brachycephalic dogs presenting for corrective airway surgery.”
Claire Murphy, 28, of Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, has seen a big improvement in the health of her pug, Pierre, since he underwent an operation at Vets Now.
She said Pierre had suffered severe breathing problems from an early age and would occasionally pass out after a fit of reverse sneezing — a common issue with flat-faced dogs caused by the palate irritating the throat.
Claire explained: “Pierre was eventually rushed to the pet emergency hospital when his condition deteriorated and he began struggling to breathe.
“His surgery was a great success and he now sleeps better and enjoys longer walks. It’s given him a vastly improved quality of life.”
In recent years, there has been a marked rise in the number of people buying intensively-bred brachycephalic breeds.
According to Kennel Club figures, ownership of flat-faced dogs has gone up by 3104% since 2007.
The rise has been partly attributed to celebrities, such as Lady Gaga and Kelly Osbourne, being photographed with the breeds.
Prof Williams added: “The most striking difference post-surgery in most of these cases is that the owners hadn’t realised how bad their pet was until the airways had been improved.
“Yes, they look cute but, left untreated, they do not lead normal lives with good exercise tolerance.
“They struggle to breathe when asleep and when out and about – it’s not right that they are bred to suffer in this way.”
It was announced last month that the flat-faced French bulldog is due to overtake the Labrador as Britain’s most popular dog.
This prompted the British Veterinary Association to issue its third warning in 12 months about the trend for brachycephalic breeds.
There has also been warnings from rescue charities of a rise in flat-faced dogs being abandoned due to the health problems they suffer.
Vets Now is open through the night, seven-days-a-week, and day and night on bank holidays and weekends, to treat any pet emergencies that may occur.
It also has an acclaimed referral service for vets in its 24/7 pet emergency hospital in Manchester, which opened last year and provides emergency care for veterinary practices throughout the Greater Manchester region.
Pet owners and vets in the area can find out more by visiting www.vets-now.com.