• Home
  • About Our Clinic
  • About Our Services
  • Contact
  • Dr. Donald A. Miele
  • Pet-rospective

Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

Pet ownership and beyond…

« Caution: Do not read if you don’t love heartwarming stories about animals helping people!
April 2020 Animal Health Awareness Events »

What does the shape of your pet’s skull have to do with its health? We’ll tell you!

March 31, 2020 by Little Creek Veterinary Clinic

Is it your imagination, or does your “brachy” dog have more problems than the Labradoodle next door? According to Nationwide Pet Insurance, you are not imagining it.

Let’s break it down:

A dog’s skull falls into one of three categories:
Dolichocephalic, mesaticephalic, or brachycephalic, as illustrated by the photo below.

Click to enlarge. Image can be found at http://www.onemedicine.tuskegee.edu

Brachycephalic (or “brachy”) dogs are those breeds with a flat, broad head. These breeds include —

  • Affenpinscher
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Bulldog breeds
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Japanese Chin
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Mastiff breeds
  • Pekingese
  • Pug
  • ShihTzu

Nationwide Pet Insurance compared data for brachycephalic dog breeds versus dogs with longer skull types (dolichocephalic and mesaticephalic) and discovered that the dog breeds known for their flat, broad skulls showed a higher prevalence of certain diseases.

That means that more “brachy” dogs suffered the following conditions — 

  • otitis externa (ear infection)
  • pyoderma (skin infection)
  • atopic/allergic dermatitis
  • conjunctivitis (eye infection)
  • canine cystitis (bladder infection)
  • anal gland impaction
  • fungal skin disease
  • malignant skin neoplasia (cancer)
  • pneumonia

Does this mean you should stay away from “brachy” breeds? Not necessarily, as they can be very lovable and faithful companions.

But Norfolk veterinarian Dr. Donald Miele agrees that it does mean owners of those breeds should be aware of the greater likelihood of health problems, and that veterinary pet insurance is a worthy investment for owners of “brachy” breeds.


Learn more about Nationwide Pet Insurance


This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or suggest treatment or cure for any disease.
Your pet’s veterinarian is the best source of information on your pet’s health.

 

 

Share this:

  • Email
  • Print
  • Facebook

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Posted in Pet Health | Tagged brachy dogs, brachycephalic, dog ear infection, Little Creek Veterinary Clinic, Norfolk veterinarian, pet cancer, pet insurance, skin allergies |

  • Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

  • Looking for something?

  • You’ll love our

    *Same-day appointments
    *Short wait times
    *Bright, spacious waiting area
    *Convenient location

  • Get Rewarded – Save $ on Vet Visits

    Refer new clients to us and you'll receive a Referral Rewards card in the mail. Each card you earn entitles you to save money on exams, vaccines, heartworm and fecal tests on future visits.*
    There's no cost to you and no paperwork to fill out. Just make sure new clients mention you by name!
    Call today for details: 757-583-2619.
    *Some restrictions apply.

  • Dear Military Families,

    There is some confusion on the web, leading members of the military to believe we are located on base.

    While we are available to care for your pets, please be advised that we are not a military facility, nor affiliated with Little Creek Amphibious Base.

    In the event of overseas transfers/PCS, we refer those cases back to the military due to the complexity of foreign-import rules.

  • Like us on Facebook!

    Like us on Facebook!
  • Disclaimer

    Information on this site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure your pet. Information provided on this site does not take the place of a valid client-patient-doctor relationship, nor does it constitute such a relationship. Your pet’s veterinarian is the best source of information regarding your pet’s health. Your pet may require an examination and testing by a licensed veterinarian in order to provide proper diagnosis and treatment. Neither Dr. Miele nor Little Creek Veterinary Clinic or its staff is responsible for outcomes based on information available on this site. Every pet’s condition is unique and requires the direct care and oversight of its own veterinarian.

WPThemes.


Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×
    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.
    Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
    To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
    %d bloggers like this: