Respiratory compromise in French bulldogs presented with intervertebral disc extrusion

French bulldogs hospitalised for the management of intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) are frequently affected by respiratory compromise, typically brachycephalic-associated upper respiratory obstruction and/or aspiration events. We evaluated the occurrence of such respiratory compromise events in French bulldogs presented to two referral hospitals.

Clinical data for French bulldogs diagnosed with IVDE were retrospectively collated, including severity of neurological deficits, neuroanatomical localisation, diagnosis, details of respiratory compromise, treatment and outcome.

A total of 306 dogs diagnosed with IVDE were included. Sixty dogs (19.6%) experienced respiratory compromise, of which 31 dogs (10.1%) progressed to cyanosis, collapse or respiratory arrest.

The study was limited by its retrospective nature. Furthermore, the duration of hospitalisation was not evaluated and the decision for euthanasia was often multifactorial.

One in five French bulldogs presented with IVDE experienced respiratory compromise. The detrimental welfare effects of this warrant further discussion.