Published in Scientific Works. Series C. Veterinary Medicine, Vol. LXXI, Issue 1
Written by Dorin TOOGOE, Nicoleta Andreea MINCA, Alexandru DIACONESCU
This study aimed to assess the quality of life and survival rate of brachycephalic puppies with congenital orofacial clefts (cleft palate and lip) during their first month of life. Conducted at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bucharest, the research included 12 puppies from brachycephalic breeds, with a majority of French Bulldogs. The study found that 4 puppies died immediately after birth, 2 within the first 48 hours, and the remaining 6 were monitored for 30 days. The puppies faced significant health challenges, including feeding difficulties, aspiration pneumonia, and malnutrition, leading to a high mortality rate. The results emphasize the need for better breeding controls, genetic screening, and early intervention to reduce congenital defects and improve outcomes for these dogs.
[Read full article] [Citation]
