Influence of computed tomographic dimensions of the nasopharynx on middle ear effusion and inflammation in pugs and French bulldogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome

Abstract

Objective: To compare the prevalence of middle ear abnormalities in pugs and in French bulldogs and evaluate the influence of nasopharyngeal dimensions on middle ear effusion. Study design: Retrospective study. Animals: Thirty pugs and 30 French bulldogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome and no known history of ear disease. Methods: Computed tomographic (CT) studies were reviewed for middle ear effusion, mucosal contrast enhancement, signs of osteitis, and tympanic wall thickness. Soft palate thickness and cross-sectional areas of the nasopharynx at the opening of the auditory tube were measured and normalized to each individual's skull index before statistical comparison between breeds. Statistical dependence of middle ear abnormalities and nasopharyngeal dimensions was assessed by using Spearman's rank correlation tests. Results: Middle ear effusion was observed in 17 of 30 (56.7%) French bulldogs and five of 30 (16.7%) pugs. Contrast enhancement of the tympanic bulla was noted in 25 of 60 (41.6%) French bulldog ears and three of 60 (5.0%) pug ears. The cross-sectional airway dimensions (difference [Δ] = 0.31 cm 2 , P < .0001) and soft palate thickness (Δ = 0.44 cm, P < .0001) were reduced in pugs compared with in French bulldogs. Weak correlations were detected between soft palate thickness and nasopharyngeal dimensions and presence of tympanic bulla effusion (r = 0.324 and r = 0.198, respectively) or contrast enhancement (r = 0.270 and r = 0.199, respectively). Conclusion: Middle ear effusion and inflammation were more common in French bulldogs than in pugs and did not seem related to nasopharyngeal dimensions. Clinical significance: French bulldogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome seem predisposed to middle ear effusion and inflammation.

Prevalence of middle ear effusion in French bulldogs without clinical signs of otic disease: A retrospective study of magnetic resonance imaging (2017–2022)

“…It is therefore important to know how often this breed suffers from MEE in the absence of primary OE. Several studies, performed for the evaluation of brachycephalic syndrome [7][8][9][10]28,29 or neurological diseases, 12,22 have been published reporting the presence of material in the middle ear of brachycephalic breeds. Of these publications, five included FB 7,8,10,28,29 and all of them were based on CT.…”

“…Several studies, performed for the evaluation of brachycephalic syndrome [7][8][9][10]28,29 or neurological diseases, 12,22 have been published reporting the presence of material in the middle ear of brachycephalic breeds. Of these publications, five included FB 7,8,10,28,29 and all of them were based on CT. The reported prevalence of material within the TB of FB, in the previously specified articles, varied between 53% and 80%.…”

“…2,[4][5][6][7][8][9] It has been suggested that it could be to the result of a combination of a thickened soft palate, smaller TB volume, nasopharyngeal reflux and the tortuous conformation of their external ear producing auditory tube dysfunction. [7][8][9][10] Although clinical signs may be present, MEE is often asymptomatic, being an incidental finding when computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are performed. 2,9,11,12 From a diagnostic imaging point of view, OM is characterised by changes in TB volume and/or contour, presence/absence of bony proliferation, bone expansion and/or osteolysis and lack of visualisation of the normal…”

A One Health review of aerodigestive disease in dogs

“…247 Though less extensively characterized, there is an association between reflux and respiratory disease in dogs including lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis, laryngeal dysfunction, BOAS, idiopathic cough, and otitis media among others. 2,14,17,18,80,172,173,248,249 EOR is an independent risk factor for abnormal laryngeal penetration and aspiration in dogs. 119 Diagnosing reflux disease is a clinical challenge because of episodic reflux events, subtle or absent clinical signs of alimentary disease (ie, atypical reflux), and variable localization (ie, NPR vs GER).…”

“…Despite the prevalence of GER in the aforementioned respiratory conditions, up to 45% of humans with confirmed GERD are asymptomatic for clinical signs of alimentary tract disease (ie, atypical GERD) 247 . Though less extensively characterized, there is an association between reflux and respiratory disease in dogs including lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis, laryngeal dysfunction, BOAS, idiopathic cough, and otitis media among others 2,14,17,18,80,172,173,248,249 . EOR is an independent risk factor for abnormal laryngeal penetration and aspiration in dogs 119 …”