Variations in facial conformation are associated with differences in nasal microbiota in healthy dogs

Abstract

Background Extrinsic and intrinsic factors have been shown to influence nasal microbiota (NM) in humans. Very few studies investigated the association between nasal microbiota and factors such as facial/body conformation, age, and environment in dogs. The objectives are to investigate variations in NM in healthy dogs with different facial and body conformations. A total of 46 dogs of different age, living environment and from 3 different breed groups were recruited: 22 meso−/dolichocephalic medium to large breed dogs, 12 brachycephalic dogs and 12 terrier breeds. The nasal bacterial microbiota was assessed through sequencing of 16S rRNA gene (V1-V3 regions) amplicons. Results We showed major differences in the NM composition together with increased richness and α-diversity in brachycephalic dogs, compared to meso−/dolichocephalic medium to large dogs and dogs from terrier breeds. Conclusion Healthy brachycephalic breeds and their unique facial conformation is associated with a distinct NM profile. Description of the NM in healthy dogs serves as a foundation for future researches assessing the changes associated with disease and the modulation of NM communities as a potential treatment.

Assessment of the nasal microbiota in dogs with fungal rhinitis before and after cure and in dogs with chronic idiopathic rhinitis.

“…In dogs with chronic nasal disease, establishment of opportunistic species or overgrowth of some strains of the resident ora could overwhelm Moraxella, leading to a dysbiotic pro le. It should be pointed out that a lower amount of Moraxella has also been observed in healthy brachycephalic dogs compared to other breed types 12 , although to a much lesser degree compared to the current data in dogs with nasal disease. This suggests that the relative abondance of Moraxella is at least partly dependent on facial conformation and/or air distribution strategy, rather than being exclusively associated with disease.…”

“…This is particularly true for the NM in dogs that interacts closely with the external environment which complicates the study of the NM in dogs. Based on the results of the present study and a previous study of the same group 12 , facial conformation (particularly brachycephalic breeds) and disease status are two factors able to signi cantly in uence the NM in dogs.…”

“…The in uence of age and bodyweight on the NM is unclear in dogs, based on previous studies this in uence seems weak or absent 9,10,12 . Facial conformation however has been associated with signi cant changes of the NM in healthy dogs 12 .…”

“…Moraxellaceae, Cardiobacteriaceae) and others being more heterogeneous. Such a high inter-individual variability re ects the fact that the microbiota constantly undergoes changes of resident and transient micro-organisms in response to internal and external factors 4,12 . These factors may include the host and its local immune system, the inhaled particle-laden air, as well as atmospheric physical and chemical parameters.…”

Correction to: Variations in facial conformation are associated with differences in nasal microbiota in healthy dogs

“…Following the publication of the original article [ 1 ], it was found out that the author names have been mixed up. First names and family names were interchanged.…”