Veterinary care needs in kennels of brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs - pilot study

Abstract

This is a descriptive, observational pilot study, based on the results obtained by applying an original questionnaire addressed to purebred dog breeders, speakers of the French and Romanian languages, regarding the perceived need for medical-veterinary assistance in canine reproduction. 44 answers were obtained (24 in French, 20 in Romanian) about 167 (100%) bitches from 33 brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dog breeds, aged between 2 and 7 years, of which 75 (44.91 %) declared pregnant. The need for estrus monitoring by a veterinarian varied by group and breed type (68.62% of non-brachycephalic females, 41.66% brachycephalic), "small non-brachycephalic" breeds were monitored more intensively (90.90 %), artificial insemination was necessary in 49.33% of the gestation obtained (50.98% in non-brachycephalic breeds; 45.83% in brachycephalic breeds). All the breeders declared ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy, in brachycephalic breeds caesarean section was necessary in 45.8% of cases, post-partum veterinary control was requested only in 22.7% of cases, more frequently (37.5% of cases) to "large and medium brachycephalic" breeds (76.9% of answers). The puppies from the "giant brachycephalic" breeds were tested by a veterinarian, an aspect declared by 43.8% of the Romanian breeders and only 38.1% of the French respondents. Conclusion: Due to the type of research chosen, the results obtained in the present study cannot be extrapolated to the entire population of dog breeders, but it is a potential means of evaluating the needs felt and expressed by veterinary medical assistance in dog breeding.