Scientists find gene link to problem breathing in dogs

French bulldogs are a breed usually associated with breathing problems

A faulty gene might explain why some dogs develop poor breathing.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a DNA mutation linked to breathing problems in popular dog breeds.

Breathing difficulties are most often associated with flat-faced breeds, such as French bulldogs and pugs.

But the team found the mutation is also carried by Norwich terriers, which have proportional noses.

Researchers at The Roslin Institute, which is part of the university, say the findings shift our understanding of breathing issues which afflict some dogs.

They suggest that, while skull shape remains a risk factor, fluid retention in the tissue that lines the airways could also make it more likely that dogs with the mutation will develop breathing problems.

'Gasping for breath'

The results raise the possibility of genetic tests that could help vets identify animals at risk and could one day help breeders avoid producing affected pups.

French bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK but underneath their prized features can lie a life-threatening health problem.

The breed - and others such as English bulldogs and pugs - is commonly affected by a condition called Bracycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) - which leaves dogs gasping for breath.

Scientists had thought their short faces were the only explanation for their breathing problems.

However, Norwich Terriers, suffer from a similar breathing problem called upper airway syndrome despite having proportional noses.

Norwich terriers also carry the gene mutation ADAMTS3

A team led by The Roslin Institute analysed DNA from more than 400 Norwich terriers.

Vets also carried out clinical examinations of the dogs to check their airways for signs of disease.

The researchers pinpointed a DNA mutation in a gene called ADAMTS3, which is not linked to skull shape and has previously been found to cause fluid retention and swelling.

The mutated version of the gene was also common in French and English bulldogs, which may help to explain why some dogs of these breeds develop breathing problems and complications after surgery to treat them.

The study, published in PLOS Genetics, also involved experts from the Royal Veterinary College and the University of Bern in Switzerland.

'Complex'

Dr Jeffrey Schoenebeck, of The Roslin Institute, said: "BOAS is a complex disease.

"Although skull shape remains an important risk factor, our study suggests that the status of ADAMTS3 should be considered as well.

"More studies are needed to dissect the complex nature of this devastating disease."

The Hospital for Small Animals at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies hosts a specialist clinic for dogs with upper airway problems called Breathe.

The clinic's senior specialist surgeon Dr Jon Hall said "This discovery is a step change in our understanding of upper airway problems in dogs, which we hope will allow us to identify dogs at greater risk of catastrophic airway swelling before it happens."