Fashionable flat-faced dogs, such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, are at risk of going blind due to over-breeding, vets have warned.
Despite their growing popularity, researchers found that changes in skull shapes are causing ulcers and erosion of the eyeball, leaving many dogs unable to close their eyes. The dogs most likely to suffer from blindness include French bulldogs, Shih-Tzus, Pugs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Pekingese and Boston Terriers.
Vision loss is becoming much more frequent among these breeds, with many suffering from macroblepharon — a condition which causes an abnormally large opening of the eyelids. Of the 93 dogs examined in the study, nearly half had macroblepharon. When combined with the way their eyes stick out, this can make it impossible for them to close.
"As these breeds grow in popularity, veterinary hospital teams are treating more and more dogs of brachycephalic [flat-faced] breeds with a wide variety of problems caused by breeding for a characteristic short-nosed flat-face," the vets told MailOnline.
"The number of these patients is increasing in small animal practices. Their personalities, wrinkly faces and appealing large eyes have turned them into popular pets. This popularity is thought to exist because humans find the large and round eyes, as well as the round face very appealing."
This isn't the first time flat-faced breeds have suffered with issues, as previous research found that many are struggling to breathe and walk. Following on from the findings, vets explained this has "highlighted the importance of responsible breeding, early diagnosis and regular ophthalmic check-ups to correctly diagnose", urging owners to stay vigilant when adopting or buying dogs.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
