I know it has been asked "how" OFA is measuring the tracheas for the study for Bulldogs. I only know how my vet has done it for years, with radiologists telling him. With the OFA study, they want two views. This is for two different measurements. But the one is the same way my vet has done it for years. Now, with digital radiology equipment, it makes it even easier, as there is a measuring tool on the program that can give you the exact cm. But, even with x-ray film, you can learn to judge it for yourself.
Also, I know many Bulldoggers will go by what size tube was used when their Bulldog was put under for surgery. I know a few years ago the BCA health committee tried to do a study using this method. But it was ill-advised, as you can see from these pictures, a trach tube does not really go down that far. It is important to see the entire trachea. I have seen x-rays over the years where a trachea starts off wide, but then narrows or pinches down further. It is these kind of problems you don't want to use in a breeding program. It is this kind of problem that lots of times is a problem why a puppy or adult gets continued pneumonia and respiratory issues.
I hope these pictures give a better idea of what it is you are looking for and why it is important to x-ray the tracheas on your Bulldogs. And the Bulldogs do not have to be put under, in fact they are NOT to be put under for this x-ray. And, in doing this x-ray, for your own knowledge, please also submit it to OFA for the Bulldog trachea study. Hopefully in the future we can have some kind of "grading" that will help us more in breeding decisions.
Below is an x-ray of a one year old. I have marked with lines the two areas that you measure: The width of the trachea and the width between the dorsal ribs.
Below is an x-ray of a 7 week old puppy. This is why I advise always having the trachea x-rays done with the vet checks. You will then know if you have a good trachea, or if it is on the smaller side, you then make your decisions on who is kept or used for breeding and who is placed as a pet with a spay/neuter contract.
Posted on Aug 29, 2008, 8:42 AM from IP address 56.0.84.24
