Retrospective study of 1050 dogs with respiratory symptoms in Japan (2005–2020)

Background Few studies have investigated the incidence of respiratory diseases based on anatomical sites or the relationship between breed and these diseases. Objective The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of canine respiratory diseases among dogs in Japan, with relationship to the breed. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of dogs with respiratory symptoms and calculated the odds ratio (OR) to evaluate the relationship between breed and disease. Results A total of 1050 dogs with respiratory symptoms were included in this study. Miniature dachshunds were the most common breed affected by respiratory diseases. Among tracheobronchial diseases, there was a significant association between some small breeds and tracheobronchial collapse, miniature dachshunds (OR: 4.44, 8.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.17–6.22, 4.33–16.0) and chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis. Among nasal diseases, miniature dachshunds (OR: 27.2, 95% CI: 16.8–44.8) and golden retrievers (OR: 21.0, 95% CI: 6.43–69.3) were the most affected by non‐infectious rhinitis and nasal aspergillosis, respectively. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome was the most common disease among pharyngeal and laryngeal diseases, with a relationship with breed being found in some brachycephalic breeds, and Pomeranians (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.42–5.17). Conclusions Respiratory diseases in dogs are strongly correlated with popular breeds in Japan. Miniature dachshunds, in particular, are associated with many respiratory diseases, which may differ from international reports. Thus, this result may help in the early detection, prevention, treatment, and elucidation of the pathophysiology of canine respiratory diseases. This study investigated the incidence of respiratory diseases in dogs in Japan and the relationship between breed and disease. Many strong associations were found between popular breeds in Japan and respiratory diseases, which was a new discovery.