Influence of computed tomographic dimensions of the nasopharynx on middle ear effusion and inflammation in pugs and French bulldogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome

Objective To compare the prevalence of middle ear abnormalities in pugs and in French bulldogs and evaluate the influence of nasopharyngeal dimensions on middle ear effusion. Study design Retrospective study. Animals Thirty pugs and 30 French bulldogs with brachycephalic airway syndrome and no known history of ear disease. Methods Computed tomographic (CT) studies were reviewed for middle ear effusion, mucosal contrast enhancement, signs of osteitis, and tympanic wall thickness. Soft palate thickness and cross‐sectional areas of the nasopharynx at the opening of the auditory tube were measured and normalized to each individual's skull index before statistical comparison between breeds. Statistical dependence of middle ear abnormalities and nasopharyngeal dimensions was assessed by using Spearman's rank correlation tests. Results Middle ear effusion was observed in 17 of 30 (56.7%) French bulldogs and five of 30 (16.7%) pugs. Contrast enhancement of the tympanic bulla was noted in 25 of 60 (41.6%) French bulldog ears and three of 60 (5.0%) pug ears. The cross‐sectional airway dimensions (difference [Δ] = 0.31 cm2, P