Is there a normal PUG out there?

Caudal Articular Process Dysplasia of Thoracic Vertebrae in Neurologically Normal French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs: Prevalence and Characteristics

Simon Bertram, Gert ter Haar, Steven De Decker

Background
Caudal articular process dysplasia (CAPD) is a congenital vertebral anomaly that affects spinal stability by causing hypoplasia or aplasia of the caudal vertebral articular processes. While CAPD is well-documented in Pugs, its prevalence and characteristics in other brachycephalic breeds are less understood. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and distribution of CAPD in neurologically normal French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs.

Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed thoracic vertebral CT scans from 271 neurologically normal dogs (108 French Bulldogs, 63 English Bulldogs, 100 Pugs) obtained for non-spinal conditions. CAPD was classified as hypoplasia or aplasia, and its distribution was categorized as focal (affecting <7 vertebrae), multifocal, or generalized (≥7 vertebrae). Statistical comparisons between breeds were conducted.

Results
CAPD was present in 70.4% of French Bulldogs, 84.1% of English Bulldogs, and 97.0% of Pugs. Pugs had the highest prevalence of aplasia (96.0%), while hypoplasia was rare (1.0%). CAPD in Bulldogs was typically localized to T4 and T9, whereas Pugs exhibited a more generalized pattern affecting T10–T13, often bilaterally. The distribution differences suggest that Pugs may be more susceptible to spinal instability and neurological complications.

Limitations
The retrospective nature limited neurological assessments, potentially overlooking subclinical signs. Only three breeds were included, restricting generalizability. MRI was not used, limiting evaluation of soft tissues and subtle spinal changes.

Conclusions
CAPD is highly prevalent in French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs. However, the generalized pattern in Pugs, particularly in the caudal thoracic vertebrae, may contribute to their increased risk of spinal dysfunction. These findings highlight breed-specific differences in vertebral malformations and the need for further studies on the clinical implications of CAPD.

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