Once again, my objective in this infographic about another inherited disease affecting the Peke-face Persian is to make normally lengthy and complicated medical reports accessible to the general public to allow a better understanding of how, for me, the breeding of the Persian has been very wrong for many decades (‘over-typed‘); perhaps since the mid-20th century when the cat fancy decided to ‘refine’ the Doll-face Persian through extreme breeding. The Doll-face Persian is inherently much healthier than the Peke-face version and, frankly, much more attractive.
The cat fancy has a duty, now, to undo their mistakes and alter the breed standard for the Peke-face Persian (flat-face Persian or Punch-face Persian [India]) so that breeders change their breeding practices quite radically and breed for health primarily rather than appearance. Appearance is obviously critical for the success of the cat fancy and this breed and others but not at the expense of health which is what has been happening since 1950.
Click for more infographics on the Peke-face Persian’s health.
Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) in Peke-face Persian cats by Michael BroadThis infographic summarises a very well documented inherited disease suffered by the Peke-face Persian: Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS). This is entirely due to the distorted skull of this breed. The cat’s skull and facial anatomy is no longer fit for purpose. It is a great shame that the cat fancy destroyed such a beautiful anatomy.
The cat’s anatomy has been refined over millions of years of evolution to be highly functional. The cat fancy has ruined it in respect of the Peke-face Persia because of an over-indulgence in an unnatural appearance that a committee at the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) decided for some strange reason was better than that of the Doll-face which is more or less normal although not entirely.
My AI bot assistant concludes with these words:
In summary, Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS) is a serious, inherited condition in Peke-face Persian cats caused by their flat-faced structure. While manageable with proper care, severe cases may require surgical intervention to improve the cat’s breathing and overall quality of life. Regular veterinary check-ups and careful management of the environment and diet can help reduce complications.
What about dogs with rounded and shortened faces? The same issues apply for some dog breeds. The same poor management by those in charge of breeding guidelines (breed standards). They seem to think that people prefer the round head and smushed face. They are correct because they are meant to look like human babies. It is very cynical and very cruel.
Several dog breeds experience similar health problems to the Peke-face Persian cat due to extreme breeding for a flat-faced appearance. These brachycephalic breeds include Bulldogs (English and French), Pugs, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Boxers, Lhasa Apsos, and Pekingese. They all share the common issue of Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS), which results from shortened nasal passages, elongated soft palates, and narrow windpipes, leading to breathing difficulties, noisy breathing, and heat intolerance.
In addition to respiratory problems, these breeds often suffer from eye issues, such as corneal ulcers, proptosis (bulging eyes), and tear duct obstructions, due to their shallow eye sockets and protruding eyes. Dental problems are also common, as their shortened skulls result in crowded teeth, increasing the risk of dental diseases. Skin fold dermatitis is another frequent issue, with moisture and bacteria being trapped in their facial wrinkles, leading to infections.
Breeds like the Pug, Bulldog, and Pekingese are also prone to heat intolerance since their restricted airway makes it difficult for them to cool down through panting. Some breeds, such as Bulldogs and Pekingese, also have joint problems like hip dysplasia, while Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are at risk for syringomyelia, a painful neurological condition.
The extreme breeding of these dogs for aesthetic features, like their flat faces, has resulted in a range of health issues, causing discomfort and reducing their overall quality of life. Ethical breeding practices aim to reduce the severity of these traits to prioritize the health of the animals over their appearance.
Source of last section: ChatGPT.
