Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
New portable neckband detects sleep breathing problems in flat-faced
By Niinikoski, Iida et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2023·Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Description of a novel method for detection of sleep-disordered breathing in brachycephalic dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study found that brachycephalic dogs, like Bulldogs and Pugs, often have trouble breathing while they sleep, a condition known as sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Researchers tested a portable neckband that can help detect this issue at home, and it turned out to be easy to use. The results showed that these dogs had more breathing problems and snored more than dogs with longer snouts. This neckband could be a helpful tool for pet owners and vets to monitor and understand SDB in brachycephalic breeds.
People also search for: brachycephalic dog breathing problems · sleep apnea in dogs · how to help my dog snore less
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), defined as any difficulty in breathing during sleep, occurs in brachycephalic dogs. Diagnostic methods for SDB in dogs require extensive equipment and laboratory assessment. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the usability of a portable neckband system for detection of SDB in dogs. We hypothesized that the neckband is a feasible method for evaluation of SDB and that brachycephaly predisposes to SDB. ANIMALS: Twenty-four prospectively recruited client-owned dogs: 12 brachycephalic dogs and 12 control dogs of mesocephalic or dolicocephalic breeds. METHODS: Prospective observational cross-sectional study with convenience sampling. Recording was done over 1 night at each dog's home. The primary outcome measure was the obstructive Respiratory Event Index (OREI), which summarized the rate of obstructive SDB events per hour. Additionally, usability, duration of recording, and snore percentage were documented. RESULTS: Brachycephalic dogs had a significantly higher OREI value (Hodges-Lehmann estimator for median difference = 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-6.8; P < .001) and snore percentage (Hodges-Lehmann estimator = 34.2, 95% CI 13.6-60.8; P < .001) than controls. A strong positive correlation between OREI and snore percentage was detected in all dogs (rs = .79, P < .001). The neckband system was easy to use. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Brachycephaly is associated with SDB. The neckband system is a feasible way of characterizing SDB in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37232547/