Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Blood oxygen and pressure in brachycephalic dogs compared to other
By Hoareau, G L et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2012·School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of arterial blood gases and arterial blood pressures in brachycephalic dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of brachycephalic dogs, including French and English bulldogs, were found to have breathing issues and high blood pressure compared to other dog breeds. These dogs had lower oxygen levels and higher carbon dioxide levels in their blood, which can be linked to their upper airway problems. The study showed that older brachycephalic dogs were more likely to have these issues. Understanding these risks can help pet owners monitor their dogs' health and seek treatment if necessary.
People also search for: brachycephalic dog breathing problems · high blood pressure in bulldogs · oxygen levels in dogs
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Brachycephalic dogs (BD) are prone to congenital upper airway obstruction (brachycephalic syndrome, BS). In humans suffering from sleep apnea, upper airway obstruction is known to cause hypertension. There is no information regarding the influence of BS in dogs on cardiorespiratory physiology. HYPOTHESIS: BD are prone to lower P(a) O(2), higher P(a) CO (2), and hypertension compared with meso- or dolicocephalic dogs (MDD). ANIMALS: Eleven BD and 11 MDD. METHODS: After a questionnaire was completed by the owner, a physical examination was performed. Height and thoracic circumferences were measured. Arterial blood gases, electrolyte concentrations, and packed cell volume (PCV) were measured. Systolic (SAP), mean (MAP), and diastolic (DAP) arterial blood pressure recordings were performed. RESULTS: A total of 7 French and 4 English bulldogs met the inclusion criteria. The control group consisted in 6 Beagles, 2 mixed breed dogs, 1 Staffordshire Bull Terrier, 1 Parson Russell Terrier, and 1 Australian Cattle Dog. Statistically, BD had lower P(a) O(2), higher P(a) CO2, and higher PCV when compared with controls (86.2 ± 15.9 versus 100.2 ± 12.6 mmHg, P = .017; 36.3 ± 4.6 versus 32.7 ± 2.6 mmHg, P = .019; 48.2 ± 3.5 versus 44.2 ± 5.4%, P = .026, respectively). Also, they had significantly higher SAP (177.6 ± 25.0 versus 153.5 ± 21.7 mmHg, P = .013), MAP (123.3 ± 17.1 versus 108.3 ± 12.2 mmHg, P = .014), and DAP (95.3 ± 19.2 versus 83.0 ± 11.5 mmHg, P = .042). BD with a P(a) CO (2) >35 mmHg were significantly older than those with a P(a) CO (2) ≤35 mmHg (58 ± 16 and 30 ± 11 months, P = .004). CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that some BD are prone to lower P(a) O(2), higher P(a) CO (2), and hypertension when compared with MDD. Age may be a contributing factor.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22574946/