Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Blood and heart inflammation markers in brachycephalic dogs
By Planellas Marta et al.·Published in BMC Veterinary Research·2012·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Evaluation of C-reactive protein, Haptoglobin and cardiac troponin 1 levels in brachycephalic dogs with upper airway obstructive syndrome
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 50 brachycephalic dogs, like Bulldogs and Pugs, were studied for breathing problems related to a condition called brachycephalic upper airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS). Many of these dogs showed gastrointestinal issues, and almost all had anatomical problems affecting their airways. Blood tests revealed that some dogs had elevated levels of certain markers indicating inflammation and heart damage, particularly those with more severe respiratory symptoms. While BAOS doesn't seem to cause widespread inflammation, some dogs may experience mild heart damage. Treatment typically focuses on managing breathing difficulties and may include surgery to correct anatomical issues.
People also search for: brachycephalic dog breathing problems · Bulldog airway surgery · Pug heart damage symptoms
Abstract
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Brachycephalic dogs have unique upper respiratory anatomy with abnormal breathing patterns similar to those in humans with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between anatomical components, clinical signs and several biomarkers, used to determine systemic inflammation and myocardial damage (C-reactive protein, CRP; Haptoglobin, Hp; cardiac troponin I, cTnI), in dogs with brachycephalic upper airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Fifty brachycephalic dogs were included in the study and the following information was studied: signalment, clinical signs, thoracic radiographs, blood work, ECG, components of BAOS, and CRP, Hp and cTnI levels. A high proportion of dogs with BAOS (88%) had gastrointestinal signs. The prevalence of anatomic components of BAOS was: elongated soft palate (100%), stenotic nares (96%), everted laryngeal saccules (32%) and tracheal hypoplasia (29.1%). Increased serum levels of biomarkers were found in a variable proportion of dogs: 14% (7/50) had values of CRP > 20 mg/L, 22.9% (11/48) had values of Hp > 3 g/L and 47.8% (22/46) had levels of cTnI > 0.05 ng/dl. Dogs with everted laryngeal saccules had more severe respiratory signs (p<0.02) and higher values of CRP (p<0.044). No other statistical association between biomarkers levels and severity of clinical signs was found.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>According to the low percentage of patients with elevated levels of CRP and Hp, BAOS does not seem to cause an evident systemic inflammatory status. Some degree of myocardial damage may occur in dogs with BAOS that can be detected by cTnI concentration.</p>
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-6148-8-152