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Žgank Ž, Nemec Svete A, Lenasi H, Vodičar J, Erjavec V. The effect of the surgical treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome on the thermoregulatory response to exercise in French bulldogs: a pilot study. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1229687. [PMID: 37901097 PMCID: PMC10601647 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1229687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Due to altered anatomy of the upper respiratory tract, brachycephalic dogs exhibit increased airway resistance and reduced surface area for evaporative heat loss, predisposing them to respiratory and thermoregulatory problems, a syndrome referred to as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Compared to non-brachycephalic dogs, brachycephalic breeds are more susceptible to heat-related injuries even at low ambient temperatures and relatively low physical activity levels. Surgical treatment alleviates clinical signs, potentially improving dogs' thermoregulatory ability with BOAS. Our study aimed to investigate the thermoregulatory response in French bulldogs before and after the surgical correction of BOAS, respectively. Methods Thirteen dogs were exposed to dynamic exercise on a treadmill and the dynamics of their rectal temperature (RT) and heart rate (HR) was measured. The experiment was performed in two independent sessions, before and after the surgical treatment. The test consisted of two consecutive 5-min walks at a speed of 2.5 km/h, first at an inclination of 0% and the second at an inclination of 5%, and a 30-min recovery period. Rectal temperature and HR were measured before the start of the test (t0), at the end of the first (t1) and the second part (t2), and 15 min (t3) and 30 min (t4) in the recovery. Results A significant increase in RT and HR was observed during exercise and recovery compared to the resting values, implying that the exercise intensity was sufficient to challenge the thermoregulatory response. The increase of RT was significantly lower during both parts (t1: p = 0.004; t2: p < 0.001) of exercise after the surgical treatment than before the treatment. Although a trend of lower RT after recovery was observed compared to before the surgery, it did not reach statistical significance. Similarly to RT, the HR was significantly lower during exercise after the first (p = 0.020) and the second part (p = 0.011) of exercise after the surgery compared to before the surgery but did not reach significance in the recovery. Conclusion Surgical treatment of BOAS can improve thermoregulation during exercise in French bulldogs with BOAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Žiga Žgank
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Nemec Svete
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Helena Lenasi
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Vodičar
- Faculty of Sports, Institute of Sport, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vladimira Erjavec
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Perez-Montero B, Fermin-Rodriguez ML, Miro G, de Juan L, Cruz-Lopez F. Hemolysis, icterus and lipemia interfere with the determination of two oxidative stress biomarkers in canine serum. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:172. [PMID: 37741986 PMCID: PMC10517482 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03740-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress has been proven to play a role in numerous human and canine diseases. Among the biomarkers of oxidative stress, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) are two of the most widely used. Preanalytical factors are crucial for obtaining accurate results in these assays. Hemolysis, icterus and lipemia (HIL) are common sources of preanalytical errors in the laboratory; however, limited information is available regarding the considerations for canine specimens. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential interferences of HIL in the determination of TBARS and TAS in canine serum. METHODS Solutions of pooled canine serum samples were prepared by adding increasing concentrations of hemolysate, bilirubin and a synthetic lipid emulsion. TBARS and TAS were determined, and biases from the control value caused by the interfering substances were calculated. RESULTS Hemolysis, icterus and lipemia induced significant interferences on TBARS and TAS, albeit to varying degrees depending on the specific biomarker and interfering substance. TBARS appeared to be more susceptible to interferences in this study. Slight hemolysis, moderate icterus and slight lipemia caused notable deviations in TBARS values, surpassing the acceptable threshold for interference. TAS assay was also affected by HIL, although to a lesser extent compared to TBARS. Significant biases from TAS control value were observed when icterus was moderate, and when hemolysis and lipemia were more pronounced. CONCLUSIONS In light of our results, we conclude that hemolyzed, icteric and lipemic specimens are not suitable for TBARS and TAS determination in canine serum. Our findings hold considerable practical utility, as a simple visual inspection would be sufficient for identifying and excluding such specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Perez-Montero
- Clinical Pathology Service, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M L Fermin-Rodriguez
- Clinical Pathology Service, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Miro
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - L de Juan
- Animal Health Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Cruz-Lopez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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Kämpf S, Fenk S, Van Cromvoirt A, Bogdanov N, Hartnack S, Stirn M, Hofmann-Lehmann R, Reichler IM, Bogdanova A. Differences in selected blood parameters between brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1166032. [PMID: 37649563 PMCID: PMC10464621 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1166032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cranial and upper-airway anatomy of short-nosed, flat-faced brachycephalic dogs predisposes them to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Periodic apnoea increased inspiratory resistance, and an inability to thermoregulate effectively are characteristic of BOAS, but internationally accepted objective markers of BOAS severity are missing. The objective of this study was to compare the selected blood parameters between non-brachycephalic (NC) and brachycephalic (BC) dogs, exploring the possibility of developing a blood test for BOAS severity grading in the future. Methods We evaluated blood biochemistry, complete blood cell counts, red blood cell (RBC) indices, reticulocyte counts, a blood-born marker of intermittent hypoxia (glutathione, NO production), RBC hydration, deformability, and blood markers of metabolic changes and stress between BC (n = 18) and NC (meso- and dolichocephalic, n = 22) dogs. Results Reticulocyte counts and the abundance of middle-fluorescence immature reticulocytes were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. BC dogs had significantly more NO-derived NO2 - /NO3 - in plasma than NC dogs. RBCs of BC dogs were shedding significantly more membrane, as follows from the intensity of eosin maleimide staining, and had a significantly higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration than NC dogs. Intracellular reduced glutathione content in RBCs of BC dogs was significantly lower, while plasma lactate was significantly higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly lower, and cortisol was significantly higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Eosinophil counts were significantly lower and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Discussion Taken together, our findings suggest that the brachycephalic phenotype in dogs is associated with alterations at the level of blood cells and, systemically, with oxidation and metabolic changes. The parameters identified within this study should be further investigated for their potential as objective indicators for BOAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Kämpf
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Vetsuisse, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Simone Fenk
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Vetsuisse, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ankie Van Cromvoirt
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Vetsuisse, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Nikolay Bogdanov
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Vetsuisse, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Hartnack
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martina Stirn
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Regina Hofmann-Lehmann
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Clinical Laboratory, Department for Clinical Diagnostics and Services, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Iris Margaret Reichler
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anna Bogdanova
- Red Blood Cell Research Group, Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Vetsuisse, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Center for Clinical Studies (ZKS), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Brložnik M, Nemec Svete A, Erjavec V, Domanjko Petrič A. Echocardiographic analysis of dogs before and after surgical treatment of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1148288. [PMID: 37215476 PMCID: PMC10192610 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1148288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachycephalic dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) are a valuable animal model for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in humans. Clinical signs of upper airway obstruction improve after surgical treatment of BOAS, but the impact of surgery on morphology and function of the heart has not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to compare the echocardiographic variables of dogs before and after surgical treatment of BOAS. We included 18 client-owned dogs with BOAS (7 French Bulldogs, 6 Boston Terriers, and 5 Pugs) scheduled for surgical correction. We performed a complete echocardiographic examination before and 6 to 12 (median 9) months after surgery. Seven non-brachycephalic dogs were included in the control group. After surgery, BOAS patients had a significantly (p < 0.05) larger left atrium to aortic ratio (LA/Ao), left atrium in the long axis index, and thickness of the left ventricular posterior wall in diastole index. They also had a higher late diastolic annular velocity of the interventricular septum (Am) and increased global right ventricular strain and left ventricular global strain in the apical 4-chamber view, as well as a higher caudal vena cava collapsibility index (CVCCI). Before surgery, BOAS patients had a significantly lower CVCCI, Am, peak systolic annular velocity of the interventricular septum (Si), and early diastolic annular velocity of the interventricular septum (Ei) compared to non-brachycephalic dogs. After surgery, BOAS patients had a smaller right ventricular internal diameter at base index, right ventricular area in systole index, mitral annular plane systolic excursion index, and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion index, as well as lower values of Am, Si, Ei, and late diastolic annular velocity of the interventricular septum, and a larger LA/Ao compared to non-brachycephalic dogs. Significant differences between BOAS patients and non-brachycephalic dogs indicate higher right heart pressures and decreased systolic and diastolic ventricular function in BOAS dogs, which is in accordance with the results of studies in OSA patients. In parallel with the marked clinical improvement, right heart pressures decreased, and right ventricular systolic and diastolic function improved after surgery.
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Brložnik M, Nemec Svete A, Erjavec V, Domanjko Petrič A. Echocardiographic parameters in French Bulldogs, Pugs and Boston Terriers with brachycephalic obstructive airways syndrome. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:49. [PMID: 36793024 PMCID: PMC9930355 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this prospective study, we hypothesized that dogs with signs of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) would show differences in left and right heart echocardiographic parameters compared with brachycephalic dogs without signs of BOAS and non-brachycephalic dogs. RESULTS We included 57 brachycephalic (30 French Bulldogs 15 Pugs, and 12 Boston Terriers) and 10 non-brachycephalic control dogs. Brachycephalic dogs had significantly higher ratios of the left atrium to aorta and mitral early wave velocity to early diastolic septal annular velocity; smaller left ventricular (LV) diastolic internal diameter index; and lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion index, late diastolic annular velocity of the LV free wall, peak systolic septal annular velocity, late diastolic septal annular velocitiy, and right ventricular global strain than non-brachycephalic dogs. French Bulldogs with signs of BOAS had a smaller diameter of the left atrium index and right ventricular systolic area index; higher caudal vena cava at inspiration index; and lower caudal vena cava collapsibility index, late diastolic annular velocity of the LV free wall, and peak systolic annular velocity of the interventricular septum than non-brachycephalic dogs. CONCLUSIONS The differences in echocardiographic parameters between brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs, brachycephalic dogs with signs of BOAS and non-brachycephalic dogs, and brachycephalic dogs with and without signs of BOAS indicate higher right heart diastolic pressures affecting right heart function in brachycephalic dogs and those with signs of BOAS. Most changes in cardiac morphology and function can be attributed to anatomic changes in brachycephalic dogs alone and not to the symptomatic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Brložnik
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - A. Nemec Svete
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - V. Erjavec
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - A. Domanjko Petrič
- grid.8954.00000 0001 0721 6013University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Erjavec V, Svete AN. Thrombocytosis in brachycephalic dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome. VET MED-CZECH 2023; 68:57-61. [PMID: 38332764 PMCID: PMC10847823 DOI: 10.17221/23/2021-vetmed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Brachycephalic dogs are prone to a conformation-related respiratory disorder known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Due to its systemic consequences, BOAS should be considered a systemic disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), and plateletcrit (PCT) in patients with various grades of BOAS and non-brachycephalic dogs. The latter served as a control group. We included 106 patients with BOAS and 41 non-brachycephalic dogs. According to the severity of the disease, BOAS patients were classified into grade 1 (17 dogs), grade 2 (42 dogs), and grade 3 (47 dogs). Thrombocytosis was found in 46% (49/106) of all BOAS patients. High platelet mass was found in 62% (66/106) of all BOAS patients. We found significantly (P < 0.05) higher PLT, MPV, and PCT in BOAS patients of all grades compared to non-brachycephalic dogs. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of PLT and platelet indices in BOAS and their relationship with inflammation and hypercoagulability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimira Erjavec
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Nemec Svete
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Small Animal Clinic, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Erjavec V, Vovk T, Nemec Svete A. The Effect of Two Acute Bouts of Exercise on Oxidative Stress, Hematological, and Biochemical Parameters, and Rectal Temperature in Trained Canicross Dogs. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:767482. [PMID: 35359677 PMCID: PMC8962953 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.767482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Canicross is a sport discipline that connects human and canine athletes in running. Changes in physiological, hematological, and biochemical parameters, and exercise-induced oxidative stress have not been thoroughly characterized in canicross dogs. The aim of our study was the assessment of the health status of trained canicross dogs that were subjected to two acute bouts of exercise with their owners during the training season. Health status was assessed by measuring the rectal temperature, hematological and biochemical parameters, as well as blood oxidative stress parameters (plasma malondialdehyde, lipid peroxidation marker; whole blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase1, antioxidant enzymes) before and during a two-day canicross training session and after a 24-h rest period. Seven trained canicross dogs (three females/four males) aged 12–120 months were included in the study. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after the first acute bout of exercise (day 1), after the second acute bout of exercise (day 2), and after 24 h of rest (day 3). Rectal temperature was measured at the same time as blood sample collection. The majority of hematological and biochemical parameters remained within reference ranges at all sampling times. Rectal temperature was significantly higher after training on days 1 and 2 compared to resting temperature on day 3. Hematological parameters did not change significantly; however, there were significant differences in urea, creatinine, creatine kinase, and triglycerides between specific sampling times. Despite significant changes, these biochemical parameters remained within reference ranges. Significant changes in biochemical parameters seem to reflect the dogs' physiological response to each acute bout of exercise, considering all biochemical parameters and rectal temperature returned to pre-exercise values after a 24-h rest period (day 3). No significant differences in oxidative stress parameters were found between any sampling times. Relatively high erythrocyte superoxide dismutase1 activity at all sampling times may indicate that the canicross dogs are adapted to training by an increased expression of antioxidant enzymes. Based on our results, we can conclude that the trained canicross dogs included in our study were healthy, in good physical condition, and fit for the two acute bouts of field exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimira Erjavec
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Vovk
- The Chair of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Nemec Svete
- Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- *Correspondence: Alenka Nemec Svete
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