Influence of the wing-of-the-nostrils correction procedure on the change of the acid-base balance parameters and oxygen concentration in the arterial blood in French bulldogs

Ala vestibuloplasty improves cardiopulmonary and activity-related parameters in brachycephalic cats

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of ala vestibuloplasty on cardiopulmonary and lifestyle-related parameters in brachycephalic (BC) cats.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort.

ANIMALS

Client-owned BC cats (n = 19).

METHODS

Cats were assessed preoperatively by airway computed tomography (CT), endoscopy, contrast echocardiography, cardiac biomarkers, and structured owner questionnaire. Ala vestibuloplasty was performed bilaterally, and blood values, imaging, and owner questionnaire responses were re-evaluated 8-20 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

Cats were presented for predominantly respiratory clinical signs attributable to brachycephaly. Preoperatively, all cats had stenotic nares, prolonged normalized pulmonary transit time (nPTT) (mean 5.43 ± 1.10 s), and a hyperattenuating pulmonary pattern. No complications occurred following surgery. Postoperatively, nPTT (mean 3.89 ± 0.74 s, p < .001) and frequencies of sneezing (p = .002), snoring (p = .006), open-mouth breathing (p = .0004), and nasal discharge (p = .019) were decreased. Cats exhibited increased activity (p = .005), less frequent dyspnea during activity (p < .001), longer duration of activity before becoming dyspneic (p = .002), faster recovery from activity (p < .001), and decreased respiratory noise (p < .001). Median questionnaire scores improved from preoperative to postoperative (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

Anatomic, echocardiographic, and CT changes were common in this cohort of clinically affected BC cats. Pulmonary blood flow and respiratory function were improved after surgery.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Stenotic nares are the predominant airway abnormality in BC cats. Ala vestibuloplasty is a safe procedure that improves cardiac and CT abnormalities and respiratory and other clinical signs in BC cats.

Hemogasometria arterial pré e pós-rinoplastia em cães braquicefálicos portadores de estenose de narina

RESUMO Vinte e seis cães braquicefálicos portadores de estenose de narina, 22 machos e quatro fêmeas, foram submetidos à rinoplastia bilateral. Dezesseis cães eram Buldogues Franceses; dois, Buldogues Ingleses; seis, Pugs; e dois, Shih Tzus, com idade variando de seis meses a seis anos. Foram efetuadas coletas de sangue arterial para análises hemogasométricas no pré-operatório e 30 dias após a cirurgia. Para cada avaliação, foi obtida uma amostra de 0,5mL de sangue coletado da artéria femoral, em seringa plástica heparinizada. Em seguida, procedeu-se à avaliação hemogasométrica em analisador de gases sanguíneos (I-stat-Abbot®). Os resultados da hemogasometria pré e pós-rinoplastia mostraram uma redução nos valores médios de pCO2, TCO2 , HCO3- e BEecf, hematócrito e hemoglobina, e aumento de pH, pO2 e SO2, indicando melhora na condição ventilatória dos animais após a correção cirúrgica da estenose de narina. Isso posto, conclui-se que a hemogasometria arterial é um exame importante no diagnóstico da síndrome respiratória dos cães braquicefálicos, e extremamente útil no acompanhamento da resposta do paciente ao tratamento. A rinoplastia mostrou-se eficaz no tratamento da síndrome respiratória, promovendo melhora nos parâmetros hemogasométricos que indicam acidose respiratória secundária à obstrução das vias aéreas, comum nas raças braquicefálicas.

Evaluation of Pulse Oximetry in Healthy Brachycephalic Dogs

Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS) is characterized by increased upper airway resistance due to conformational abnormalities occurring in brachycephalic dogs (BD). In this prospective study, we evaluated pulse oximetry (SpO₂) and arterial blood gas values in 18 healthy BD and compared these values with those of 18 healthy mesocephalic and dolichocephalic dogs (MDD). All dogs were assigned a BAS score based on an owner questionnaire. Inclusion criteria included presentation to the hospital for a problem unrelated to the respiratory system and unremarkable blood analyses and physical examination. In awake dogs, SpO₂ values were obtained from a minimum of two sites. Dogs were then sedated, and SpO₂ values were obtained again concurrently with an arterial blood gas sample. The SpO₂ values were significantly lower in BD compared with MDD, but there were no statistically significant differences between BD and MDD for any arterial blood gas parameters. Based on the BAS score, BD who were moderately BAS-affected (n = 5), had significantly lower arterial saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen values on arterial blood gas when compared with MDD (n = 18). Although BD had statistically lower SpO₂ values than MDD, the mean SpO₂ values for both groups were within the normal range.

The effect of stable bedding materials on dust levels, microbial air contamination and equine respiratory health

The choice of bedding material affects the quality of air in a stable and, consequently, the respiratory health of horses and humans. The risk of respiratory problems can be mitigated by improving the quality of air in the stable. The choice of bedding material is particularly important in cold climate conditions where horses are kept indoors throughout the year. This study examined the impact of three bedding materials: straw (S), peat with shavings (PS), and crushed wood pellets (CWP). The investigated factors were air contamination, including dust contamination and microbial (bacterial and fungal) contamination, and the condition of the equine respiratory tract. The condition of the respiratory tract was evaluated based on the results of arterial blood biochemistry tests and endoscopic evaluations of the upper respiratory tract. Mechanical dust contamination was lowest for PS (1.09mg/m³) and highest for CWP (4.07mg/m³). Bacterial contamination (in CFU - colony forming units) was highest for PS (5.14log₁₀CFU/m³) and lowest for CWP (4.81log₁₀CFU/m³). Fungal air contamination was lowest for CWP (4.54log₁₀CFU/m³) and highest for S (4.82log₁₀CFU/m³) and PS (4.88log₁₀CFU/m³). An analysis of physiological indicators revealed that all horses were clinically healthy regardless of the type of applied bedding. The type of bedding material did not exert a clear influence on arterial blood biochemistry or the results of endoscopic evaluations of the respiratory tract; however, the use of alternative for straw bedding materials improved endoscopy results.

Use of Elements of the Stewart Model (Strong Ion Approach) – SID3, SID4, Atot/A−, SIDe and SIG for the Diagnostics of Respiratory Acidosis in Brachycephalic Dogs

Buffer systems of blood and tissues, which have the ability to bind with and give up hydrogen ions, participate in maintaining the acid-base balance (ABB) of the organism. According to the classic model, the system of carbonic acid and bicarbonates, where the first component serves the role of an acid and the second a base, determines plasma pH. The so-called Stewart model, which assumes that ions in blood serum can be separated into completely dissociated – nonbuffer and not dissociated – buffer ions which may give up or accept H+ions, also describes the ABB of the organism. The goal of the study was to find out whether, during respiratory acidosis, the values of SID3, SID4, Atot/A−, SIDe and SIG change. The study was carried out on 60 adult dogs of the boxer breed (32 males and 28 females) in which, on the basis of an arterial blood test, respiratory acidosis was found. A strong overgrowth of the soft palate tissue requiring a surgical correction was the cause of the ABB disorder. Prior to surgery and on the 14th day after the surgery, venous and arterial blood was drawn from each dog. ABB parameters were determined in the arterial blood sample: the blood pH, pCO2 and HCO3−. In the venous blood, concentration of Na+, K+, Cl−, lactate−, albumins, and Pinorganic was determined. On the basis of the obtained data, the values of SID3, SID4, SIDe, A− and SIG, before and after the surgery, were calculated. In spite of the fact that the average concentration of ions, albumins, Pinorganic and lactate in the blood serum of dogs before and after the surgical procedure was similar and within the physiological norms, the values of SID3, SIDe and SIG, calculated on the basis of the former, displayed statistically significant differences. Conclusion: On the basis of the results obtained, it can be stated that the values of SID3, SIDe and SIG change during respiratory acidosis and may be helpful in the diagnostics of ABB disorders in brachycephalic dogs.

The use of elements of the Stewart model (Strong Ion Approach) for the diagnostics of respiratory acidosis on the basis of the calculation of a value of a modified anion gap (AGm) in brachycephalic dogs

Apart from the HH equation, the acid-base balance of an organism is also described by the Stewart model, which assumes that the proper insight into the ABB of the organism is given by an analysis of: pCO2, the difference of concentrations of strong cations and anions in the blood serum – SID, and the total concentration of nonvolatile weak acids – Acid total. The notion of an anion gap (AG), or the apparent lack of ions, is closely related to the acid-base balance described according to the HH equation. Its value mainly consists of negatively charged proteins, phosphates, and sulphates in blood. In the human medicine, a modified anion gap is used, which, including the concentration of the protein buffer of blood, is, in fact, the combination of the apparent lack of ions derived from the classic model and the Stewart model. In brachycephalic dogs, respiratory acidosis often occurs, which is caused by an overgrowth of the soft palate, making it impossible for a free air flow and causing an increase in pCO2– carbonic acid anhydride The aim of the present paper was an attempt to answer the question whether, in the case of systemic respiratory acidosis, changes in the concentration of buffering ions can also be seen. The study was carried out on 60 adult dogs of boxer breed in which, on the basis of the results of endoscopic examination, a strong overgrowth of the soft palate requiring a surgical correction was found. For each dog, the value of the anion gap before and after the palate correction procedure was calculated according to the following equation: AG = ([Na+mmol/l] + [K+mmol/l]) – ([Cl−mmol/l]+[HCO3−mmol/l]) as well as the value of the modified AG – according to the following equation: AGm= calculated AG + 2.5 × (albuminsr– albuminsd). The values of AG calculated for the dogs before and after the procedure fell within the limits of the reference values and did not differ significantly whereas the values of AGmcalculated for the dogs before and after the procedure differed from each other significantly. Conclusions: 1) On the basis of the values of AGmobtained it should be stated that in spite of finding respiratory acidosis in the examined dogs, changes in ion concentration can also be seen, which, according to the Stewart theory, compensate metabolic ABB disorders 2) In spite of the fact that all the values used for calculation of AGmwere within the limits of reference values, the values of AGmin dogs before and after the soft palate correction procedure differed from each other significantly, which proves high sensitivity and usefulness of the AGmcalculation as a diagnostic method.

Evaluation of arterial blood gases and arterial blood pressures in brachycephalic dogs

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.