Evaluation of metabolic profile and C-reactive protein concentrations in brachycephalic dogs with upper airway obstructive syndrome

Background: Brachycephalic dogs have abnormal breathing patterns similar to those in humans with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Despite the fact that anatomic and functional alterations are well described in brachycephalic dogs, little is known about the consequences of upper airway obstruction on systemic inflammatory response and metabolic profile. Objectives: To describe history, clinical presentation and anatomic abnormalities; to evaluate systemic inflammatory response and metabolic profile; and to identify possible associations among clinical signs, anatomic abnormalities, inflammatory response and metabolic profile Animals: Thirty purebred brachycephalic dogs with brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome (BAOS). Methods: Prospective study. The following information was recorded and studied: respiratory/digestive signs, airway/digestive endoscopic anomalies, presence/absence of tracheal hypoplasia, histologic evaluation of gastrointestinal tract biopsy specimens, serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), fructosamine, insulin, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and plasma concentrations of lipoprotein classes. Results: A high proportion of dogs (76.7%) had gastrointestinal signs. Esophageal deviation, atony of the cardia of the stomach and distal esophagitis were the most common endoscopic anomalies detected. Twenty-six (86.6%) dogs had different degree of laryngeal collapse. Gastrointestinal histologic evaluation identified mostly chronic inflammation. Glucose, fructosamine, triglycerides, cholesterol, CRP, pre-beta, beta lipoproteins and chylomicrons were increased to a variable extent. Significant associations among clinical signs, anatomic abnormalities, CRP and metabolic profile were not found. Conclusion and clinical importance: Despite the presence of inflammation and some mild metabolic derangements, the clinicopathological variables evaluated did not offer valuable information in dogs with BAOS.