A short snout predisposes dogs to sleep apnea

Date:
June 13, 2023
Source:
University of Helsinki
Summary:
Researchers tested a new method of diagnosing sleep-disordered
breathing in dogs using a neckband developed for human sleep apnea
diagnostics. The study revealed that sleep-disordered breathing
is more prevalent among short-snouted dogs than those with longer
snouts.


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==========================================================================
FULL STORY ========================================================================== University of Helsinki researchers tested a new method of diagnosing
sleep- disordered breathing in dogs using a neckband developed for human
sleep apnoea diagnostics. The study revealed that sleep-disordered
breathing is more prevalent among short-snouted dogs than those with
longer snouts.

French bulldogs, pugs and other brachycephalic dog breeds are popular
pets.

Brachycephalic dogs are shorter-nosed and flat-faced as a result
of breeding, making them more susceptible to heat, overexertion and
respiratory problems.

In addition, brachycephalic dogs have been found to suffer from recurring episodes of sleep-disordered breathing, resembling human obstructive sleep apnoea caused by upper airway obstruction. During such episodes, normal breathing is interrupted by obstructed airways as the muscles of the upper airways relax, resulting in sleep interruptions and daytime fatigue. Sleep apnoea can have a dramatic impact on both human and canine wellbeing.

"Sleep apnoea places people at considerable risk of conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Sleep affects the body's immune system, hormone secretion and metabolism. Sufficient, sound sleep is vital
for quality of life. For these reasons and others, we are interested in
canine sleep too," explains Doctoral Researcher Iida Niinikoski of the University of Helsinki's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

"Previous methods for investigating sleep apnoea have required dogs to
sleep either while connected to all sorts of equipment or within a certain
type of box in a lab. This has made research challenging and limited
our knowledge of dog sleep apnoea." The University of Helsinki Lung
Insight research group investigated breathing during sleep in dogs using
a neckband system developed originally for diagnosing human sleep apnoea.

The group measured breathing during sleep using the screening device in
the dogs' home environment. Brachycephalic dogs recorded a much higher
number of sleep-disordered breathing events than dogs with longer
snouts. The short-nosed dogs also snored more than their long-nosed counterparts.

The neckband system was found to be an easy-to-use method for measuring
sleep- disordered breathing. Although its use is currently limited
to patients involved in research, in the future it may provide novel opportunities for dog sleep apnoea diagnostics in other contexts too.

Next, the research group will explore factors predisposing dogs to
sleep apnoea.

As Niinikoski believes, "Good sleep is vital for the health of both
humans and our animal friends."
* RELATED_TOPICS
o Plants_&_Animals
# Dogs # Veterinary_Medicine #
Animal_Learning_and_Intelligence # Mammals # Animals #
Biology # Behavioral_Science # Nature
* RELATED_TERMS
o Sleep_disorder o Sleep o Hunting_dog o List_of_dog_breeds
o Guide_dog o Dog_intelligence o Service_dog o Dog

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Helsinki. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Iida Niinikoski, Sari‐Leena Himanen, Mirja Tenhunen, Liisa
Lilja‐Maula, Minna M. Rajama"ki. Description of a novel
method for detection of sleep‐disordered breathing in
brachycephalic dogs.

Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2023; DOI:
10.1111/jvim.16783 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230613110050.htm

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