2017 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Based on our results, brachycephalic dogs presented signs of cardiorespiratory disorders, demonstrated by the lower P a O 2 values. Furthermore, their heart silhouette was considered bigger than CG (higher VHS index), with signs of right-side cardiac remodeling. However, no significant variations were observed on echocardiographic examination which could indicate signs of cardiac remodeling in both groups. The best performance obtained by the BG based on LVIDs and FS% variables could be explained by catecholamine release since there was no chemical restrain during examination procedure and these animals were more stressed at the examination table. It is believed that, since the animals on BG group were all young adults, with a mean age of 2.5 years, they did not have enough time to manifest all the complications, including cardiovascular and hematological, related to the syndrome. It is our belief that with aging thus, with progression of the condition, right-side cardiac remodeling, and alterations in blood gas and arterial blood pressure would be more evident. Even so, depending on severity, development of pre-capillary pulmonary arterial hypertension may also occur. Our results suggest brachycephalic syndrome may have effects over the cardiovascular system. Therefore, we encourage the need of a thorough investigation to better understand the cardiovascular changes related to brachycephalic syndrome in order to distinguish them from specific heart conditions, especially when attaining predisposing dog breeds. Mitral valve myxomatous degenerative disease (MVMD) is the main heart disease in dogs, whose evolution leads to significant secondary hemodynamic changes with activation of cardiac and neurohormonal compensatory mechanisms. Pharmacological stress with dobutamine was performed aiming detection of possible changes in the myocardial reserve and systolic dysfunction, which are usually not detected during the conventional echocardiographic exam. Therefore might help veterinarians with early diagnosis of these disorders and thus, establishing a prognosis and appropriate treatment for the patient.