Desafios no diagnóstico e intercorrências anestésicas de um cão com síndrome braquicefálica e diminuição de palato mole

Abstract

These anomalies cause significant respiratory impairment, potentially impacting both respiratory and cardiac function.The Upper Airway Obstruction Syndrome, also known as Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS), is a condition associated with cranial chondrodysplasia affecting several dog breeds. This deformity results in structural alterations of the skull base cartilages and a shortening of the skull’s longitudinal axis, leading to malformations in the upper airways, such as elongated soft palate, nasal stenosis, tracheal hypoplasia, eversion of laryngeal saccules, aberrant nasal turbinates, and laryngeal collapse. These anomalies cause severe respiratory impairments and can negatively impact both cardiac and respiratory functions. The present study examines cardiac alterations in a brachycephalic dog, with pre-surgical analyses conducted via electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, highlighting the challenges in surgical and anesthetic management. This research aims to reinforce the importance of complementary exams for accurate diagnosis of respiratory and cardiac abnormalities in a Shih Tzu, also elucidating the cardiac alterations associated with this syndrome. These exams are essential to understand the respiratory dysfunctions characterized by increased airway resistance and elevated pressure in the upper airways, predisposing the animal to additional respiratory complications. Additionally, the probable soft palate hypoplasia observed in this case contributes to upper airway complication, exacerbating signs of exercise intolerance, episodes of cyanosis, and frequent gagging typical conditions in brachycephalic dogs. This condition increases the risks of anesthetic complications, as any additional obstruction heightens the likelihood of ventilation difficulties and respiratory decompensation. Soft palate hypoplasia demands special attention from professionals during anesthetic management, as sedation or intubation may intensify airway collapse, making it essential to rigorously plan the anesthetic protocol to reduce complications and ensure patient stability during the procedure. The animal’s death during the surgical procedure prevented the collection of post-operative data via electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, which would have been essential for monitoring potential improvements. However, this study underscores the importance of diagnostic exams and early surgical interventions to alleviate respiratory symptoms and their secondary effects on cardiac function. Thus, it contributes to the advancement of clinical and surgical approaches in treating brachycephalic syndrome, providing valuable insights for future research in Veterinary Medicine and highlighting the relevance of preventive therapeutic strategies to optimize respiratory and cardiovascular health in these animals.