Evaluation of the right ventricular function in dogs with brachycephalic syndrome before and after rhinoplasty

Brachycephalic dogs are usually affected by primary and secondary anatomical changes in the airways that contribute to the brachycephalic syndrome. Chronically, these changes contribute to an increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and right cardiac overload (cor pulmonale). The right cardiac function in 17 dogs with brachycephalic syndrome was assessed using echocardiography before, and at 30 and 60 days after rhinoplasty. The maximum pulmonary systolic flow velocity, the pressure gradient between the AP and RV (GrFP), the right ventricular systolic function (tricuspid ring systolic excursion (TAPSE), the variation of the right ventricular area (FAC), the velocity of the systolic displacement of the right ventricular myocardium (S’) by tissue Doppler) and right ventricular diastolic function (transtricuspid flow and the relationship between the E and A waves, evaluation of the E’ and A’ waves using tissue Doppler of the free wall of the right ventricle) were evaluated. The right ventricular fractional area, velocity, and pressure gradient of pulmonary arterial flow showed the best sensitivity in these analyses. The present study reinforces the concept that obstructions in the anterior airways contribute to pulmonary hypoxia. However, the correction of these obstructions proved to be beneficial in the reduction of right heart overload.