Management of sleep disordered breathing in a dog using continuous positive airway pressure

Authors: Wiseman W, Rosenblatt A, Kung M
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 51, Issue 1, pp 19-24, Mar 2021
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Subject Terms: Breed/breeding, Clinical examination, Genetics
Article class: Clinical Report

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Abstract:

A 4-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel presented for evaluation of disruptive apnoeic episodes, experienced every 10-15 minutes during sleep. Surgical intervention included bilateral tonsillectomy, bilateral laryngeal sacculectomy, and unilateral cricoarytenoid lateralisation. Minimal improvement in the frequency and severity of episodes of sleep disordered breathing were noted. The patient was subsequently fitted with a continuous positive airway pressure device at night and responded well to this intervention, allowing the dog to sleep through the night. Four years after the initial presentation, the patient underwent fluoroscopic large airway assessment and was diagnosed with dynamic pharyngeal collapse. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of the use of continuous positive airway pressure in the management of sleep disordered breathing in dogs and represents a novel management strategy for dogs suffering from this condition that respond poorly to airway surgery.

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