Objectives: To determine if bulldogs develop a hypercoagulable state comparable to that observed in human patients with sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome.
Materials and methods: Thromboelastography was performed in 15 clinically healthy bulldogs and 24 healthy control dogs of other breeds or mixed breed lineage.
Results: Bulldogs had significantly shorter R and K times relative to control dogs. The alpha angle, maximum amplitude and overall clot strength was significantly greater in bulldogs than in controls. The largest differences between the groups were found in the maximal amplitude and overall clot strength parameters.
Clinical significance: These findings support the concept that brachycephalic syndrome promotes a hypercoagulable phenotype similar to that observed with sleep apnoea hypopnoea syndrome in humans. The large increases in maximal amplitude observed suggest platelet hyperreactivity may play an important role.
© 2014 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.