Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2025

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy DISE with Target Controlled Infusion TCI and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Published on: December 6, 2016
Description of a novel method for detection of sleep-disordered breathing in brachycephalic dogs
Iida Niinikoski1, Sari-Leena Himanen2,3, Mirja Tenhunen3,4
1Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Background:
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), defined as any difficulty in breathing during sleep, occurs in brachycephalic dogs. Diagnostic methods for SDB in dogs require extensive equipment and laboratory assessment.
Objectives:
To evaluate the usability of a portable neckband system for detection of SDB in dogs. We hypothesized that the neckband is a feasible method for evaluation of SDB and that brachycephaly predisposes to SDB.
Animals:
Twenty-four prospectively recruited client-owned dogs: 12 brachycephalic dogs and 12 control dogs of mesocephalic or dolicocephalic breeds.
Methods:
Prospective observational cross-sectional study with convenience sampling. Recording was done over 1 night at each dog's home. The primary outcome measure was the obstructive Respiratory Event Index (OREI), which summarized the rate of obstructive SDB events per hour. Additionally, usability, duration of recording, and snore percentage were documented.
Results:
Brachycephalic dogs had a significantly higher OREI value (Hodges-Lehmann estimator for median difference = 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.2-6.8; P < .001) and snore percentage (Hodges-Lehmann estimator = 34.2, 95% CI 13.6-60.8; P < .001) than controls. A strong positive correlation between OREI and snore percentage was detected in all dogs (rs = .79, P < .001). The neckband system was easy to use.
Conclusions And Clinical Importance:
Brachycephaly is associated with SDB. The neckband system is a feasible way of characterizing SDB in dogs.
Related Concept Videos
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...

