Comparison of the physical capacity using 6-minute walk test and questionnaire before and after resection of elongated soft palate by bipolar sealing device in French Bulldogs

Abstract

Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS) is an anatomical abnormality of upper airway commonly found in brachycephalic breeds leading to clinical signs and physical capacity impairment. The purposes of this study were to compare clinical signs and physical capacity in French bulldogs between before and after surgical correction using questionnaire and 6-minute walk test (6-MWT). Twenty-seven French bulldogs were enrolled in this study and divided into normal group (n=7) and BAOS group (n=20). History taking, clinical signs and questionnaire information were recorded and 6-MWT was performed in both groups. BAOS dogs had significantly higher severity of clinical signs from questionnaire with shorter walk distance from 6-MWT compared with normal group. BAOS group were surgically corrected including staphylectomy using bipolar sealing device and alarplasty. Serious post-operative complication was not found. Four weeks after surgery, questionnaire and 6-MWT were re-evaluated. There were marked improvements in severity of clinical signs, especially respiratory signs. Also, the BAOS dogs had better physical capacity measured by 6-MWT distance (406 ± 45 m. and 506 ± 33 m., p<0.001). In conclusion, both questionnaire and 6-MWT were clinically feasible and able to objectively assess clinical signs and physical capacity in brachycephalic dogs. Therefore, both of them should be included in BAOS management from screening to post-surgery evaluation.