Skip to content
Home▶ Journals▶ Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology▶Archive▶Vol. 20 No. 5 (2024)▶ Obstructive Sleep Apnea in People and Dogs and an Equine…
Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology
Review Article

 Obstructive Sleep Apnea in People and Dogs and an Equine  Perspective 

Tom Ahern — Knockdown Lodge, 17 Keymer Street, Ascot, 6104, Western Australia
Published 7 Sep 2024 Vol. 20 No. 5 (2024), pp. 184-188 ● Open access
Download PDF

Abstract

Sleep deprivation had been well documented in human, canine and equine species. However the medical causes and consequences of this affliction appeared to be more thoroughly investigated in human and canine species. In these a link between obstructive sleep apnea with its associated sleep deprivation, and gastrointestinal and thermoregulatory health had been established along with a bidirectional association between gastrointestinal reflux disease and obstructive sleep apnea. Surgeries to reduce the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea had also been developed. However this condition was yet to be formally recognised in horses and therefore the potential benefit of surgical approaches had not been explored.In all three species the deleterious affects of sleep deprivation on emotional or psychological health had been established.

Keywordshorseupper oesophageal sphincter sleep deprivation sleep crashing

The full text of this article is available as a PDF.

Download PDF
  1. [1] Franklin KA, Lindberg E. Obstructive sleep apnea is a common disorder in the population - a review on the epidemiology of sleep apnea. J Thorac Dis. 2015 Aug; 7(8): 1311-1322. https://doi.org/10.3978/j.issn.2072-1439.2015.06.11
  2. [2] Lindberg E, Elmasry A, Gislason T, Janson C, Bengtsson H, Hetta J, Nettelbladt M, Boman G. Evolution of sleep apnea syndrome in sleepy snorers: a population-based prospective study. Am J Respire Crit Care Med.1999 Jun; 159(6): 2024-7. https://doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.159.6.9805070
  3. [3] Franklin KA, Sahlin C, Stenlund H, Lindberg E. Sleep Apnea is a common occurrence in females. Eur Respir J. 2013; 41(3): 610-5. https://doi.org/10.1183/09031936.00212711
  4. [4] Niinikoski L, Himanen SL, Tenhunen M, Aromaa M, Lilja-Maula L, Rajamaki MM. Evaluation of risk factors for sleep-disordered breathing in dogs. J of Vet Int Med. 2024; 18(2): 1135-1145. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.17019
  5. [5] Chopra S, Polotsky VY, Jun JC. Sleep Apnea Research in AnimalsPast, Present, Future. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol.2016 Mar; 54(3): 299-305. https://doi.org/10.1165/rcmb.2015-0218TR
  6. [6] Hendricks JC, Kline LR, Kovalski RJ, O'Brien JA, Morrison AR, Pack AI. The English Bulldog: a natural model of sleep-disordered breathing. J Appl Phys. 1987; 63: 1344-1350. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1987.63.4.1344
  7. [7] Ahern T. The modified oral platopharyngoplasty or modified Ahern procedure. World J of Vet Sci 2018; (6): 33-37. https://doi.org/10.12970/2310-0796.2018.06.07
  8. [8] Ahern T. Behavioural Changes in a Ten Year Old Gelding that Presented with Palatal Instability, and Observations Made following an Oral Palatopharyngoplasty. World J of Vet sci 2018; 6: 38-41. http://dx.doi.org/10.12970/2310-0796.2018.06.08
  9. [9] Ahern T. Sleep Attacks with Associated Sleep Terrors in a Six Year Old Thoroughbred Gelding. World J of Vet sci 2018; 6: 19-22.
  10. http://dx.doi.org10.12970/2310-0796.2018.06.03
  11. [10] Bertone JJ. Excessive drowsiness secondary to recumbent sleep deprivation in two horses. Vet Clin N Am: Equine Pract 2006b; 22(1): 157-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cveq.2005.12.020
  12. [11] Bertone JJ. Sleep deprivation is not narcolepsy in horses. In Proceedings 24th ACVIM Forum (Louisville) 2006; pp. 167- 169.
  13. [12] Belling TH. Sleep Patterns in the Horse. Equine Pract 1990; 12(8): 22-27.
  14. [13] Aleman M, Williams C,Holliday T. Sleep and Sleep Disorders in Horses. In: AAEP Proceedings 2008, Neurology; 54: 180-185.
  15. [14] Mendelson M, Marillier M, Bailly S, Flore P, Borel JC, Vivodtzev I, Doutreleau S, Tamisier R, Pepin JL, Verges S. Maximal exercise capacity in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Resp J 2018; 51: 1702697. https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.02697-2017
  16. [15] Mansukhani MP, Allison TG, Lopez-Jimenez F, Somers VK, Caples M. Functional aerobic capacity in patients with sleep-disordered breathing. Am J Cardiol 2013; 111(11); 1650-4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.02.008
  17. [16] Mach R, Wiegel PS, Bach JP, Beyerbach M, Kreienbrock L, Nolte I. Evaluation of a Treadmill-Based Submaximal Fitness Test in Pugs, and Collecting Breed-Specific Information on Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome. Animals (basel) 2022; 12(12): 1585. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12121585
  18. [17] Roedler, F.S.; Pohl, S.; Oechtering, G.U. How does severe brachycephaly affect dog’s lives? Results of a structured preoperative owner questionnaire. Vet. J. 2013; 198(3): 606-610. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.009
  19. [18] Schwimmer H, Strauss HM, Abbaut F, Nishino S, Mignot E, Zeitzer JM. Effects of sleep on the cardiovascular and thermoregulatory systems - a possible role for hypocretins. J App Physiol 2010; 109(4): 1053-63. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00516.2010
  20. [19] Roberts W, Armstrong L, Saw MN, Yeargin SW, Heled Y, O’Connor FG. ACSM Expert Consensus Statement on Exertional Heat Illness: Recognition, Management, and Return to Activity. Current Sports Med Reports 2021; 20(9): 470-484. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000878
  21. [20] Hall EJ, Carter AJ, O’Neill DG. incidence and risk factors for heat- related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016. Nature 2020; 10:9128. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-66015-8
  22. [21] Clarke AE. Heatstroke and brachycephalic dogs – is there an increased risk? Vet Evidence 2022; 7(4): 1-11. https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v7i4.534
  23. [22] Brownlow M, Mizzi JX. An Overview of Exertional Heat Illness in Thoroughbred Racehorses: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment Rationale. Animals (basel) 2023; 13(4): 610. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/ani13040610
  24. [23] MacDonald DM, Wheeler DO, Guthrie AJ, Kok C, Pilgrim T. “Post race distress syndrome” in thoroughbred racing in South Africa. Proc. Intern. Conf. Racing Anal. 2008, 17, 1–9.
  25. [24] Brownlow MA, Brotherhood JR. An investigation into environmental variables influencing post-race exertional heat illness in thoroughbred racehorses in temperate eastern Australia. Aust Vet J 2021; 99(11): 473-481. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13108
  26. [25] Chehade NEH, Fu Y, Ghoneim S, Shar S, Song G, Fass R. Association between obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J of gastroenterology and hepatology 2023; 38(8): 1199-14447. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgh.16245
  27. [26] Zhu Q, Hua L, Chen L, Mu T, Dong D, Xu J, Shen C. Causal association between obstructive sleep apnea and gastroesophageal reflux disease: A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization study. Front Genet. 2023; 14: 1111144. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2023.1111144
  28. [27] Kaye BM, Rutherford L, Perridge DJ, Ter Haar G. Relationship between brachycephalic airway syndrome and gastrointestinal signs in three breeds of dog. j Small Anim Tract 2018; 59(11): 670-673. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsap.12914
  29. [28] Kouki S, Viitanen SJ, Koho N, Laurila HP, Lilja-Maula L, Holopainen S, Neuvonen M, Niemi M, Fastres A, Clercx C, Rajamaki MM. Extraesophageal reflux and reflux aspiration in dogs with respiratory diseases and in healthy dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2023; 37(1):268-276. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.16622
  30. [29] Garrett KS, Woodie JB, Embertson RM, Pease AP. Diagnosis of laryngeal dysplasia in five horses using magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography. Eq Vet J 2010; 41(8): 776-771. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409X434080
  31. [30] Lane JG. Fourth branchial arch defects. In: Equine Respiratory Medicine and Surgery, Eds: McGorum BC, Dixon PM, Robinson NE, Schumacher J, Saunders WB, Philadelphia. 2007; pp. 467-472. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7020-2759-8.50036-2
  32. [31] Barakzai SZ, Dixon PM, Hawkes CS, Cox A, Barnett TP. Upper oesophageal incompetence in five horses after prosthetic laryngoplasty. Vet Surg 2015; 44(2): 150-155. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2014.12101.x
  33. [32] Ahern T. Upper Oesophageal Sphincter Aplasia in Equids: Observations in Preoperative Patients and a Possible Association with some Cases of Dorsal Pharyngeal Collapse and Paradoxical Sleep Deprivation. World J of Vet Sci 2021; 9: 10-15. https://doi.org/10.12970/2310-0796.2021.09.03
  34. [33] Lancaster LH, Mason WR, Parnell JA, Rice TW, Loyd JE, Milstone AP, Collard HR, Malow BA. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Common in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Chest 2009; 136(3): 772-778. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.08-2776
  35. [34] Bosi M, Milioli G, Parrino L, Fanfulla F, Tomassetti S, Melpignano A, Trippi I, Vaudano AE, Ravaglia C,Mascetti S, Poletti V. Quality of life in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: The impact of sleep disordered breathing. Resp Med 2019; 147: 51-57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2018.12.018
  36. [35] Khor YH, Ryerson CJ, Landry SA, Howard ME, Churchward TJ, Edwards BA, Hamilton GS, Joosten SA. Interstitial lung disease and obstructive sleep apnea. Sleep Med Reviews 2021; 58: 101442. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101442
  37. [36] Jean-Louis G, Zizi F, Brown DB, Ogedegbe G, Borer JS, Mc Farlane SI. Obstructive sleep apnea and cardiovascular disease: evidence and underlying mechanism. Minerva Pneumol 2009; 48(4): 277-293. PMCID: PMC3106988
  38. [37] Cintra FD, Tufik S, Paola AD, Feres MC, Melo-Fujita L,Oliveira W, Rizza C, Poyares. Cardiovascular profile in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. Are Bras Cardiol 2011; 96(4): 293-9. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0066-782x2011005000030
  39. [38] Schober KE, Baade H. Doppler Echocardiographic Prediction of Pulmonary Hypertension in West Highland White Terriers with Chronic Pulmonary Disease. J of Vet Intern Med 2008; 20(4): 912-920. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2006.tb01805.x
  40. [39] Song Y, Kim Y, Kim J, KIm KN, Oh S, Kim HJ. Management of Pulmonary Hypertension Due to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome in a Dog. J Vet Clin 2022; 39(5): 240-245. https://doi.org/10.17555/jvc.2022.39.5.240
  41. [40] Oleynikov DA, Yi M. Pre- and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension in dogs: Circulating biomarkers. Open Vet J 2022; 12(4): 469-480. https://doi.org/10.5455/OVJ.2022.v12.i4.8
  42. [41] Akashiba T, Kawahara S, Akahoshi T, Chiharu O, Osamu O, Osamu S, Tohru M, Takashi H. Relationship between quality of life and mood or depression in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Chest 2002; 122(3): 861-865. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.122.3.861
  43. [42] Angelelli P, Macchitella L, Toraldo L, Abbate E, Marinelli CV, Arigliani M, Benedetto MD. The Neuropsychological Profile of Attention Deficits of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: An Update on the Daytime Attentional Impairment. Brain Sci 2020; 10(6): 325. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci10060325
  44. [43] Kang HH, Lim CH, Oh JH, Cho MJ, Lee SH. The Influence of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease on Daytime Sleepiness and Depressive Symptom in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 27(2): 215-222. https://doi.org/10.5056/jnm20071
  45. [44] Mondino A, Delucchi L, Moeser A, Cerda-Gonzalez S, Vanini G. Sleep Disorders in dogs: A Pathophysiological and Clinical Review. Top Companion Anim Med 2021; 43: 100516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcam.2021.100516
  46. [45] Greening L, McBride S. A Review of Equine Sleep: Implications for Equine Welfare. Frontiers in Vet Sci 2022; 9: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.916737
  47. [46] Kales JD. Night Terrors. Archives of General Psychiatry 1980; 37(12):1413. https://doi.org/ 10.1001/archpsyc.1980.01780250099012
  48. [47] Laganiere C, Gaudreau H, Pokhvisneva I, Kenny S, Bouvette-Turcot AA, Meaney M, Pennestri MH. Sleep terrors in early childhood and associated emotional–behavioral problems. J of Clan Sleep Med 2022; 18(9): https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.10080
  49. [48] Pressman MR, Meyer TJ, Kendrick-Mohamed J, Figueroa WG, Greenspan LW, Peterson DD. Night terrors in an adult precipitated by sleep apnea. Sleep 1995; 18(9): 773-5. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/18.9.773
  50. [49] Schubert TA, Chidester RM, Chrismann CL. Clinical characteristics, management and long-term outcome of suspected rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder in 14 dogs. J of Small Animal Practice 2011; 52(2): 93-100. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2010.01026.x
  51. [50 ] Burns K. Many causes contribute to sleep disorders in horses. AVMA 2016 July 13; Available from: avma.org/javma-news/2016-08-01/many-causes-contribute-sleep-disorders-horses
  52. [51] Sheen D, Abdulateef S. Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Oral and Maxillofacial Clin of Nth Am 2021; 33(2): 295-303. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coms.2021.01.001
  53. [52] Cresting JM. Intrapalatine resection (IPR) in the treatment of sleep apnea and snoring. Plast Reconstr Sure 1991; 87(3): 467-9. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-199103000-00011
  54. [53] Emara TA, Hassan MH, Mohamad AS, Anany AM, Ebrahem AE. Anterolateral Advancement Pharyngoplasty: A New Technique for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016; 155(4): 702-7. https://doi.org/10.1177/0194599816648127
  55. [54] Moffa A, Giorgi L, Carnuccio L, Cassano M, Lugo R, Baptista P, Casale M. Barbed Pharyngoplasty for Snoring: Does It Meet the Expectations? A Systematic Review. Healthcare 2023; 11: 435. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11030435
  56. [55] Zaghi S, Holy J-EC, Certal V, Abdullatif J, Guilleminault C, Powell NB, Riley RW, Camacho MD. Maxillomandibular Advancement for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016; 142(1): 58-66. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2015.2678
  57. [56] Riecks TW, Birchard SJ, Stephens JA. Surgical correction of brachycephalic syndrome in dogs: 62 cases (1991-2004). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2007; 230(9): 1324-8. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.230.9.1324
  58. [57] Findji L, Dupre G. Folded flap palatoplasty for treatment of elongated soft palates in 55 dogs. Wiener Tierarztliche Monatsschrift. 2008; 95(3/4): 56.
  59. [58] Carabalona JPR, Le Boedec K, Poncet CM. Complications, prognostic factors, and long-term outcomes for dogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome that underwent H-pharyngoplasty and ala-vestibuloplasty: 423 cases (2011–2017). J Am Vet Assoc 2021; 26(S1): S65-S73. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.20.09.0534
  60. [59] Llewellyn HR, Petrowitz AB. Sternothyroideus Myotomy for the Treatment of Dorsal Displacement of the Soft Palate. In Proceedings Am Assoc Equine Pract 1997; 43: 239-243.
  61. [60] Woodie JB, Ducharme NG, Kanter RP, Hackett HN. Surgical advancement of the larynx (laryngeal tie-forward) as a treatment for dorsal displacement of the soft palate in horses: a prospective study 2001–2004. Equine Vet J 2010; 37(5): 418-423. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516405774480076
  62. [61] Anderson JD, Tulleners EP, Johnston JK, Reeves MJ. Sternothyrohyoideus myectomy or staphylectomy for treatment of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate in racehorses: 209 cases (1986-1991). J Am Vet Assoc 1995; 206(12): https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.1995.206.12.1909
  63. [62] Ordidge RM. The treatment of dorsal displacement of the soft palate by thermal cautery: a review of 252 cases. In: Proceedings of the 2nd World Equine Airways Symposium and Veterinary and Comparative Respiratory Society Annual Conference, Edinburgh, 2001; CD Rom
  64. [63] Jean D, Picandet V, Celeste C, Macieira S, Cesarini C, Morisset S, Rossier Y, Marcoux M. Palatal sclerotherapy for the treatment of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate in 51 standardbred racehorses. Can Vet J 2011; 52(11): 1203-8. PMID: 22547840
  65. [64] Hogan PM, Palmer SE, Conelosi M. Transendoscopic Laser Cauterization of the Soft Palate As an Adjunctive Treatment for Dorsal Displacement in the Racehorse. In Proceedings Ann Convention of Am Assoc Equine Pract 2002; 48: 228-230.
  66. [65] Ahern TJ. Oral palatopharyngoplasty. J Equine Vet Sci 1992; 13(4): 185-188.
  67. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0737-0806(06)81000-2
  68. [66] Ahern T. Upper Oesophageal Sphincter Aplasia in Equids: Observations in Preoperative Patients and a Possible Association with some Cases of Dorsal Pharyngeal Collapse and Paradoxical Sleep Deprivation. World J of Vet Sci 2021; 9: 10-15. https://doi.org/10.12970/2310-0796.2021.09.03

Looking up citing articles…

    Creative Commons License

    This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

    Copyright © 2024 Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology