Hypomagnesemia in Brachycephalic Dogs

Abstract

BackgroundBrachycephalic dogs are at risk for arterial hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea, which are both associated with chronic magnesium (Mg) depletion.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo compare the period prevalence of hypomagnesemia between Boxers and Bulldogs presented to a referral teaching hospital. To screen a group of Bulldogs for evidence of hypomagnesemia, and to obtain pilot data regarding the utility of parenteral Mg tolerance testing (PMgTT) in the diagnosis of whole‐body Mg deficiency.AnimalsChemistry laboratory submissions were retrospectively analyzed for serum total Mg (tMg) in Boxers and Bulldogs. Prospectively, 16 healthy client‐owned Bulldogs were enrolled.MethodsRetrospective case study. tMg concentrations were compared between Boxers and Bulldogs. Dogs with low serum albumin or high serum creatinine concentrations were excluded. Prospectively, ionized Mg (iMg), tMg, and arterial blood pressure were measured and iMg‐to‐tMg ratio (iMg : tMg) was calculated. Parenteral Mg tolerance testing (PMgTT) was performed in 3/16 dogs.ResultsIn the retrospective study, period prevalence of hypomagnesemia was 4.7% in Boxers and 15% in Bulldogs (P = .02). The risk ratio for hypomagnesemia in Bulldogs was 1.8 when compared to Boxers (CI: 1.3–2.7). In the prospective study, iMg was [median (interquartile)] 0.43 (0.42–0.46) mmol/L (reference range 0.4–0.52), tMg was 1.9 (1.8–1.9) mg/dL (reference range 1.9–2.5). iMg : tMg was [mean (±SD)] 0.59 ± 0.04. Percentage retention after PMgTT were 55%, 95%, and 67%, respectively.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMg deficiency is common in Bulldogs and could contribute to comorbidities often observed in this breed. iMg : tMg and PMgTT might prove helpful in detecting chronic subclinical Mg deficiency.

Whole‐Body Barometric Plethysmography Characterizes Upper Airway Obstruction in 3 Brachycephalic Breeds of Dogs

“…Large studies on gastrointestinal disorders in healthy brachycephalic dogs are needed. Hypomagnesemia and hypercoagulation were found in clinically healthy bulldogs compared to nonbrachycephalic control dogs and boxers . Hypertension also was reported in systemically healthy pugs, Boston terrier, French bulldogs, and bulldogs .…”

Anaesthesia of brachycephalic dogs

“…In humans, hypomagnesaemia is associated with cardiac disease including hypertension (Fox et al . , Mellema & Hoareau ) and, although less clear, it may be linked to OSA (Blasco et al . ).…”

“…). In one study, hypomagnesaemia was identified in 15% of Bulldogs (Mellema & Hoareau ); its clinical implications are unclear.…”

“…In humans, preoperative management of OSA, including the use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy The occurrence and severity of BOAS is not uniform between or within these breeds; breeds with a higher reported incidence of BOAS are highlighted in bold (Dupré & Heidenreich 2016) (2015) Hypoxaemia, hypercapnia and relative hypertension. Hoareau et al (2012) Hypomagnesaemia Mellema & Hoareau (2014) and weight loss, helps reduce anaesthetic risk (Martinez & Faber 2011). It is reasonable to assume that equivalent problems exist in brachycephalic dogs with BOAS, although the routine use of preoperative CPAP therapy is unlikely to be feasible in conscious veterinary patients.…”

“…The clinical significance of the observed hypertension in brachycephalic dogs is unclear. In humans, hypomagnesaemia is associated with cardiac disease including hypertension (Fox et al 2001, Mellema & Hoareau 2014) and, although less clear, it may be linked to OSA (Blasco et al 2012). In one study, hypomagnesaemia was identified in 15% of Bulldogs (Mellema & Hoareau 2014); its clinical implications are unclear.…”