01544-A: Reference Values for Arterial Blood Gases in the Lean and Obese Geriatric Dogs

Grant Amount: $11,923

Elisabeth CR Snead, DVM, MS; University of Saskatchewan

March 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012

Sponsor(s): Border Terrier Club of America

Breed(s): -All Dogs

Research Program Area: General Canine Health

Abstract

In people, aging results in certain structural and functional changes in the respiratory tract that correlate with an age-related decline in the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and an increase in the calculated alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient [P(A-a)O2] in otherwise healthy non-smoking people when compared to values in younger adults (<45 yrs or age). These two parameters are used to assess lung function in people of all ages. Geriatric dogs commonly present for signs related to the respiratory tract and measurement of arterial blood gas (ABG) tensions remains the cornerstone for assessment of respiratory disease severity. The primary goal of this research is to determine if there is a similar age-related decline in the arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and increase in the calculated alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient P(A-a)O2 in healthy geriatric dogs compared to values in healthy young adult dogs. This study will help establish a normal reference range for arterial blood gas tensions in this population of dogs if the results differ from those in young, healthy dogs. As part of the study, chest radiographs will be taken to rule out any significant respiratory disease in any of the dogs enrolled in this study. Normal radiographic findings seen with aging will be classified as an additional goal of this study. A third goal of this research is to determine whether sex, obesity, exposure to second hand smoke, or an urban versus rural environment have any impact on arterial blood gas tensions in geriatric dogs.

Publication(s)

None at this time.