INTESTINAL MICROBIOME ASSESSMENT IN DOGS OF THE FRENCH BULLDOG AND PUG BREEDS, WITH AND WITHOUT BRACHYCEPHALIC OBSTRUCTIVE AIRWAY SYNDROME (BOAS)

• Grant number: 23/18175-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine - Animal Clinics and Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Paola Castro Moraes
• Grantee: Isabella de Almeida Fabris
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/01610-4 - Assessment of Microbiota Composition in the feces of Brachycephalic Dogs affected by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) before and after corrective surgery, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a well-recognized condition characterized by anatomopathological alterations leading to partial airway obstructions in brachycephalic dog breeds. These alterations cause various clinical manifestations, impacting the overall health of affected animals. Like human patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, dogs with BOAS experience intermittent hypoxia, which can trigger systemic inflammation and the generation of free radicals, affecting multiple organ systems and potentially influencing the composition of the commensal microbiota. We propose a prospective study aiming at investigating the taxonomic composition of microorganisms in the colon of BOAS-affected and unaffected dogs. Metagenomic analysis will be conducted using 16S rRNA and shotgun sequencing in Grade III BOAS-affected and unaffected dogs (Grade 0). By exploring associations and correlations between BOAS severity, and taxonomic diversity of microorganisms, we aim to deepen our understanding of the clinical and microbiological changes in BOAS-affected dogs. Findings from this project will provide valuable insights for future research focused on assessing the impact of these clinical and microbiological alterations on the morbidity and mortality of brachycephalic dogs. Ultimately, our results will aid in developing effective treatment strategies to enhance these veterinary patients' quality of life and overall health.