Animal Health Solutions

24 Covetrus | ph: 855.724.3461 | fx: 888.329.3861 | northamerica.covetrus.com A 2006 study in the United Kingdom was designed and conducted to determine and analyze the risks of anesthesia related deaths in dogs, cats, and rabbits over a period of two years. 1 The study was a nested-control case study that utilized 117 participating clinics in the United Kingdom to analyze the cases of companion animals that were anesthetized. Following anesthesia, the patients were labeled 48 hours later as having one of three outcomes: alive, dead, or euthanized. The study concluded the following: • Postoperative deaths accounted for 47% of deaths in dogs, 61% in cats, and 64% in rabbits. • 50% of postoperative fatalities occurred within three hours of anesthesia termination. • Outcomes varied considerably between pets in poor health and those pets who were not sick prior to being anesthetized. • Better and more attentive patient care during the postoperative period may reduce anesthesia- related deaths. Post-op recovery monitoring in the companion animal clinic By Jason DeFrancesco, Bionet America There is little doubt that multiparameter monitoring during surgery has become the standard in veterinary surgical care. While complications can and do occur (related to anesthesia or otherwise) during any stage of surgery, recent research indicates that a substantial portion of all anesthetic-related dog and cat deaths occur during the postoperative period. 1 Considering that 50% or more of anesthetic- related companion animal deaths occur after the patient leaves the OR 2 , it's reasonable to reflect upon whether enough appropriate and ample monitoring is being done postoperatively and in recovery. The authors of the study concluded with "Increased awareness of the risks of the postoperative period is merited and improvements in the monitoring and management of patients, particularly in the early postoperative period, could reduce complications substantially." 1 Often after surgery, a pet is extubated and is disconnected from the multiparameter anesthesia monitor. The pet is then put into a recovery cage where they are observed and monitored before being discharged. This is sometimes a point of care in which the caregiver "walks away" from the patient while returning to assess and sometimes record vital signs periodically. While some companion animal clinics do incorporate monitoring into their post-op recovery protocols, many do not. If close to half of all anesthetic- related dog and cat deaths occur during the postoperative phase, it's worth considering giving the same level of credence to postoperative monitoring that is given to perioperative monitoring.

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