Nebulised adrenaline in the post-operative management of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome in dogs: short-term outcomes in 90 cases (2014-2020)

Authors: Fenner JVH, Henderson CC, Demetriou JL
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 71, Issue 6, pp 329-326, Nov 2023
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Dog
Article class: Clinical Article

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Abstract:

Case histories: Medical records from a single UK-based referral hospital were retrospectively reviewed to identify brachycephalic dogs who had undergone corrective airway surgery and were nebulised with adrenaline in the post-operative period. Ninety dogs were identified between August 2014 and March 2020.

Clinical findings: Agitation following nebulisation with adrenaline was uncommon, with 86/90 (96%) dogs remaining calm, and overall outcome was reported as satisfactory in 68 of 73 (89%) dogs for which this information was available. Median respiratory rate at T0 (prior to first nebulisation) and T60 (1 hour following nebulisation) were both 20 breaths/minute with a median difference of 0 (95% CI = 0–0) breaths/minute (p = 0.657). Median heart rate at T0 and T60 were both 80 beats/minute with a median difference of 3 (95% CI = −10 to 7) beats/minute (p = 0.948). Two dogs experienced tachycardia, but this was not associated with the timing of administration of adrenaline. Complications reported in the 24 hours following surgery included regurgitation (n = 36), increased respiratory noise and effort (n = 10), aspiration pneumonia (n = 4), and inappetence (n = 3). A temporary tracheostomy tube was placed in 13 (14.4%) dogs.

Clinical relevance: Nebulisation with adrenaline is feasible, results in minimal increases in respiratory rate and heart rate and is associated with agitation in only a small number of dogs.

KEYWORDS: BOAS, brachycephalic, nebulisation, adrenaline, dogs

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