Ventilatory failure, ventilator management, and outcome in dogs with cervical spinal disorders: 14 cases (1991-1999).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence of and risk factors for ventilatory failure in dogs undergoing surgery for treatment of cervical spinal disorders and to document ventilator management, clinical course, and long-term outcome of dogs that experienced ventilatory failure in association with cervical spinal disorders or their management.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
14 dogs.


METHODS
Dogs with cervical spinal disorders that required positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) were identified, and signalment, concurrent diseases, neurologic status at initial examination, clinical course, pulmonary function before, during, and after PPV, management techniques, complications, and outcome were recorded. Dogs that underwent surgery and required PPV were compared with dogs that underwent cervical spinal surgery during the same period that did not require PPV.


RESULTS
14 dogs with cervical spinal disorders required PPV to treat hypoventilation, including 13 of 263 (4.9%) dogs that underwent surgery for cervical spinal disorders. Lesions between the second and fourth cervical vertebrae and treatment by means of a dorsal decompressive laminectomy were associated with a significantly increased risk of perioperative hypoventilation. Pulmonary gas exchange function was normal or nearly normal throughout the course of PPV in dogs that survived. Ten dogs survived, and 9 of the 10 regained neurologic function. All 9 dogs that regained neurologic function had deep pain perception on initial examination at the veterinary teaching hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that a small percentage of dogs with cervical spinal disorders may require perioperative ventilatory support. With prolonged PPV and aggressive management, a good outcome may be achieved in dogs similar to those described in the present study.
Beal
M W
MW
Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104-6010, USA.
Paglia
D T
DT
Griffin
G M
GM
Hughes
D
D
King
L G
LG
D000818:Animals; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007040:Hypoventilation / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D016896:Treatment Outcome