Intraoperative use of a reflective blanket (Sirius rescue sheet) for temperature management in dogs less than 10 kg.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of the Sirius rescue sheet with gel pads versus gel pads alone on intraoperative body temperature in dogs less than 10 kg.


METHODS
Forty small breed dogs undergoing elective surgical procedures were randomly assigned to two groups. One group was intraoperatively laid on warmed gel pads, and the other group was additionally wrapped in a Sirius rescue sheet. Oesophageal body temperature was determined every 10 minutes and compared between groups. Temperature of gel pads was measured preoperatively and postoperatively to compare heat loss of the gel pads between groups.


RESULTS
The body temperature of dogs wrapped with the Sirius rescue sheet increased intraoperatively. In dogs just lying on warmed gel pads, a decrease in mean body temperature was revealed and mean body temperatures differed between groups after 40 minutes. Extent of heat loss from the gel pads did not differ between the groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The Sirius rescue sheet, used in addition to warmed gel pads, led to higher intraoperative body temperatures in small breed dogs undergoing surgical procedures to the extremities and the head. The cost-effectiveness and ease of handling make this a useful addition to clinical practice.
Tünsmeyer
J
J
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bischofsholer Damm 15, Hannover D-30173, Germany.
Bojarski
I
I
Nolte
I
I
Kramer
S
S
D000818:Animals; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology* / Q000601:surgery; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007430:Intraoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D013997:Time Factors