Treatment of hypoxemia during xylazine-tiletamine-zolazepam immobilization of wapiti.

Hypoxemia is a commonly observed complication during the chemical immobilization of wild ruminants. If severe and left untreated, it can predispose animals to arrhythmias, organ failure, and capture myopathy. The following prospective study was designed to measure the degree of hypoxemia in wapiti that were immobilized with a combination of xylazine and tiletamine-zolazepam and to assess the response to nasal oxygen therapy. Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas analysis were used to assess the degree of hypoxemia prior to nasal insufflation of oxygen and to demonstrate any beneficial effects of this intervention. All wapiti exhibited mild to marked hypoxemia (PaO2 = 43 +/- 11.8 mmHg) prior to treatment and showed marked improvement after 5 minutes of nasal insufflation of oxygen at 10 L/min (PaO2 = 207 +/- 60 mmHg). This inexpensive, noninvasive technique has great benefit in treating clinical hypoxemia under field conditions, and we recommend that nasal insufflation of oxygen be implemented during xylazine-tiletamine-zolazepam-induced immobilization of wapiti and other wild ruminants.     

Pulmonary dysfunction in neonatal calves after intratracheal inoculation of small volumes of fluid

Intratracheal instillation of 20 ml of room temperature (21 to 24 C) fluid in anesthetized neonatal calves resulted in rapid onset of reversible pulmonary dysfunction. Arterial O2 tension and dynamic compliance decreased, whereas pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, alveolar arterial O2 difference, and total pulmonary resistance increased from base-line values. Abnormalities of gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics were induced by intratracheal fluid instillation whether or not Pasteurella haemolytica was in the inoculum. Physical manipulation of the calf without intratracheal fluid instillation (sham inoculation) did not influence pulmonary function. Bilateral vagotomy eliminated the increase in pulmonary resistance and the decrease in dynamic compliance, but did not eliminate hypoxemia, increased alveolar arterial O2 difference, or pulmonary hypertension recorded after intratracheal fluid instillation. Seemingly, changes in pulmonary mechanics are mediated via the vagus nerve. However, one or more additional mechanisms must be responsible for the hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension.     

Pulmonary Artery Thrombosis in Experimental Angiostrongylus vasorum Infection Does Not Result in Pulmonary Hypertension and Echocardiographic Right Ventricular Changes

Background: Dogs experimentally inoculated with Angiostrongylus vasorum develop severe pulmonary parenchymal lesions and arterial thrombosis at the time of patency. Hypothesis: A. vasorum‐induced thrombosis results in arterial hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension (PH), and altered cardiac morphology and function. Animals: Six healthy Beagles experimentally inoculated with A. vasorum. Methods: Thoracic radiographs and arterial blood gas analyses were performed 8 and 13 weeks postinoculation (wpi) and 9 weeks posttherapy (wpt). Echocardiography was done before and 2, 5, 8, 13 wpi and 9 wpt. Invasive pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) measurements were obtained 8 wpi. Two untreated dogs were necropsied 13 wpi and 4 treated dogs 9 wpt. Results: All dogs had patent infections at 7 wpi and clinical respiratory signs at 8 wpi. Moderate hypoxemia (median PaO₂ of 73 and 74 mmHg) present at 8 and 13 wpi had resolved by 9 wpt. Echocardiographically, no evidence of PH and no abnormalities in cardiac size and function were discernible at any time point. PAP invasively measured at 8 wpi was not different from that of control dogs. Severe radiographic pulmonary parenchymal and suspected thrombotic lesions at 13 wpi were corroborated by necropsy. Most histopathologic changes had resolved at 9 wpt, but focal inflammatory, thrombotic, and fibrotic changes still were present in all dogs. Conclusion: In experimentally infected Beagles, pulmonary and vascular changes induced by A. vasorum are reflected by marked radiographic changes and arterial hypoxemia. These did not result in PH and echocardiographic changes in cardiac size and function.     

TSE surveillance in small ruminants and pigs: a pilot study

Switzerland is controlling Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSE) in cattle (BSE) and small ruminants (scrapie). Since BSE is potentially transmissible to sheep, goats or pigs through feeding of contaminated meat and bone meal, implementation of an active surveillance programme for TSE in these species is discussed. The aim of this pilot study was to obtain preliminary data on the prevalence ofTSE and other neurological disorders in these populations. For that purpose, a total of 398 perished and 825 slaughtered adult small ruminants and pigs was examined for the presence of neuropathological changes. None of these animals revealed positive for TSE. However, the investigations demonstrated that perished sheep and goats exhibited a higher prevalence of relevant neuropathological changes when compared with slaughtered animals. From these results, it is concluded that perished small ruminants are probably a risk population for TSE and should be considered as target populations for an active surveillance programme.     

Effect of Pasteurella haemolytica-derived endotoxin on pulmonary structure and function in calves

The role of endotoxin in the pathogenesis of acute pneumonic pasteurellosis is uncertain. Recently, we reported that Escherichia coli-derived endotoxin given by airway inoculation fails to induce lung injury in calves. Because Pasteurella haemolytica-derived endotoxin may differ substantially from E coli in its pathogenicity, we repeated these studies with Pasteurella endotoxin. Intratracheal inoculation of P haemolytica endotoxin caused hypoxemia and increased the alveolar-arterial oxygen differences without causing hypercarbia or changes in lung mechanical properties and volumes. In contrast, IV inoculation of endotoxin caused systemic hypotension, leukopenia, gas exchange impairment, increased total pulmonary resistance, and decreased dynamic compliance. Both routes of inoculation increased serum endotoxin concentrations and were associated with areas of pulmonary hemorrhage, edema, and acute inflammation. We concluded that P haemolytica-derived endotoxin is pathogenic by IV and airway routes of inoculation, and therefore differs from E coli endotoxin in its ability to induce lung lesions in calves.     

Frequency of pulmonary mineralization and hypoxemia in 21 dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of hypoxemia and pulmonary mineralization using ^99mTc-methylene diphosphonate (^99mTc-MDP) in dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH). Twenty-one dogs with PDH were pro-spectively evaluated using thoracic radiography, arterial blood gas analysis, and bone phase and pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy (using ^99mTc-macro-aggregated albumin [^99mTc-MAA]). The radiographs and bone and perfusion studies were evaluated subjectively. An averaged quantitative count density ratio was calculated between the thorax and cranial thoraco-lumbar vertebrae from lateral thoracic ^99mTc-MDP images. Thoracic: vertebral ratios were calculated using ^99mTc-MDP studies from 21 control dogs. The thoracic: vertebral ratios were compared between the 2 groups (PDH and control). The mean age (±SD) of the 21 PDH dogs was 10.2 (±3) years, whereas the mean age of the control group was 9.8 (±3) years. Seven of the 21 dogs with PDH were hypoxemic (denned as an arterial partial pressure of oxygen [PaO₂] <80 mm Hg) with an average PaO₂ (±SD) of 62 (±15) mm Hg. Of the 7 hypoxemic dogs, 2 were found to have pulmonary mineralization based on bone scintigraphic images. Pulmonary perfusion abnormalities were not identified using ^99mTc-MAA in any of the 21 PDH dogs. Six PDH dogs had an abnormal interstitial pulmonary pattern and 5 of these dogs were hypoxemic. The average quantitative thoracic: vertebral ratio was not significantly different between the PDH and control dogs (0.5 ± 0.4 versus 0.4 ± 0.1, P = .16). Causes of hypoxemia other than pulmonary thromboembolism should be considered in dogs with PDH. Pulmonary mineralization may contribute to hypoxemia in dogs with PDH.     

Sequence of cardiovascular changes leading to pulmonary edema in swine fed culture material containing fumonisin

OBJECTIVES: To determine the sequence of cardiovascular and blood gas changes induced by ingestion of fumonisin-containing culture material in swine and to examine the temporal relationship of these changes to plasma sphinganine and sphingosine concentrations. ANIMALS: 12 healthy castrated pigs (38 to 50 kg). PROCEDURE: Pigs were instrumented to permit cardiovascular monitoring and collection of blood samples. Baseline values were obtained, and pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. Control pigs (n = 6) were fed a standard grower diet, whereas culture material that contained 20 mg of fumonisin B1/kg of body weight was added to the feed of treated pigs (n = 6) each day. Hemodynamic data, results of arterial and mixed venous blood gas analyses, and plasma sphinganine and sphingosine concentrations were recorded every 12 hours until treated pigs were euthanatized because of impending death from pulmonary edema. RESULTS: Sphinganine and sphingosine concentrations were increased in plasma of treated pigs within 24 hours of initial fumonisin exposure and continued to increase dramatically until euthanasia. Fumonisin-treated pigs had increased respiratory rate, mean pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary artery wedge pressure, along with decreased heart rate and cardiac output in the 12-hour period before euthanasia. Fumonisin-treated pigs also had systemic arterial hypotension, arterial and mixed venous hypoxemia, metabolic acidosis, decreased oxygen delivery, and increased oxygen consumption immediately before euthanasia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Fumonisin-induced pulmonary edema in swine is probably caused by acute left-sided heart failure. Onset of hemodynamic changes was associated with plasma sphinganine concentration > or = 2.2 microM/L and plasma sphingosine concentration > or = 1 microM/L.     

幼龄反刍动物瘤胃微生物定植及其营养调控研究进展

生命早期消化道中的微生物定植可影响动物机体，且具有长期健康效应，详细了解早期瘤胃微生物的定植状况对动物健康及生长发育有重要意义。反刍动物自出生后开始与外界微生物接触，其瘤胃微生物菌群结构发生剧烈变化，且易受动物日龄、品种以及饮食结构的影响。反刍动物瘤胃含有复杂的微生物菌群，主要由厌氧细菌、古生菌、真菌和原虫构成。本文综述了反刍动物幼龄阶段瘤胃细菌、古生菌、真菌和原虫的定植组成及其变化，同时阐述了饲粮组成和饲料添加剂对幼龄反刍动物瘤胃微生物菌群的影响，旨在为幼龄反刍动物实现分阶段的营养调控提供理论基础。     

Comparison of pathophysiologic changes in the lungs of calves challenge exposed with Escherichia coli-derived endotoxin and Pasteurella haemolytica, alone or in combination

Pulmonary responses to intratracheal challenge exposure with Pasteurella haemolytica, with or without Escherichia coli-derived endotoxin, E coli endotoxin alone, or saline solution were compared in anesthetized, mechanically ventilated neonatal calves. Baseline values for dynamic compliance, total pulmonary resistance, functional residual capacity, arterial blood gas tensions, hemogram, leukogram, and systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures were recorded for each calf. After baseline data were obtained, calves were challenge exposed with logarithmic-growth phase P haemolytica organisms with or without E coli endotoxin, E coli endotoxin alone, or saline solution (0.9% NaCl). Physiologic data were obtained immediately after challenge exposure and at various intervals over the next 6 hours. Calves challenge exposed with P haemolytica alone developed sever hypoxemia, had increased alveolar-arterial oxygen difference and threefold increases in total pulmonary resistance, became hypercarbic, had decreased functional residual capacity, and developed systemic hypotension without change in pulmonary arterial pressure. At necropsy, these calves had extensive multifocal areas of necrohemorrhagic and purulent pneumonia. Ratio of extravascular lung water to lung dry weight was not significantly increased in lung specimens obtained from calves challenge exposed with P haemolytica, but ratio of lung wet weight to dry weight was increased, indicating that increased lung wet weight was attributable largely to increased solids and not to fluid alone. (Extravascular lung water measurement excludes fluid from the vascular compartment.) Intratracheal challenge exposure with endotoxin failed to alter lung function and caused minor changes in lung structure consisting of focal areas of hemorrhage and edema.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

幼龄反刍动物瘤胃微生物的定植过程与调控措施

反刍动物是畜牧业中的重要支柱，研究瘤胃微生物在幼龄反刍动物上的定植过程，并利用其中的定植规律采取科学的早期调控措施，以此提高反刍动物的生产效率，对于维持畜牧业高效、健康、可持续发展具有重要意义。瘤胃微生物的定植过程伴随着幼龄反刍动物瘤胃的发育和饮食结构的巨大变化。在幼龄反刍动物哺乳时，瘤胃由于食管沟反射的存在而不发挥功能，发育缓慢，此时只有部分功能菌群逐渐定植；随着日龄的增长，幼龄反刍动物大量摄入固体饲料，瘤胃在固体饲料的刺激下迅速发育直至成熟，此时大量菌群定植，瘤胃发酵逐渐活跃，且优势菌及其丰度与前期相比发生较大变化。同时，大量瘤胃发酵产物的积累又进一步刺激了瘤胃的发育。反刍动物在幼龄阶段经历了从非反刍到反刍的生理过渡，是其最敏感和可塑性最强的时期，可以在此阶段对反刍动物瘤胃微生物采取人工调控措施，以保证机体的健康和后续生长发育。作者综述了反刍动物瘤胃早期发育过程、瘤胃内微生物的种类、来源及其在幼龄反刍动物瘤胃中的定植过程，阐明瘤胃微生物在反刍动物消化代谢、生产性能以及畜体健康方面的重要功能，并归纳了常用的瘤胃微生物调控技术，从而为生产中对幼龄反刍动物的饲养管理、营养调控提供参考。     

The clinical pathology of heartwater. II. Studies on cardiac and pulmonary function in 4 calves with experimentally-induced heartwater

Studies to evaluate cardiac and pulmonary function were undertaken in 4 calves suffering from experimentally-induced heartwater. There was a marked variation in the course of the disease. Three of the calves recovered spontaneously after developing clinical signs. These included a rectal temperature in excess of 40 degrees C, anorexia and listlessness but no neurological signs. The remaining calf died 2 days after developing a fever and neurological signs. In the 3 calves that recovered, a mild hypoxemia developed during the acute stage of the disease. Arterial CO2 tension remained within normal limits, but there was a tendency towards an alkalosis. Increases in pulmonary dead space and fluctuations in venous admixture were observed. The calf that died showed similar mild changes in blood gas parameters, despite the presence of a marked reduction in minute volume, and a lung oedema was demonstrated on post-mortem examination. No marked changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressures and in right cardiac intraventricular pressures were observed. Terminally, however, there were marked decreases in stroke volume and cardiac output. These changes were associated with a sharp increase in heart rate. No primary cardiac pathology was observed on clinical and post-mortem examinations.     

Giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis in ruminants.

Although they differ considerably with respect to their biology, both Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium parvum are common in ruminants, whereas Cryptosporidium andersoni is not. G. duodenalis infections are acquired during the first few months of life, tend to be chronic, and may be a production-limiting disease of ruminants. C. parvum infections remain an important cause of diarrhea in neonatal ruminants. Abomasal cryptosporidiosis, caused by C. andersoni, is an emerging disease of cattle that may affect both beef and dairy herds. This article reviews the life cycles, production impacts, treatments, controls, and zoonotic potentials of these important ruminant parasites.     

Evaluation of intramuscular butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine and nasal oxygen insufflation for the chemical immobilization of white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus

Chemical immobilization of wildlife often includes opioids or cyclohexamines. These substances are problematic as a result of their required storage, handling, and record-keeping protocols. A potentially useful alternative sedation protocol includes a combination of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine (BAM: 0.43 mg/kg butorphanol, 0.36 mg/kg azaperone, 0.14 mg/kg medetomidine). One risk of wildlife immobilization with any drug combination is hypoxemia. This may be of particular importance when using an alpha 2 agonist such as medetomidine because of its powerful vasoconstrictive effect. In this prospective study, the BAM combination was evaluated for chemical immobilization of white-tailed deer. Additionally, selected physiologic parameters associated with BAM immobilization, including oxygen saturation via pulse oximetry and arterial blood gas measurement, with and without nasal insufflation of oxygen at a relatively low flow of 3 L/min, were evaluated. The BAM combination resulted in a predictable onset of sedation, with a mean induction time to lateral recumbency of 9.8 +/- 3.6 min. All deer recovered smoothly within a range of 5-20 min after reversal with intramuscular administration of naltrexone, atipamazole, and tolazoline (NAT). Clinically relevant decreases in arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were observed in animals not receiving supplemental oxygen, while both parameters significantly improved for oxygen-supplemented deer. Pulse oximetry with this protocol was an unreliable indicator of oxygen saturation. In this study, altitude, recumbency, hypoventilation, butorphanol- and medetomidine-specific effects, as well as the potential for alpha 2 agonist-induced pulmonary changes all may have contributed to the development of hypoxemia. Overall, capture of white-tailed deer with the BAM/NAT protocol resulted in excellent chemical immobilization and reversal. Because the BAM combination caused significant hypoxemia that is unreliably detected by pulse oximetry but that may be resolved with nasal oxygen insufflation, routine use of oxygen supplementation is recommended.     

CHARACTERIZATION OF SEVERE SMALL AIRWAY DISEASE IN A PUPPY USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

A young Golden Retriever dog developed severe respiratory distress following an initial clinical diagnosis of infectious tracheobronchitis. Severe expiratory flow limitation, associated with exertional respiratory distress and hypoxemia was present. Thoracic images obtained with conventional radiography were characterized by hyperinflation and abnormal bronchial and alveolar patterns. Computed tomography was performed and in conjunction with pulmonary functional changes was diagnostic of small airway disease. The dog was treated with a variety of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and antitussives, but the clinical signs worsened and the puppy was euthanized. Pathologic examination confirmed severe small airway disease, with emphysema and bronchiolitis.     

Fatal respiratory disease in Nilgiri tahr: possibly malignant catarrhal fever.

Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius) are native to India and are a rare zoo exhibit. This report describes an acute respiratory disease in tahr that caused the death of 15 of 16 animals in an extensive exhibit of about 35 acres where they were housed together with a variety of other exotic species of ruminants. The deaths occurred in two separate outbreaks and were associated with losses from malignant catarrhal fever in other ruminants in the exhibit. The most prominent clinical sign was severe dyspnea, and death occurred within five days. The principal lesions were an acute nonsuppurative inflammation of the respiratory tract and pulmonary vessels, lymphadenopathy and lymphoid cell infiltration in the organs of some animals. It was conjectured that the tahr died of a unique pneumonic form of malignant catarrhal fever. Attempts at viral isolation were negative.     

A review of oxalate poisoning in domestic animals: tolerance and performance aspects

Published data on oxalate poisoning in domestic animals are reviewed, with a focus on tolerance and performance. Oxalic acid is one of a number of anti‐nutrients found in forage. It can bind with dietary calcium (Ca) or magnesium (Mg) to form insoluble Ca or Mg oxalate, which then may lead to low serum Ca or Mg levels as well as to renal failure because of precipitation of these salts in the kidneys. Dietary oxalate plays an important role in the formation of Ca oxalate, and a high dietary intake of Ca may decrease oxalate absorption and its subsequent urinary excretion. Oxalate‐rich plants can be supplemented with other plants as forage for domestic animals, which may help to reduce the overall intake of oxalate‐rich plants. Non‐ruminants appear to be more sensitive to oxalate than ruminants because in the latter, rumen bacteria help to degrade oxalate. If ruminants are slowly exposed to a diet high in oxalate, the population of oxalate‐degrading bacteria in the rumen increases sufficiently to prevent oxalate poisoning. However, if large quantities of oxalate‐rich plants are eaten, the rumen is overwhelmed and unable to metabolize the oxalate and oxalate‐poisoning results. Based on published data, we consider that <2.0% soluble oxalate would be an appropriate level to avoid oxalate poisoning in ruminants, although blood Ca level may decrease. In the case of non‐ruminants, <0.5% soluble oxalate may be acceptable. However, these proposed safe levels of soluble oxalate should be regarded as preliminary. Further studies, especially long‐term studies, are needed to validate and improve the recommended safe levels in animals. This review will encourage further research on the relationships between dietary oxalate, other dietary factors and renal failure in domestic animals.     

Cardiopulmonary effects of a tiletamine-zolazepam combination in sheep

To assess the effects on heart and lung function, a tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) anesthetic combination was evaluated in 10 Dorset-type ewes. Ewes were randomly allotted to 2 equal groups. Ewes of groups 1 and 2 were given a single bolus of TZ (12 and 24 mg/kg of body weight, IV, respectively) at time zero. Hemodynamic, pulmonary, and ventilation variables were measured at 15-minute intervals to 120 minutes. Blood gas variables were evaluated at 5-minute intervals for the first 30 minutes, then at 15-minute intervals to 120 minutes. In all sheep, TZ administration induced rapid, smooth induction, with gradual and unremarkable recovery. Anesthesia duration was not significantly different between groups (mean +/- SD, 39 +/- 5 and 40 +/- 14 minutes for groups 1 and 2, respectively). Immediate drug effects included apnea, decreased mean arterial blood pressure, and arterial hypoxemia. Cardiac output was significantly decreased in both groups at all times after drug administration. Significant changes in group-1 ewes included increased pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances and decreased inspired minute ventilation, tidal volume, and respiratory airflow. Significant changes in group-2 ewes included increased systemic vascular resistance and decreased pulmonary arterial pressure, inspired minute ventilation, and respiratory airflow. Both drug dosages induced apneustic breathing patterns and caused significant changes in arterial and venous blood hemoglobin concentrations and PCV. Tiletamine-zolazepam is useful for intermediate-duration anesthesia in sheep.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Post‐anesthetic pulmonary edema in two horses

Case 1 A two‐year old, 462 kg Standard bred horse was anesthetized for arthroscopy and castration. During anesthesia, hyperemia of the mucosal membranes and urticaria were noticed. During 5 hours of anesthesia subcutaneous edema of the eyelids and neck region developed. In the recovery box, the orotracheal (OT) tube was left in situ and secured in place with tape. Following initial attempts to stand, the horse became highly agitated and signs consistent with pulmonary edema developed subsequently. Arterial hypoxemia (PaO₂: 3.7 kPa [28 mmHg]) and hypocapnia (PaCO₂: 3.1 kPa [23 mmHg]) were confirmed. Oxygen and furosemide were administered. The horse was assisted to standing with a sling. Therapy continued with bilateral intra‐nasal oxygen insufflation. Ancillary medical therapy included flunixin meglumine, penicillin, gentamycin and dimethylsulfoxide. Following 7 hours of treatment the arterial oxygen tensions began to increase towards normal values. Case 2 An 11‐year old, 528 kg Paint horse was anesthetized for surgery of a submandibular mass. The 4‐hour anesthetic period was unremarkable. The OT tube was left in situ for the recovery. During recovery, the horse was slightly agitated and stood after three attempts. Clinical signs consistent with pulmonary edema and arterial hypoxemia (PaO₂: 5 kPa [37.5 mmHg]) subsequently developed following extubation. Respiratory signs resolved with medical therapy, including unilateral nasal oxygen insufflation, furosemide, flunixin meglumine and dimethylsulfoxide. The diagnosis of pulmonary edema in these horses was made by clinical signs and arterial blood‐gas analysis. While pulmonary radiographs were not taken to confirm the diagnosis, the clinical signs following anesthesia support the diagnosis in both cases. The etiology of pulmonary edema was most likely multifactorial.     

Retrospective evaluation of the impact of hypoxemia during thoracic surgery in dogs on outcome: a multicenter analysis of 94 cases

ObjectiveTo investigate the statistical association of severe intraoperative hypoxemia in thoracic surgery with mortality, postoperative hospitalization times and cost of care.Study designRetrospective study.AnimalsDogs that underwent thoracic surgery in three veterinary hospitals between October 1, 2018 and October 1, 2020.MethodsAnesthesia and hospitalization records from 112 dogs were reviewed and 94 cases met inclusion criteria. Recorded data included signalment, disease etiology, pulmonary or extrapulmonary nature of disease, surgical procedure performed, episodes of severe intraoperative hypoxemia defined as a pulse oximetry reading (SpO₂) <90% of 5 minutes or longer duration, survival to discharge, time from extubation to hospital discharge and total invoice cost for clinical visit. Dogs were divided into two groups, those that experienced severe hypoxemia (group A) and those in which SpO₂ reading <90% was not observed throughout the procedure (group B).ResultsGroup A had a greater risk of mortality (odds ratio 10.6, 95% confidence interval 1.9–106.7; p = 0.002), prolonged hospitalization (median 62 hours versus 46 hours; p = 0.035) and more expensive cost of care (median US$10,287 versus $8506; p = 0.056) than group B. No significant difference was found for the type of surgical procedure or pulmonary versus extrapulmonary nature of disease.Conclusions and clinical relevanceSevere intraoperative hypoxemia was statistically associated with an increased risk of mortality and longer postoperative hospitalization times. Although not achieving statistical significance, there was a trend toward increased costs to the client for animals with intraoperative hypoxemia.