Comparison of single-breath continuous positive airway pressure manoeuvre with inhaled salbutamol to improve oxygenation in horses anaesthetized for laparotomy

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of single-breath continuous positive airway pressure manoeuvre (CPAP-M) with inhaled salbutamol, and a combination of both.Study designRandomized, clinical study.AnimalsA total of 62 client-owned horses (American Society of Anesthesiologists status III–V) anaesthetized for laparotomy.MethodsHorses were premedicated with intravenous (IV) xylazine (0.4–0.6 mg kg^–1), anaesthesia was induced with midazolam (0.06 mg kg^–1 IV) and ketamine (2.2 mg kg^–1 IV) and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen using volume-controlled ventilation without positive end-expiratory pressure. If PaO₂ was < 100 mmHg (13.3 kPa), either a CPAP-M (50 cmH₂O for 45 seconds) or salbutamol (0.002 mg kg^–1) was administered. The intervention was considered successful if PaO₂ reached 100 mmHg (13.3 kPa). If PaO₂ remained < 100 mmHg (13.3 kPa), treatments were switched. PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio and estimated shunt fraction (F-shunt) were derived from data obtained from arterial blood gas measurements. Dynamic compliance (C_dyn) was calculated from variables recorded at the moment of arterial blood analysis. Fisher’s exact tests compared success rates between treatments, and linear models were performed to test whether the treatment modified the values of the measurements; p < 0.05.ResultsSalbutamol was the first intervention in 28 horses and was effective in 22 horses. CPAP-M was the first intervention in 34 horses and was effective in 26 horses. CPAP-M after salbutamol was performed in six horses, with four responders, and salbutamol after CPAP-M was administered to eight horses, with one responder. Salbutamol, but not CPAP-M, significantly decreased F-shunt. Both salbutamol and CPAP-M significantly increased C_dyn.Conclusions and clinical relevanceSalbutamol and CPAP-M were comparably effective in improving oxygenation and C_dyn in anaesthetized horses with PaO₂ < 100 mmHg (13.3 kPa). Whether combining both treatments might be beneficial needs to be confirmed on a larger number of horses.