Postoperative regurgitation and respiratory complications in brachycephalic dogs undergoing airway surgery before and after implementation of a standardized perianesthetic protocol.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether implementation of a standardized perianesthetic protocol was associated with reduced incidence of postoperative regurgitation, pneumonia, and respiratory distress in brachycephalic dogs undergoing general anesthesia for airway surgery. ANIMALS 84 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES A perianesthetic protocol that included preoperative administration of metoclopramide and famotidine, restrictive use of opioids, and recovery of patients in the intensive care unit was fully implemented for brachycephalic dogs in July 2014. Medical records of brachycephalic dogs (specifically Boston Terriers, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, and Pugs) undergoing anesthesia for airway surgery before (group A) and after (group B) protocol implementation were reviewed. Patient characteristics, administration of medications described in the protocol, surgical procedures performed, anesthesia duration, recovery location, and postoperative development of regurgitation, pneumonia, and respiratory distress were recorded. Data were compared between groups. RESULTS The proportion of dogs with postoperative regurgitation in group B (4/44 [9%]) was significantly lower than that in group A (14/40 [35%]). No intergroup differences in patient characteristics (including history of regurgitation), procedures performed, or anesthesia duration were found. Rates of development of postoperative pneumonia and respiratory distress did not differ between groups. A history of regurgitation was associated with development of postoperative regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Implementation of the described protocol was associated with decreased incidence of postoperative regurgitation in brachycephalic dogs undergoing anesthesia. Prospective studies are warranted to elucidate specific causes of this finding.