Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Endotracheal tube ties can affect neck spinal pressure in small dogs
By Kim, Y J et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2020·College of Veterinary Medicine, United States·View original on PubMed →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Atlantoaxial bands in small breed dogs: influence of external pressure by the endotracheal tube tie.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of small breed dogs under 15 kg showed signs of neck problems, specifically dorsal cervical spinal compression, which can affect their spinal cord. Researchers found that when an endotracheal tube (used for anesthesia) was tied tightly, it increased the amount of compression in the neck area. This was particularly noticeable in dogs that also had cerebellar compression, which can affect balance and coordination. The study highlights the importance of careful placement of the endotracheal tube tie to avoid misinterpretation of MRI results in these dogs.
People also search for: small dog neck problems · endotracheal tube effects on dogs · cervical spinal compression in dogs
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of dorsal cervical spinal compression in a population of dogs susceptible to caudal occipital dysplasia. To determine whether endotracheal tube ties iatrogenically alter the dorsal compression ratio in the atlantoaxial region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective, randomised, controlled, cross-over, blinded cohort study of dogs weighing <15 kg and presenting for neurologic signs localised to the cervical region. In mid-sagittal T2-weighted MR images, dorsal cervical compression and cerebellar compression were evaluated. Dorsal cervical compression ratios were calculated and compared to determine the effect of the endotracheal tube tie on the atlantoaxial region depending on whether dogs were in extended or flexed neck position. RESULTS: Prevalence of dorsal cervical spinal compression consistent with an atlantoaxial band was 32/44 (73%) dogs without tie pressure and 37/44 (84%) dogs with tie pressure. Significantly higher compression ratios were found with tie placement over the craniocervical region. Dorsal compression ratios of dogs with cerebellar compression were significantly greater than those without it. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The location of the endotracheal tube tie can influence interpretation of MR images of the craniocervical region of small breed dogs. These breeds more often had greater dorsal cervical spinal compression with tie pressure, especially when they had cerebellar compression.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31960442/