Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How low body temperature affects dog recovery after anesthesia
By Pottie, R G et al.·Published in Australian veterinary journal·2007·University Veterinary Centre, Australia·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Effect of hypothermia on recovery from general anaesthesia in the dog.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of healthy adult dogs undergoing desexing surgery were studied to see how body temperature affected their recovery from anesthesia. It was found that dogs with lower body temperatures took longer to wake up after the procedure. Additionally, dogs that were given premedication before anesthesia also had slower recovery times. Keeping dogs warm during surgery is important to help them recover more quickly.
People also search for: dog anesthesia recovery time · why is my dog slow to wake up after surgery · effects of hypothermia in dogs during surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To discern the effects of anaesthesia protocols and decreasing core body temperature on time to recovery from general anaesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy adult dogs undergoing desexing surgery were enrolled. More excitable dogs were premedicated with intramuscular acepromazine and morphine; calmer dogs were not premedicated. Anaesthesia was induced using halothane, isoflurane or sevoflurane delivered by mask, or by intravenous propofol, and maintained in standard fashion using one of the three inhalant agents. Thermostat controlled heat mats were used during surgical preparation and surgery. Oesophageal temperature was recorded throughout surgery. The time from cessation of anaesthetic administration until the dog successfully raised itself to sternal recumbency was considered the time of recovery. RESULTS: Sixty-nine dogs completed the study, 42 males anaesthetised for 60.4 +/- 20.5 min, and 27 females anaesthetised for 85.4 +/- 33.2 min. Oesophageal temperature at the end of surgery was 36.8 +/- 0.80 degrees C. Oesophageal temperature had a significant effect on recovery time, with lower temperatures contributing to slower recoveries. Premedication significantly lengthened recovery times. The choice of induction or maintenance anaesthetic agent had no effect on recovery time. DISCUSSION: Hypothermia is a common complication of general anaesthesia and surgery. Amongst other deleterious effects, it is associated with slower recovery from anaesthesia, likely due to a number of different mechanisms.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17397389/