Incidence and risk factors for intra-anesthetic hyperglycemia in 400 nondiabetic dogs: a retrospective cohort study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of intra-anesthetic hyperglycemia and identify associated risk factors in nondiabetic dogs undergoing general anesthesia. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center cohort study. ANIMALS: A total of 400 client-owned, nondiabetic dogs anesthetized for surgical or diagnostic procedures between May and December 2024. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed to collect data on patient characteristics, anesthetic management and intra-anesthetic blood glucose concentrations measured via arterial blood gas analysis. Hyperglycemia was defined as blood glucose > 180 mg dL(10 mmol L) and severe hyperglycemia as > 300 mg dL(16.7 mmol L). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent associated factors of hyperglycemia. RESULTS: Intra-anesthetic hyperglycemia occurred in 14.8% (59/400) of dogs, and severe hyperglycemia was observed in 4.3% (17/400). Multivariable logistic regression identified the following independent risk factors for hyperglycemia: preanesthetic fasting glucose &#x2265; 100 mg dL(5.6 mmol L) [odds ratio (OR) 4.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.98-9.79, p < 0.001], American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA status) &#x2265; 3 (OR 2.78, 95% CI: 1.18-6.54, p = 0.019), medetomidine use (OR 4.62, 95% CI: 1.03-20.75, p = 0.046), undergoing surgery (OR 3.09, 95% CI: 1.21-7.85, p = 0.018), intra-anesthetic hypothermia < 36 &#xb0;C (OR 3.09, 95% CI: 1.29-7.38, p = 0.011), dopamine (OR 22.75, 95% CI: 9.36-55.33, p < 0.001) and norepinephrine use (OR 4.63, 95% CI: 1.76-12.20, p = 0.002), with dopamine showing the strongest association. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Intra-anesthetic hyperglycemia occurred in nondiabetic dogs, with specific risk factors identified: elevated preanesthetic fasting glucose, ASA status &#x2265; 3, medetomidine use, surgery, intra-anesthetic hypothermia, dopamine and norepinephrine use. Patients with these risk factors may be predisposed to hyperglycemia, highlighting the importance of intra-anesthetic glucose monitoring.