Retrospective analysis of causes and outcome of dogs with hypoxaemia based on SpOor PaOmeasurements at the time of presentation to a referral hospital: 105 cases.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reported causes and outcome of hypoxaemia vary greatly. Brachycephalic dogs have anatomic abnormalities that result in oxygenation changes. METHODS: Dogs diagnosed with hypoxaemia based on SpOor PaOmeasurements between January 2014 and December 2021 were retrospectively recruited. One hundred and five dogs met the inclusion criteria. Signalment, clinical signs, treatments before referral, diagnostic tests, final diagnoses, treatment and outcome were recorded. Outcomes were documented according to survival to discharge and during the study period. Descriptive analytics were performed. RESULTS: Aspiration pneumonia was the most common cause of hypoxaemia (n = 33). Administration of antibiotics or glucocorticoids in dogs diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia before referral did not improve outcome (Fisher's, p = 0.3 and 0.48, respectively). There was no statistical difference between a lower SpOor PaOat presentation and survival (p = 0.069). Brachycephalic breeds had higher survival rates (79.2% vs. 40.0%, Fisher's, p < 0.001) regardless of their final diagnosis. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include low sample size, retrospective case study and selection bias. CONCLUSION: Lower SpOand PaOvalues at presentation are not a negative prognostic indicator. Provision of antibiosis prior to referral of a hypoxaemic patient did not provide a survival or improved outcome advantage. Brachycephalic breeds do not have a worse prognosis.