Disease of interest
Any patient undergoing a general anaesthetic
Background
A small proportion of dogs will experience transient nausea, inappetance, regurgitation or vomiting for a day or two after an anaesthetic. A number of risk factors have been identified previously, but some of these factors are an essential component of the anaesthesia procedure, and cannot be easily eliminated.
At AURA, we have previously performed two large audits of our rates of post-operative regurgitation. Typically, our rates are between 5-7%. Typically, the clinical signs resolve quickly in response to medication. However, development of these signs can prolong a patients stay in hospital and can make them feel a bit miserable for a few days.
Over the years, our anaesthesia team have introduced various protocols to try and reduce the incidence or severity of this post-anaesthestic complication. This current audit will allow us to establish whether these strategies have been effective.
Purpose of the study
To determine the incidence of post-anaesthestic regurgitation, nausea and inappetance in dogs.
Eligibility criteria
All dogs undergoing a general anaesthetic at AURA during the study period.
Study Protocol
- Your dog’s treatment will not be any different to normal. There are no additional blood tests or examinations performed as part of this audit. It is already standard practice at AURA for any patient who is experiencing post-operative nausea or regurgitation to be supported with appropriate medications, and this will continue.
- Clinical data, including a review of the anaesthetic record and hospital chart, will be performed for the 24hrs after an anaesthetic.
- Any regurgitation event, or if there is an impression that the dog is nauseous or inappetent, will be recorded.
How will my participation affect my dogs treatment?
- There will be no changes to your pet’s treatment due to participation in this study.
- The results of the study will not be released in time to benefit your pet, but may benefit other pets in the future.
Owners responsibilties
None
Financial support
- None required.