Investigation into the use of the laryngeal mask airway in pentobarbital anesthetized dogs.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the use of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in dogs.

STUDY

DESIGN

Prospective experimental study.

ANIMALS: Eight healthy adult mixed breed dogs weighing from 15 to 20 kg.

METHODS

The dogs were anesthetized with intravenous pentobarbital. An LMA was introduced after the induction of anesthesia and 1 L/min O2 plus 1 L/min air was delivered using a circle anesthetic system. Respiratory rate, tidal volume, arterial O2 saturation (pulse oximetry), end tidal CO2, inspired fraction of O2, pulse rate, and mean arterial blood pressure were measured after the insertion of the LMA and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes afterwards.

RESULTS

There were no changes in respiratory rate, tidal volume, arterial O2 saturation, and pulse rate during anesthesia. End tidal CO2 decreased significantly by the end of anesthesia and ventilation appeared satisfactory.

CONCLUSIONS

An LMA appeared to be an alternative option to maintain the patency of the airway in dogs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This device may allow safe maintenance of an airway in dogs when intubation is difficult or when it interferes with the procedure (eg, cervical myelography).