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-Tile dogs were anesthetized with intravenous pentobarbital. An LMA
was introduced after the induction of anesthesia and 1 L/min O-2 plus 1 L/m
in air was delivered using a circle anesthetic system. Respiratory rate, ti
dal volume, arterial O-2 saturation (pulse oximetry), end tidal CO2, inspir
ed fraction of O-2, pulse rate, and mean arterial blood pressure were measu
red after Uhe insertion of the LMA and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes afterwar
ds.
Results-There were no changes in respiratory rate, tidal volume, arterial O
-2 saturation, and pulse rate during anesthesia. End tid al CO, decreased s
ignificantly by the end of anesthesia and ventilation appeared satisfactory
.
Conclusions-An LMA appeared to be an alternative option to maintain the pat
ency of the airway in dogs. Clinical Relevance-This device may allow safe m
aintenance of an airway in dogs when intubation is difficult or when it int
erferes with the procedure (eg, cervical myelography). (C) Copyright 1999 b
y The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.