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-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.