Unveiling the impact of perioperative inadvertent hypothermia in spay/neuter procedures

Perioperative inadvertent hypothermia (PIH) is a crucial concern in veterinary surgery, as it can have significant implications for anesthesia recovery times and postoperative comfort in animals. The focus of this study was to delve into the incidence of PIH within high-quality high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) settings and explore any potential connections between PIH occurrence and environmental temperature. Additionally, the researchers aimed to evaluate how PIH impacted anesthesia recovery times and postoperative pain levels in both dogs and cats undergoing spay/neuter procedures.

The research was conducted as a prospective observational cohort study, taking place at five HQHVSN shelters. A total of 140 dogs (comprising 65 castrations and 75 ovariohysterectomies) and 161 cats undergoing ovariohysterectomy were enrolled in the study.

Results:

The study findings revealed that 22% of animals undergoing spay/neuter procedures experienced PIH, defined as a rectal temperature below 36°C (96.8°F). Notably, the risk of developing PIH exhibited a significant correlation with environmental temperature. For each degree centigrade decrease in temperature, the odds of experiencing PIH increased by 22%. This association held true across a recorded temperature range of 15.6–26.1°C (60.1–79.0°F).

Furthermore, in cats, PIH was found to be connected with a 3.8-minute prolongation in the time required for extubation. Additionally, for both cats and dogs, each degree centigrade reduction in rectal temperature at extubation was linked to an increase in pain scale readings. Notably, dogs also displayed heightened sensitivity to pain with each degree centigrade reduction in rectal temperature.

Learning points

The study's results emphasized the prevalence of PIH in the spay/neuter population, even within high-quality high-volume settings with efficient surgical procedures. The occurrence of PIH was associated with lengthened anesthesia recovery times in cats and increased postoperative pain in both cats and dogs. To address this issue, the research suggests the importance of maintaining a warmer environmental temperature in operative and recovery areas. By implementing such measures, veterinary practitioners can potentially reduce the incidence of PIH and enhance the overall well-being of animals undergoing spay/neuter procedures.

Read the full article here: https://jsmcah.org/index.php/jasv/article/view/27