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/min air was delivered using a circle anesthetic system. Respiratory rate, tidal volume, arterial O-2 saturation (pulse oximetry), end tidal CO2, inspired fraction of O-2, pulse rate, and mean arterial blood pressure were measured after Uhe insertion of the LMA and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes afterwards. Results-There were no changes in respiratory rate, tidal volume, arterial O-2 saturation, and pulse rate during anesthesia. End tid al CO, 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). (C) Copyright 1999 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.