A Survey on the Use of Spirometry in Small Animal Anaesthesia and Critical Care

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Spirometry can be used to monitor airway pressures, flows, and volumes. Its relevance in small animal anaesthesia is documented. The way the Veterinary Anaesthesia and Intensive Care communities use spirometry was not found in the literature. The objective was to document the use of spirometry and ventilation settings in small animal anaesthesia and intensive care through a descriptive, open, online, anonymous survey. The survey was advertised on social media and via email. Participation was voluntary. The google forms platform was used. It consisted of eight sections in English. Simple, descriptive analyses were applied. There were 128 respondents. Respondents used spirometry more when dogs were mechanically ventilated as opposed to spontaneously breathing. Over 3/4 of the respondents considered spirometry essential in “selected” (43%) or “most” cases (33%). Multiple devices and technologies were used. The majority of the respondents were not directly involved in or informed about the calibration of their equipment. More information on variables monitored and technical background on spirometers is required. ABSTRACT: The objective was to document the use of spirometry and ventilation settings in small animal anaesthesia and intensive care through a descriptive, open, online, anonymous survey. The survey was advertised on social media and via email. Participation was voluntary. The google forms platform was used. It consisted of eight sections in English: demographic information, use of spirometry in spontaneously ventilating/mechanically ventilated dogs, need for spirometry, equipment available and calibration status, ventilation modes, spirometry displays, compliance (C(RS)) and resistance (R(RS)) of the respiratory system. Simple descriptive analyses were applied. There were 128 respondents. Respondents used spirometry more in ventilated dogs than during spontaneous breathing. Over 3/4 of the respondents considered spirometry essential in “selected” (43%) or “most” cases (33%). Multiple devices and technologies were used. The majority of the respondents were not directly involved in or informed about the calibration of their equipment. Of all displays, pressure-volume loops were the most common. Values of C(RS) and R(RS) were specifically monitored in more than 50% of cases by 44% of the respondents only. A variety of ventilation modes was used. Intensivists tend to use smaller VT than anaesthetists. More information on reference intervals of C(RS) and R(RS) and technical background on spirometers is required