Prospective pilot study for evaluation of high-flow oxygen therapy in dyspnoeic dogs: the HOT-DOG study

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the use, effectiveness and tolerance of high-flow oxygen therapy in dyspnoeic dogs.

Materials and methods: Prospectively, dogs in acute respiratory distress admitted to an intensive care unit between January and May 2018 that failed to respond to nasal oxygen therapy and medical stabilisation after 30 minutes were transitioned to high-flow oxygen therapy. High-flow oxygen therapy, delivered an inspired oxygen fraction of 100% using an air/oxygen blender, active humidifier, single warmed tube and specific nasal cannula. Respiratory rate, pulse oximetry (SpO₂ ), heart rate and a tolerance score were assessed every 15 minutes from T₀ (under nasal oxygen) to 1 hour (T₆₀ ), and PaO₂ and PaCO₂ at T₀ and T₆₀ . Complications were recorded for each dog.

Results: Eleven dogs were included. At T₆₀ , PaO₂ , flow rate and SpO₂ were significantly greater than at T₀ (171 ± 123 versus 73 ± 24 mmHg; P=0.015; 18 ±12 L/minute versus 3.2 ± 2.0 L/minute, P<0.01; 97.7 ±2.3% versus 91.6 ±7.2%, P=0.03, respectively). There was no significant difference in PaCO₂ , respiratory rate or heart rate between T₀ and T₆₀ . Tolerance was excellent, and there were no complications.

Clinical significance: High-flow oxygen therapy improves markers of oxygenation in dyspnoeic dogs and is an effective means to deliver oxygen with comfort and minimal complications.