Retrospective evaluation of transportation and outcome of dogs on a mechanical ventilator: 9 cases.

Abstract

To describe the transportation and clinical outcome of 9 dogs transported to a referral hospital on mechanical ventilation (MV). Retrospective case series (2015-2020). University teaching hospital. Nine dogs transported to a referral center on MV. All dogs underwent MV during vehicular transport. The medical records of 9 dogs transported on a MV to a university teaching hospital were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, reason for MV, ventilator settings, sedation protocol, monitoring in transit, distance traveled, complications, clinical outcome, and cost. All dogs transported survived transport to the referral hospital and 8 of 9 were successfully weaned from the ventilator and discharged home. MV during transport in this setting was practical and safe. Dogs in this study had a high survival rate compared to previous studies of dogs undergoing MV, likely due to selection of cases assessed to have a correctable underlying disease.