Veterinary Resuscitation Research Articles

2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Advanced Life Support. Evidence and knowledge gap analysis with treatment recommendations for small animal CPR.

To systematically review the evidence and devise clinical recommendations on advanced life support (ALS) in dogs and cats and to identify critical knowledge gaps. Standardized, systematic evaluation of literature pertinent to ALS following Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Prioritized questions were each reviewed by Evidence Evaluators, and findings were reconciled by ALS Domain Chairs and Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Co-Chairs to arrive at treatment recommendations commensurate to quality of evidence, risk:benefit relationship, and clinical feasibility. This process was implemented using an Evidence Profile Worksheet for each question that included an introduction, consensus on science, treatment recommendations, justification for these recommendations, and important knowledge gaps. A draft of these worksheets was distributed to veterinary professionals for comment for 4weeks prior to finalization. Transdisciplinary, international collaboration in university, specialty, and emergency practice. Seventeen questions pertaining to vascular access, vasopressors in shockable and nonshockable rhythms, anticholinergics, defibrillation, antiarrhythmics, and adjunct drug therapy as well as open-chest CPR were reviewed. Of the 33 treatment recommendations formulated, 6 recommendations addressed the management of patients with nonshockable arrest rhythms, 10 addressed shockable rhythms, and 6 provided guidance on open-chest CPR. We recommend against high-dose epinephrine even after prolonged CPR and suggest that atropine, when indicated, is used only once. In animals with a shockable rhythm in which initial defibrillation was unsuccessful, we recommend doubling the defibrillator dose once and suggest vasopressin (or epinephrine if vasopressin is not available), esmolol, lidocaine in dogs, and/or amiodarone in cats. These updated RECOVER ALS guidelines clarify the approach to refractory shockable rhythms and prolonged CPR. Very low quality of evidence due to absence of clinical data in dogs and cats continues to compromise the certainty with which recommendations can be made.

2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Updated treatment recommendations for CPR in dogs and cats.

After the 2012 Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) CPR Guidelines, this is an update of evidence-based consensus guidelines for Basic Life Support (BLS), advanced life support (ALS), and periarrest monitoring. These RECOVER CPR Guidelines were generated using a modified version of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system for evidence evaluation and translation of this evidence into clear and actionable clinical instructions. Prioritized clinical questions in the Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) format were used as the basis to conduct systematic literature searches by information specialists, to extract information from relevant publications, to assess this evidence for quality, and finally to translate the findings into treatment recommendations. These recommendations were reviewed by the RECOVER writing group and opened for comment by veterinary professionals for 4weeks. Transdisciplinary, international collaboration in university, specialty, and emergency practice. A total of 40 worksheets were prepared to evaluate questions across the 3 domains of BLS, ALS and Monitoring, resulting in 90 individual treatment recommendations. High-dose epinephrine is no longer recommended, and atropine, if used, is only administered once. Bag-mask ventilation is prioritized over mouth-to-nose ventilation in nonintubated animals. In addition, an algorithm for initial assessment, an updated CPR algorithm, a rhythm diagnosis tool, and an updated drug dosing table are provided. While the majority of the BLS and ALS recommendations remain unchanged, some noteworthy changes were made due to new evidence that emerged over the past 10years. Indirectness of evidence remains the largest impediment to the certainty of guidelines formulation and underscores an urgent need for more studies in the target species of dogs and cats.

2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Methods, evidence identification, evaluation, and consensus process for development of treatment recommendations.

To describe the methodology used by the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) to re-evaluate the scientific evidence relevant to CPR in small and large animals, to newborn resuscitation, and to first aid and to formulate the respective consensus-based clinical guidelines. This report describes the evidence-to-guidelines process employed by RECOVER that is based on the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach and includes Information Specialist-driven systematic literature search, evidence evaluation conducted by more than 200 veterinary professionals, and provision of clinical guidelines in the domains of Preparedness and Prevention, Basic Life Support, Advanced Life Support, Post-cardiac Arrest Care, Newborn Resuscitation, First Aid, and Large Animal CPR. Transdisciplinary, international collaboration in academia, referral practice, and general practice. For this update to the RECOVER 2012 CPR guidelines, we answered 135 Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) questions with the help of a team of Domain Chairs, Information Specialists, and more than 200 Evidence Evaluators. Most primary contributors were veterinary specialists or veterinary technician specialists. The RECOVER 2024 Guidelines represent the first veterinary application of the GRADE approach to clinical guideline development. We employed an iterative process that follows a predefined sequence of steps designed to reduce bias of Evidence Evaluators and to increase the repeatability of the quality of evidence assessments and ultimately the treatment recommendations. The process also allowed numerous important knowledge gaps to emerge that form the foundation for prioritizing research efforts in veterinary resuscitation science. Large collaborative, volunteer-based development of evidence- and consensus-based clinical guidelines is challenging and complex but feasible. The experience gained will help refine the process for future veterinary guidelines initiatives.

2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Basic Life Support. Evidence and knowledge gap analysis with treatment recommendations for small animal CPR.

To systematically review evidence and devise treatment recommendations for basic life support (BLS) in dogs and cats and to identify critical knowledge gaps. Standardized, systematic evaluation of literature pertinent to BLS following Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Prioritized questions were each reviewed by 2 Evidence Evaluators, and findings were reconciled by BLS Domain Chairs and Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Co-Chairs to arrive at treatment recommendations commensurate to quality of evidence, risk to benefit relationship, and clinical feasibility. This process was implemented using an Evidence Profile Worksheet for each question that included an introduction, consensus on science, treatment recommendations, justification for these recommendations, and important knowledge gaps. A draft of these worksheets was distributed to veterinary professionals for comment for 4weeks prior to finalization. Transdisciplinary, international collaboration in university, specialty, and emergency practice. Twenty questions regarding animal position, chest compression point and technique, ventilation strategies, as well as the duration of CPR cycles and chest compression pauses were examined, and 32 treatment recommendations were formulated. Out of these, 25 addressed chest compressions and 7 informed ventilation during CPR. The recommendations were founded predominantly on very low quality of evidence and expert opinion. These new treatment recommendations continue to emphasize the critical importance of high-quality, uninterrupted chest compressions, with a modification suggested for the chest compression technique in wide-chested dogs. When intubation is not possible, bag-mask ventilation using a tight-fitting facemask with oxygen supplementation is recommended rather than mouth-to-nose ventilation. These updated RECOVER BLS treatment recommendations emphasize continuous chest compressions, conformation-specific chest compression techniques, and ventilation for all animals. Very low quality of evidence due to absence of clinical data in dogs and cats consistently compromised the certainty of recommendations, emphasizing the need for more veterinary research in this area.

2024 RECOVER Guidelines: Monitoring. Evidence and knowledge gap analysis with treatment recommendations for small animal CPR.

To systematically review evidence on and devise treatment recommendations for patient monitoring before, during, and following CPR in dogs and cats, and to identify critical knowledge gaps. Standardized, systematic evaluation of literature pertinent to peri-CPR monitoring following Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. Prioritized questions were each reviewed by Evidence Evaluators, and findings were reconciled by Monitoring Domain Chairs and Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) Co-Chairs to arrive at treatment recommendations commensurate to quality of evidence, risk:benefit relationship, and clinical feasibility. This process was implemented using an Evidence Profile Worksheet for each question that included an introduction, consensus on science, treatment recommendations, justification for these recommendations, and important knowledge gaps. A draft of these worksheets was distributed to veterinary professionals for comment for 4weeks prior to finalization. Transdisciplinary, international collaboration in university, specialty, and emergency practice. Thirteen questions pertaining to hemodynamic, respiratory, and metabolic monitoring practices for identification of cardiopulmonary arrest, quality of CPR, and postcardiac arrest care were examined, and 24 treatment recommendations were formulated. Of these, 5 recommendations pertained to aspects of end-tidal CO2 (ETco2) measurement. The recommendations were founded predominantly on very low quality of evidence, with some based on expert opinion. The Monitoring Domain authors continue to support initiation of chest compressions without pulse palpation. We recommend multimodal monitoring of patients at risk of cardiopulmonary arrest, at risk of re-arrest, or under general anesthesia. This report highlights the utility of ETco2 monitoring to verify correct intubation, identify return of spontaneous circulation, evaluate quality of CPR, and guide basic life support measures. Treatment recommendations further suggest intra-arrest evaluation of electrolytes (ie, potassium and calcium), as these may inform outcome-relevant interventions.

Prevalence and factors associated with initial and subsequent shockable cardiac arrest rhythms and their association with patient outcomes in dogs and cats undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A RECOVER registry study.

To report the prevalence of initial shockable cardiac arrest rhythms (I-SHKR), incidence of subsequent shockable cardiac arrest rhythms (S-SHKR), and factors associated with I-SHKRs and S-SHKRs and explore their association with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rates in dogs and cats undergoing CPR. Multi-institutional prospective case series from 2016 to 2021, retrospectively analyzed. Eight university and eight private practice veterinary hospitals. A total of 457 dogs and 170 cats with recorded cardiac arrest rhythm and event outcome reported in the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation CPR registry. Logistic regression was used to evaluate association of animal, hospital, and arrest variables with I-SHKRs and S-SHKRs and with patient outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs) were generated, and significance was set at P<0.05. Of 627 animals included, 28 (4%) had I-SHKRs. Odds for I-SHKRs were significantly higher in animals with a metabolic cause of arrest (OR 7.61) and that received lidocaine (OR 17.50) or amiodarone (OR 21.22) and significantly lower in animals experiencing arrest during daytime hours (OR 0.22), in the ICU (OR 0.27), in the emergency room (OR 0.13), and out of hospital (OR 0.18) and that received epinephrine (OR 0.19). Of 599 initial nonshockable rhythms, 74 (12%) developed S-SHKRs. Odds for S-SHKRs were significantly higher in animals with higher body weight (OR 1.03), hemorrhage (OR 2.85), or intracranial cause of arrest (OR 3.73) and that received epinephrine (OR 11.36) or lidocaine (OR 18.72) and significantly decreased in those arresting in ICU (OR 0.27), emergency room (OR 0.29), and out of hospital (OR 0.38). Overall, 171 (27%) animals achieved ROSC, 81 (13%) achieved sustained ROSC, and 15 (2%) survived. Neither I-SHKRs nor S-SHKRs were significantly associated with ROSC. I-SHKRs and S-SHKRs occur infrequently in dogs and cats undergoing CPR and are not associated with increased ROSC rates.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcomes of dogs and cats at a veterinary teaching hospital before and after publication of the RECOVER guidelines.

To describe and compare cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcomes at a Swiss veterinary teaching hospital before and after publication of the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation guidelines. Between 2018 and 2020, hospital staff underwent various types of yearly Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation-based cardiopulmonary resuscitation trainings. Canine and feline cardiopulmonary resuscitation events during that period (post-Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation) and between 2010 and 2012 (pre-Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation) were identified and animal, arrest and outcome variables recorded retrospectively. Eighty-one animals were included in the pre-Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation group and 190 in the post-Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation group. Twenty-three percent in the pre-Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation group and 28% in the post-Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation group achieved return of spontaneous circulation and 1% and 4% survived to hospital discharge, respectively. Patients undergoing anaesthesia [odds ratio 4.26 (1.76 to 10.27)], elective [odds ratio 5.16 (1.06 to 25.02)] or emergent surgery [odds ratio 3.09 (1.20 to 8.00)], or experiencing cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) due to arrhythmias [odds ratio 4.31 (1.44 to 12.93)] had higher odds of return of spontaneous circulation, while those with unknown cause of CPA [odds ratio 0.25 (0.08 to 0.78)] had lower odds. Undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the post-Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation period was not statistically significantly associated with return of spontaneous circulation [odds ratio 1.38 (0.68 to 2.79)]. Unchanged odds of return of spontaneous circulation observed in this study could suggest that once-yearly cardiopulmonary resuscitation training is insufficient, effects of animal and tertiary referral hospital variables confounded results, guideline benefit is limited, or that compliance during clinical cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts is too poor for guideline recommendations to have a positive impact.

Association of point-of-care blood variables obtained from dogs and cats during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and following return of spontaneous circulation with patient outcomes.

To investigate the association of point-of-care biochemical variables obtained during CPR or within 24hours of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) with patient outcomes. Retrospective study. University teaching hospital. Ninety-four dogs and 27 cats undergoing CPR according to the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation guidelines. None. Blood gas, acid-base, electrolyte, glucose, and plasma lactate values obtained during CPR or within 24hours of ROSC were retrospectively evaluated and are described. The blood sample type and collection time with respect to CPR initiation and ROSC were recorded. Measured variables, collection times, and species were included in a multivariable logistic regression model to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval of ROSC, sustained ROSC (≥20min), and survival to hospital discharge. Significance was set at P<0.05. Seventy-two venous blood samples obtained during CPR and 45 first venous and arterial blood samples obtained after ROSC were included in logistic regression analysis. During CPR, PvO2 (1.09 [1.036-1.148], P=0.001) and venous standard base excess (SBE) (1.207 [1.094-1.331], P<0.001) were associated with ROSC. PvO2 (1.075 [1.028-1.124], P=0.002), SBE (1.171 [1.013-1.353], P=0.032), and potassium concentration (0.635 [0.426-0.946], P=0.026) were associated with sustained ROSC. Potassium concentration (0.235 [0.083-0.667], P=0.007) was associated with survival to hospital discharge. Following ROSC, pH (69.110 [4.393-1087], P=0.003), potassium concentration (0.222 [0.071-0.700], P=0.010), and chloride concentration (0.805 [0.694-0.933], P=0.004) were associated with survival to hospital discharge. Biochemical variables such as PvO2 , SBE, and potassium concentration during CPR and pH, potassium, and chloride concentration in the postarrest period may help identify dogs and cats with lower odds for ROSC or survival to hospital discharge following CPR.

Self-Reported Clinical Practice of Small Animal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Compliance With RECOVER Guidelines Among Veterinarians in Eight Western European Regions.

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to assess whether small animal veterinarians across Western Europe are compliant with the 2012 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines by the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER).MethodsA previously published online questionnaire from Switzerland was adapted and translated into 7 languages, corresponding to national languages in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The survey was distributed via respective national veterinary organizations and social media outlets. A subset of questions was analyzed to evaluate respondent demographics, RECOVER guideline awareness, and to allocate composite compliance scores for CPR preparedness, basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS). Percentages of group total (95% confidence interval) were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of region of practice, gender, age, specialty training, and guideline awareness on compliance. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were generated and significance set at P < 0.05.ResultsNine-hundred and thirty respondents were included in analysis. Awareness of and compliance with RECOVER guidelines varied widely across regions. Compliance with all assessed RECOVER guideline recommendations was highest in Germany/Austria [14% (7- 27%)] and lowest in France and Portugal [0% (0–3%)]. CPR preparedness compliance was higher in participants aware of RECOVER guidelines [OR 10.1 (5.2-19.5)], those practicing in Germany/Austria [OR 4.1 (1.9–8.8)] or UK/Ireland [OR 2.2 (1.3–3.7)], and lower in those practicing in Portugal [OR 0.2 (0.1–0.9)]. Specialty training [OR 1.8 (1.1–2.9)], guideline awareness [OR 5.2 (3.2–8.6)], and practice in Germany/Austria [OR 3.1 (1.5–6.5)], UK/Ireland [OR 2.6 (1.7–4.1)], or the Netherlands [OR 5.3 (2.0–14.2)] were associated with increased BLS compliance. ALS compliance was higher in participants with guideline awareness [OR 7.0 (2.9–17.0)], specialty training [OR 6.8 (3.8–12.1)], those practicing in Germany/Austria [OR 3.5 (1.3–9.6)], UK/Ireland [OR 4.0 (1.9–8.3)], or Spain [OR 3.2 (1.2–8.3)] and in younger survey participants [OR 0.9 (0.9–1.0)].ConclusionsAwareness and compliance with RECOVER guidelines varied widely among countries surveyed, however overall compliance scores in all countries were considered low. Further research may highlight factors surrounding poor guideline awareness and compliance so targeted efforts can be made to improve veterinary CPR in Europe.

Feline cardiopulmonary resuscitation: Getting the most out of all nine lives.

Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) can occur in any veterinary or animal care setting and is a particular risk in scenarios involving ill, injured or anesthetized patients. Education of all staff on the prevention and recognition of CPA, as well as the performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), is vital to influencing outcome. While there is a plethora of information regarding CPA and CPR in human medicine, there are comparably few studies in the veterinary literature. Many of the current veterinary guidelines are extrapolated from human medicine or studies based on animal models. Ongoing work is needed to tailor guidelines and recommendations to our domestic feline (and canine) patients in a clinical setting. The aim of this article, which is intended for veterinarians in all areas of small animal practice, is to provide an evidence-based review of CPA and CPR in feline patients. The authors have drawn heavily on detailed recommendations published by the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) initiative - one of the few resources specific to the veterinary clinical setting - as well as reviewing the available peer-reviewed literature studies, in constructing this article. Among the topics discussed are recognizing and preventing CPA, staff training and clinic preparedness, basic life support and advanced life support interventions, and appropriate post-cardiac arrest care.

REassessment Campaign On VEterinary Resuscitation: Has the time come for horses?

REassessment Campaign On VEterinary Resuscitation: Has the time come for horses?

Small animal cardiopulmonary -resuscitation (CPR) in general practice

Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is the acute cessation of systemic perfusion and ventilation. It leads to a lack of tissue oxygen delivery and, if not addressed quickly, will inevitably cause death. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the only available treatment for CPA and several opportunities exist to improve the veterinary team's resuscitation approach and optimize small animal CPR patient outcomes. In 2012, the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) initiative generated evidence-based clinical guidelines to form the basis for training and practice of CPR in dogs and cats. When employing an evidence-based, standardized approach to small animal CPR, return of spontaneous circulation can be achieved in up to 58% of patients and up to 7% of dogs and 19% of cats can be discharged from the veterinary hospital alive. Survival for dogs and cats that suffer CPA is best in patients that suffer a peri-anesthetic arrest, so high quality CPR in the anesthesia patient population is of utmost importance and expected to be the most rewarding. To ensure the best possible outcomes for any patient suffering from CPA and undergoing CPR, a comprehensive resuscitation strategy is necessary, that includes preventive and preparedness measures, basic life support (chest compressions and ventilation), advanced life support (optimization of the patient status by targeted drug therapy, cardiac rhythm monitoring, and defibrillation), and post-cardiac arrest critical care. This article summarizes the most important RECOVER CPR guidelines for the small animal practitioner.

The clinical practice of small animal CPR and compliance with RECOVER guidelines in Switzerland: an internet-based survey.

Objective: In 2012, the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) published the first evidence-based small animal CPR guidelines. Even though a RECOVER-based CPR approach has been shown to improve patient outcomes, guideline awareness and compliance is necessary to see such benefits. Our study aimed to characterize Swiss small animal veterinary CPR practices and assess their compliance with RECOVER guidelines. Methods: A nationwide, internet-based survey was conducted, and invitations distributed via Swiss veterinary society mailing lists. Questions covered respondents' demographics, CPR preparedness, Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS) techniques, and awareness of RECOVER guidelines. Percentages of group total (95% confidence interval) were calculated. Results: One-hundred and fifty respondents were grouped by level of expertise into board-certified specialists (BCS, n = 19), veterinarians with additional post-graduate training (PGT, n = 27), and general practitioners with (GPE, n = 30), and without emergency duties (GPG, n = 74). Of BCS respondents, 58% (36-77%) were familiar with the RECOVER guidelines, compared to 8% (4-17%) of GPG. Large disparities in preparedness, BLS, and ALS techniques emerged among the levels of expertise. Incompliance with preparedness measures varied from 89% (69-98%) in BCS to 100% (95-100%) in GPG and was predominantly due to failure to attend regular CPR training. BLS compliance ranged from 26% (12-49%) in BCS to 5% (2-13%) in GPG, and incompliance was mostly characterized by targeting lower than recommended chest compression rates. ALS compliance varied from 21% (9-43%) in BCS to 0% (0-5%) in GPG and was compromised by limitations in the resuscitation environment such as lacking access to a defibrillator, monitoring equipment, and rescue drugs. Conclusion: Awareness of RECOVER guidelines in Switzerland is acceptable in specialists, but inadequate among general practitioners and CPR practices are largely not in agreement with RECOVER guidelines. An educational strategy is needed to improve Swiss small animal CPR knowledge and performance.

Differences in the clinical practice of small animal CPR before and after the release of the RECOVER guidelines: Results from two electronic surveys (2008 and 2017) in the United States and Canada.

To assess whether the clinical approach to CPR has changed following the publication of the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) guidelines in 2012. Internet-based survey. Academia and referral practice. Four hundred and ninety-one small animal veterinarians in clinical practice in the United States and Canada. An internet-based survey assessing the clinical approach to small animal CPR was circulated with the assistance of veterinary professional organizations on 2 separate occasions: prior to (2008) and following (2017) publication of the 2012 (RECOVER) guidelines. Survey questions identical to both surveys solicited details of clinician approaches to CPR preparedness, basic life support (BLS), and advanced life support (ALS). Respondents were grouped into level of expertise (board-certified specialists [BCS, n=202] and general practitioners in emergency clinics [GPE, n=289]), and year of response to the survey (2008, n=171; 2017, n=320). Compliance with the RECOVER guidelines pertaining to CPR preparedness (P<0.01), BLS (P<0.01), and ALS P<0.01) was consistently higher in respondents to the 2017 survey compared to those of the 2008 survey. Being a BCS was associated with significantly higher compliance with the RECOVER recommendations than GPE in the domains of preparedness (P=0.02), BLS (P<0.01), and ALS (P<0.01). Increases in age of the respondent had a negative effect on compliance with the BLS guidelines (P<0.01), while gender had no effect. Compared to 2008, current practices in small animal CPR in the North American emergency and critical care community shifted toward those recommended in the RECOVER guidelines across all CPR domains. This supports the notion that uptake of the RECOVER guidelines among veterinary emergency or critical care clinicians was sufficient to lead to a change in the practice of CPR.

Prospective Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performed in Dogs and Cats According to the RECOVER Guidelines. Part 2: Patient Outcomes and CPR Practice Since Guideline Implementation.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outcomes have not been prospectively described since implementation of the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) guidelines. This study aimed to prospectively describe CPR outcomes and document arrest variables in dogs and cats at a U.S. veterinary teaching hospital since implementation of the RECOVER guidelines using the 2016 veterinary Utstein-style CPR reporting guidelines. One-hundred and seventy-two dogs and 47 cats that experienced cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) underwent CPR following implementation of the RECOVER guidelines and were prospectively included. Supervising clinicians completed a data form for CPR events immediately following completion of CPR from December 2013 to June 2018. Seventy-five (44%) dogs and 26 (55%) cats attained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 45 dogs (26%) and 16 cats (34%) had ROSC ≥ 20 min, 13 dogs (8%) and 10 cats (21%) were alive 24 h after CPR, and 12 dogs (7%) and 9 cats (19%) survived to hospital discharge. The most common cause of death in animals with ROSC ≥ 20 min was euthanasia. Patient outcomes were not significantly different since publication of the RECOVER guidelines except for a higher feline survival to hospital discharge rate. Dogs (p = 0.02) but not cats with initial shockable rhythms had increased rates of ROSC while the development of a shockable rhythm during CPR efforts was not associated with ROSC (p = 0.30). In closed chest CPR an end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) value of >16.5 mmHg was associated with a 75% sensitivity and 64% specificity for achieving ROSC. Since publication of the RECOVER guidelines, CPR practice did not clinically significantly change at our institution and no improvement of already high ROSC rates was noted. The percentage of cats surviving to hospital discharge was higher than previously reported and the reason for this improvement is not evident with these results. Euthanasia remains a major confounding factor in assessing intermediate and long-term CPR outcomes in dogs and cats.

Prospective Evaluation of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Performed in Dogs and Cats According to the RECOVER Guidelines. Part 1: Prognostic Factors According to Utstein-Style Reporting.

Factors associated with positive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outcomes defined according to the veterinary Utstein-style CPR reporting guidelines have not been described since implementation of the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) CPR clinical guidelines in 2012. The aims of this study were to assess factors associated with positive CPR outcomes at a U.S. veterinary teaching hospital, to re-evaluate these factors since implementation of the RECOVER guidelines compared to reported factors prior to their publication, and to identify potential additional factors since guideline publication. One-hundred and seventy-two dogs and 47 cats that experienced cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) and had CPR performed were prospectively included in this observational study. Supervising clinicians were asked to complete a data form on CPR events immediately following completion of CPR efforts. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of twenty hospital, animal, and arrest variables on the three patient outcomes “any return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC),” “sustained ROSC,” and survival to hospital discharge. Cats had significantly higher odds to achieve any ROSC [OR (95%CI) 2.72 (1.12–6.61), p = 0.028] and survive to hospital discharge than dogs [OR (95%CI) 4.87 (1.52–15.58), p = 0.008]. Patients had significantly lower odds of achieving any ROSC if CPA occurred during nighttime hours [OR (95%CI) nighttime = 0.52 (0.27–0.98), p = 0.043], and higher odds if CPA was witnessed [OR (95%CI) 3.45 (1.57–7.55), p = 0.002], if less people were involved in CPR efforts [OR (95%CI) 0.8 (0.66–0.96), p = 0.016], if pulses were palpable during CPR [OR (95%CI) 9.27 (4.16–20.63), p < 0.0005], and if an IV catheter was already in place at the time of CPA [OR (95%CI) 5.07 (2.12–12.07), p = 0.0003]. Odds for survival to hospital discharge were significantly higher if less people were involved in CPR efforts [OR (95%CI) 0.65 (0.46–0.91), p = 0.013] and for patients of the anesthesia service [OR (95%CI) 14.82 (3.91–56.17), p = 0.00007]. Overall, factors associated with improved CPR outcomes have remained similar since incorporation of RECOVER guidelines into daily practice. Witnessed CPA events and high-quality CPR interventions were associated with positive patient outcomes, emphasizing the importance of timely recognition and initiation of CPR efforts. An optimal CPR team size has yet to be determined.

Confecção de modelo de baixo custo para treinamento de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar em cão

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be started promptly in a situation of cardiorespiratory arrest (CRP). The Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) proposes clinical recommendations for the application of the procedure in dogs and cats and also recognizes the need for cognitive and psychomotor skills to perform the entire protocol in an agile and efficient manner. In this way, an ideal training should cover didactic components and practice of manual skills, with the use of discriminated models and simulators. The use of alternative methods with synthetic models is supported by the increase in concerns about animal welfare, a demand that is presented by Veterinary Medicine scholars and residents of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR). In addition to the high cost of commercially available models, the objective of this work is to present a low-cost model for training CPR in dogs. After acquisition of a plush dog, a representative structure of the internal part of the chest was elaborated with a plastic packaging of powdered chocolate filled with silicon fiber. Then, the larynx cartilages were produced in silicone rubber of medium flexibility, adhered to a corrugated trachea. The molds of the hard palate and upper and lower dental arches were made of resin, painted with acrylic paint and fixed to a modified dental articulator. For the oral mucosa and tongue it was made low viscosity silicone elastomer structures. The model allowed to perform the procedures of thoracic compression and endotracheal intubation, steps included in the CPR. The model was tested by Veterinary Medicine professionals with experience in CPR, and a good result was reported. The presented CPR model allowed the simulation of the basic support to life and, being of low cost, can be made by other educational institutions with this same purpose.

The Compliance of Current Small Animal CPR Practice With RECOVER Guidelines: An Internet-Based Survey.

In 2012 the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER) published evidence-based treatment recommendations for dogs and cats with cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA), to optimize the clinical practice of small animal CPR and positively impact outcomes. Six years after the release of these guidelines, we aimed to determine the compliance of small animal veterinary CPR practices with these RECOVER guidelines. To identify current CPR practices in clinically active small animal veterinarians and their awareness of the RECOVER guidelines, we conducted an internet-based survey. Survey invitations were disseminated internationally via veterinary professional organizations and their social media outlets. Questions explored respondent demographics, CPR preparedness, BLS and ALS techniques and awareness of RECOVER guidelines. Responding small animal veterinarians (n = 770) in clinical practice were grouped by level of expertise: board-certified specialists (BCS, n = 216) and residents (RES, n = 69) in anesthesia or emergency and critical care, practitioners in emergency (GPE, n = 299) or general practice (GPG, n = 186). Large disparities in preparedness measures, BLS and ALS techniques emerged among levels of expertise. Only 32% (95% CI: 29–36%) of respondents complied with BLS practice guidelines, varying from 49% (95% CI: 42–55%) of BCS to 15% (95% CI: 10–20%) of GPG. While incompliances in BCS, RES, and GPE were predominantly due to knowledge gaps, GPG compliance was further compromised by limitations in the resuscitation environment (e.g., defibrillator availability, team size). Those aware of RECOVER guidelines (100% of BCS and RES; 77% of GPE; 35% of GPG) were more likely to comply with recommended preparedness (OR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.2–4.8), BLS (OR = 4.5; 95% CI: 2.4–9.1), and ALS techniques (OR = 7.8; 95% CI: 2.4–9.1) independent of age, gender, region of practice or level of expertise. We conclude that awareness of RECOVER guidelines is high in specialists and residents, but incomplete among general practitioners. This awareness positively influenced compliance with CPR guidelines, but CPR practices continue to be variable and largely not in agreement with guidelines. A widely accessible educational strategy is required to broadly improve compliance with best practices in small animal CPR.

Preparing and training for CPR in small animal practice

With an increasing number of sick cats and dogs being presented to veterinary practices, witnessing cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is not uncommon. Veterinary practitioners and their support staff should be ready...

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in small animals

Cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) is rapidly followed by death unless it is immediately recognised and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) promptly implemented. Even so, the chances of achieving a favourable outcome are fairly...