Publication rate and evidence-based evaluation of abstracts presented at the veterinary endoscopy society annual meeting (2004-2019).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the rate of full-length publication for the 2004-2019 Veterinary Endoscopy Society (VES) annual meeting abstracts and to identify abstract and author characteristics as predictors of publication. STUDY DESIGN: Observational bibliographical study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Three hundred and eighty-nine abstracts. METHODS: Abstracts from 2004-2019 Veterinary Endoscopy Society (VES) proceedings and matching full-length publications retrieved from bibliographic databases were systematically reviewed. Variables assessed included species, specimen type (cadaver, live animal, etc.), subdiscipline (orthopedics, internal medicine, etc.), institution, country of origin, study design, level of evidence (LoE), time to publication, number of authors, their credentials, and gender. Logistic regression, Fisher's exact tests and t-tests were used to assess the bivariate relationship between publication and characteristics of the authors and publications. RESULTS: The overall publication rate for presented abstracts published as full-length articles in peer-reviewed journals was 26%. Median time from abstract presentation to full-length article publication was 430 days. Factors associated with full-length article publication were identified: affiliated institution (P = .01), species studied (P = .04), subdiscipline focus (P = .01), level of evidence (P = .01), number of authors (P = .01), and first author's gender (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Veterinary Endoscopy Society abstracts were commonly categorized into a lower LoE. Abstracts from academic institutions regarding canine patients and soft tissue surgery topics were more likely to be published. Abstracts citing female first authors or with more than 1 author had higher odds of publication. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Data reported provide authors with predictors for publication and identify topics for research opportunities. Veterinary specialty societies may utilize this information when evaluating abstracts.

The use of dexmedetomidine during pulmonic balloon valvuloplasty in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Information regarding the anaesthetic management for pulmonic balloon valvuloplasty (PBV) in dogs is scarce. We present data from dogs receiving dexmedetomidine combined with inhalational anaesthesia during PBV. METHODS: Anaesthetic records from dogs receiving dexmedetomidine (n = 11) and a control group (n = 29) anaesthetised for PBV between 2012 and 2020 were analysed. Intraoperative variables potentially affected by dexmedetomidine administration were compared between groups. RESULTS: Demographic characteristic and anaesthetic agents administered were similar between groups. The incidence of hypotension (mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 60 mm Hg) was 25% for dexmedetomidine and 29% for control (p = 0.8); however, dexmedetomidine group received vasopressors for a shorter time (p = 0.02). The incidence of bradycardia was 100% and 96% for dexmedetomidine and control (p = 0.5), but antimuscarinic agents were administered more frequently to the latter (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine may be a useful adjuvant to general anaesthesia during PBV in dogs and reduced the use of vasopressors and antimuscarinics.

Retrospective study on the use of lumbosacral epidural analgesia during caesarean section surgery in 182 dogs: Impact on blood pressure, analgesic use and delays.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the use of lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia (LEA) in dogs undergoing caesarean section over 10 years. METHODS: Anaesthetic records were reviewed and divided into two treatment groups: LEA and control. Outcome variables identified a priori as potentially affected by LEA were compared between groups. Results are frequency or median (minimum-maximum). RESULTS: Ninety-five dogs received LEA and 87 did not. LEA consisted of 0.2 (0.1-0.3) ml/kg containing bupivacaine (n = 63), ropivacaine (n = 15), or lidocaine (n = 12) at concentrations ranging between 0.06% and 2%. Morphine, fentanyl, or buprenorphine were used as part of LEA. Groups were similar for demographic variables (all p > 0.06). Intravenous opioids were used more often in control than in LEA (p < 0.0005). Incidence of hypotension (MAP < 60 mm Hg) was LEA 68% and control 56% (p = 0.12). Duration of hypotension was longer in LEA (p = 0.03). Use of crystalloids and vasoactive drugs did not differ (all p > 0.1). Time from induction to operating room was 30 (8-75) min for control and 35 (18-65) min for LEA (p = 0.003). DISCUSSION: LEA during caesarean section in dogs was associated with lower rates of opioid administration and did not exacerbate the incidence of hypotension.