Outcomes of mechanical ventilation in 302 dogs and cats in Australia (2005-2013).

Aim: To determine the indications for, duration of, complications, duration of hospitalisation and outcomes in patients treated with positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) in Australia. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 302 patients (262 dogs and 40 cats) treated with PPV were reviewed for the indication for ventilation, duration of PPV, complications, duration of hospitalisation and outcome. Patients were assigned into one of four groups based on the indication for ventilation. Results: The present study showed higher survival rates for patients treated with PPV than previously reported. Patients ventilated for hypoventilation and unsustainable respiratory effort had the highest survival rates. Snake envenomation and tick paralysis were the most common underlying diseases in patients treated with PPV and had good survival rates. Conclusion: The indication for ventilation is associated with outcome. PPV should be instigated early when unsustainable respiratory effort is evident to give patients the best chance of survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]