A comparison of anesthetic complications between diabetic and nondiabetic dogs undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery: a retrospective study

Keywords:

anesthetic complications; cataract; diabetes mellitus; hypotension; phacoemulsification 

ABSTRACT

Objective  To compare the incidence of anesthetic complications in diabetic and nondiabetic dogs undergoing general anesthesia and phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Procedure  The medical and anesthetic records of all dogs undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery at Davies Veterinary Specialists between 2005 and 2008 were reviewed. Anesthetic records were evaluated by an ECVAA Diplomate. Dogs for which records were incomplete were excluded. The anesthetic technique, including all drugs administered in the perioperative period, was recorded. The anesthetic complications investigated included hypotension (MAP (mmHg): ≥55 none/mild; ≤54 moderate/severe), bradycardia (<60 bpm associated with hypotension) and hypothermia (esophageal temperature <36.7 °C). Where hypotension was present, the method of and response to treatment was recorded. The incidence of severe hyperglycemia (blood glucose >13.75 mmol/L (250 mg/dL)) in the diabetic group was also assessed.

Results  66 diabetic and 64 nondiabetic dogs were included in the study. Diabetic dogs were more likely to develop moderate and severe intraoperative hypotension than nondiabetic dogs. Forty-four percent of diabetic dogs had at least one episode of severe hyperglycemia whilst anesthetized.

Conclusions  Diabetic dogs undergoing phacoemulsification are more likely to suffer the anesthetic complications of moderate and severe hypotension than nondiabetic dogs. The increased incidence and severity of hypotension in diabetic dogs may be explained by hypovolemia secondary to hyperglycemia and resultant osmotic diuresis.