Introduction

The aim of the study was to evaluate the application and survival of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) compared to flow-by oxygen therapy, in dogs with cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (CPO) secondary to severe mitral valve disease (MVD).

Objectives

In this retrospective study, the diagnosis of CPO was performed according to the clinical findings: thoracic radiographs, echocardiograph, arterial blood gas analysis. All dogs had diagnosis of MVD, and were treated with furosemide, pimobendan, butorphanol. Dogs were divided into 2 groups, one received treatment with CPAP; the other group received oxygen flow-by. Treatment with CPAP was continued intermittently while oxygen treatment by flow-by was continuously provided.

Methods

In 12 months, 30 dogs were enrolled: 14 dogs had CPAP helmet, 16 dogs had oxygen flow-by.

Results

In CPAP group the median age was 12.5 y, median weight 6 kg. In 78% dogs, RR, respiratory work, arterial blood gas, parameters improved with 30 minutes of treatment, radiographic signs improved with median of 8 hours. Median wearing CPAP-helmet was 13.4 h/day for 2.2 days. Mortality rate was 35%. All 14 dogs well tolerated helmet interfaces. In second group median age was 11.3 y, median weight 8 kg. In 43% dogs RR, respiratory work, arterial blood gas parameters improved with 30 minutes of oxygen flow-by. Mortality rate was 62%.

Conclusions

Respiratory failure due to CPO secondary to MVD is very common in dogs; in our study, the helmet interface was a valid alternative to flow-by, well tolerate, with a good outcome in dogs with CPO.