The reasons behind the common methods used for cat castrations and spays are detailed in Figures 1 and 2 . When ETTs were used for castrations , 71.9 % ( n = 230 ) of respondents said they were used for patient safety and control of the airway . The most common reason for masks was that castrations are a quick procedure ( 67 %), with the same reasoning for no airway management ( 77.9 %). In spays , respondents stated that ETTs were used for two main reasons : 43.3 % ( n = 361 ) responded ‘ for patient safety and control of the airway ’ and 37.9 % ( n = 316 ) responded that ‘ the procedure is longer , and the patient may require an inhalation agent ’.
250
Number of respondents
200
150
100
50
ETT Mask
No airway management
0
Animal only sedated Best practice
Easy to use
No volatile agent used
Protocol Quick procedure
Risks associated with ETT
Reasons for choice of method
Safety / airway control VS preference
Volatile agent used
Figure 1 . Reasons why airway management methods were chosen for cat castrations .
400 350
Number of respondents
300 250 200 150
100 50
ETT
0
Best practice Full GA – need ETT
Longer procedure – may need gas
Protocol
Reasons for choice of method
Safety / airway control
Figure 2 . Reasons why ETTs were chosen for cat spays . GA = general anaesthetic .
42 Veterinary Nursing Journal