N1033787
7.0 Conclusion
This study investigated the changes in body temperature in anaesthetised dogs undergoing MRI investigations and factors that may influence this. The results concluded that BCS and the length of time in the MRI suite all had a statistically significant correlation with a decrease in dogs body temperature whilst under anaesthesia. The likes of recumbency and patient age and premedication were found to not have a statistically significant correlation. It was found that the higher a dogs BCS was, the less of a decrease in their body temperature occurred. To improve future practice and minimise the incidences of hypothermia occurring in dogs undergoing MRI investigations it would be unethical to recommend dogs to have an over ideal BCS. Obesity and being overweight can cause functional impairment, increases the risk of diseases, shortens life span, and reduces the animal’ s quality of life, having a negative impact on their health and welfare( BVA, 2020). It is one of the most common conditions affecting dogs and surveys have shown that it is thought a common reason for its occurrence is that owners lack the recognition that their pet is overweight( BVA, 2020). Instead, as the results of this study show that the majority of dogs decreased in body temperature during the procedure, all patients undergoing MRI investigations should be provided with some variation of passive warming( such as blankets). Additional efforts should be taken in ensuring dogs with an ideal or less than ideal BCS maintain their body temperature whilst anaesthetised for an MRI. Providing additional MRI compatible passive warming techniques such as extra blankets, cotton toddler sock and bubble wrap could assist with this. The warming techniques used were not investigated in the current study as it was not always recorded on the anaesthetic records what was used. The practice does have cotton toddler socks and bubble wrap available which has been shown to prevent lower body temperatures at the end of anaesthesia when applied to the limbs and thorax( Kreisler et al, 2023). Active warming techniques such as the use of a non-metallic heat mat and microwaveable heat pads can also be used, however care should be taken when using these techniques to prevent burning the patient. The probability of burns occurring depends on the temperature and duration of contact the patient has with the heat source( Franklin et al, 2012), and so ensuring the heat source is not too hot, and not in direct contact with the animal( by covering it with a towel for example) will help prevent this( Shimizu et al, 2022).
ANIM32126 – EBVN Project 33