In 1564, Bartolomeo Eustachius first described the adrenal glands. His contemporaries, however, suggested that they were rare congenital outgrowths of the kidney physically hiding in plain sight. It wasn’t until 1627 that Eustachius’ findings were validated beyond all doubt. Over 200 years later, Addison’s disease was discovered by Dr. Thomas Addison. More recently, this disease gained notoriety when it was confirmed after his death (after long being rumored) that President John F. Kennedy had Addison’s disease. The discovery of cortisol in the 1930s and the development of synthetic glucocorticoids revolutionized treatment. Addison’s disease was first recognized in dogs in the 1950s. Like humans, affected animals experience lethargy, vomiting, and electrolyte imbalances. In this issue, this “great imitator” disease is discussed in depth by Dr. Sarah M. Schmid, which will hopefully prevent it from clinically hiding in plain sight.
What We’re Reading
In each issue, a member of our Editorial Advisory Board will share a recent open access publication of interest.
Implementation of a Standard Perioperative Protocol Reduces Postoperative Respiratory Distress Events In Dogs Undergoing Surgical Correction of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
Hill M, Loria Lepiz M, Ida KK, Rutter C, Mankin KT, Dickerson V. JAVMA.
doi:10.2460/javma.24.09.0598
What was investigated? This retrospective study investigated the incidence of regurgitation, aspiration pneumonia, and respiratory distress in dogs undergoing surgical correction of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) after adoption of a standardized perioperative management protocol (sedatives, antiemetics, prokinetics, and techniques to reduce airway swelling).
What was found? Over a 4-year period, the study assessed the records of 42 dogs prior to and 47 dogs after protocol implementation. A significant reduction in respiratory distress episodes was seen in the postprotocol group.
Take-Home Points
- Brachycephalic dogs undergoing BOAS surgery have a high risk of perioperative anesthetic complications (~55%).
- Implementation of a similar standard protocol for patients undergoing BOAS surgery may mitigate some perioperative complications.
- Inclusion of strategies to reduce airway swelling and sedatives to keep patients calm contributes to reducing airway crisis episodes.
- Regurgitation is still very common in BOAS surgery patients.
— Sarah Shippy, DVM, MPH, MS, DACVAA
More from the NAVC
Register and Attend the New NAVC SkillShop
NAVC SkillShop, formerly known as NAVC Institute, features not only a new name and look but a new venue and lineup of educational programming. Taking place May 25-30 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida, NAVC SkillShop is a leading veterinary education workshop with immersive, hands-on learning. Topics are now broken into long- and short-format courses designed to be mixed and matched to form your perfect skills-building week. Learn more and register for the event at navc.com/skillshop.