Present addresses: D. C. Brodbelt & D. U. Pfeiffer, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Lane, North Mymms, Herts, AL9 7TA, UK K. J. Blissitt, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK R. A. Hammond, The School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire, LE12 5RD, UK P. J. Neath, Northwest Surgeons, Delamere House, Sutton Weaver, WA7 3FW, UK L. E. Young, Specialist Veterinary Cardiology Services, Moat End, Dunstall Green, Suffolk, CB8 8TZ, UK J. L. N. Wood, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Cambridge University, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 OES, UK
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The risk of death: the Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Small Animal Fatalities
Article first published online: 5 MAY 2008
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-2995.2008.00397.x
© 2008 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2008 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists
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How to Cite
Brodbelt, D. C., Blissitt, K. J., Hammond, R. A., Neath, P. J., Young, L. E., Pfeiffer, D. U. and Wood, J. L. N. (2008), The risk of death: the Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Small Animal Fatalities. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia, 35: 365–373. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-2995.2008.00397.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 7 AUG 2008
- Article first published online: 5 MAY 2008
- Received 21 December 2006; accepted 12 March 2007.
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- anaesthetic-related;
- cat;
- complications;
- death;
- dog;
- mortality;
- perioperative;
- rabbit;
- risk;
- small animal
Abstract
Objective To estimate the risks of anaesthetic and sedation-related mortality in companion animals in the UK. (The Confidential Enquiry into Perioperative Small Animal Fatalities, CEPSAF).
Study design A prospective cohort study with nested case–control study.
Animal population All small animals anaesthetized and sedated at participating centres between June 2002 and June 2004.
Methods Patient outcomes at 48 hours (alive, dead and killed) were recorded. Anaesthetic and sedation-related death was defined as death where surgical or pre-existing medical causes did not solely cause death. Species-specific risks of anaesthetic-related death and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Risks were also estimated in the sub-sets of dogs, cats and rabbits that were either healthy or sick (ASA 1–2 and 3–5, respectively).
Results One hundred and seventeen veterinary practices participated in the study and 98 036 dogs, 79 178 cats and 8209 rabbits were anaesthetized and sedated. Overall risks of anaesthetic and sedation-related death in dogs were 0.17% (1 in 601, 95% CI 0.14–0.19%), in cats 0.24% (1 in 419, 95% CI 0.20–0.27%) and in rabbits 1.39% (1 in 72, 95% CI 1.14–1.64%) within 48 hours of the procedure. In healthy dogs, cats and rabbits, the risks were estimated to be 0.05% (1 in 1849, 95% CI 0.04–0.07%), 0.11%, (1 in 895, 95% CI 0.09–0.14%) and 0.73% (1 in 137, 95% CI 0.54–0.93%), respectively. In sick dogs, cats and rabbits, the risks were 1.33%, (1 in 75, 95% CI 1.07–1.60%), 1.40% (1 in 71, 95% CI 1.12–1.68%) and 7.37% (1 in 14, 95% CI 5.20–9.54%), respectively. Postoperative deaths accounted for 47% of deaths in dogs, 61% in cats and 64% in rabbits. Most other small animal species had higher mortality risks.
Conclusions and clinical relevance Small animal anaesthesia appears to be increasingly safe. Greater patient care in the postoperative period could reduce fatalities.