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. 2023 Sep 21;19(1):167.
doi: 10.1186/s12917-023-03737-7.

Proposed protocol for utilising high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in treatment of dogs hospitalised due to pneumonia

Anna-Maija Teppo  1 , Heini Rossi  2 , Minna M Rajamäki  1 , Heli K Hyytiäinen  1
Affiliations

Proposed protocol for utilising high-flow nasal oxygen therapy in treatment of dogs hospitalised due to pneumonia

Anna-Maija Teppo et al. BMC Vet Res. .

Abstract

Background: High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) therapy is a non-invasive respiratory support method that provides oxygen-enriched, warmed, and humidified air to respiratory-compromised patients. It is widely used in human medical care, but in veterinary medicine it is still a relatively new method. No practical guidelines exist for its use in canine pneumonia patients, although they could potentially benefit from HFNO therapy. This study aims to provide a new, safe, non-invasive, and effective treatment protocol for oxygen supplementation of non-sedated dogs with pneumonia.

Methods: Twenty privately owned dogs with pneumonia will receive HFNO therapy at a flow rate of 1-2 L/kg, and the fraction of inspired oxygen will be determined individually (ranging from 21% to 100%). HFNO therapy will continue as long as oxygen support is needed based on clinical evaluation. Patients will be assessed thrice daily during their hospitalisation, with measured primary outcomes including partial pressure of oxygen, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and type, days in hospital, and survival to discharge.

Discussion: The proposed protocol aims to provide a practical guideline for applying HFNO to dogs hospitalised due to pneumonia. The protocol could enable more efficient and well-tolerated oxygenation than traditional methods, thus hastening recovery and improving survival of pneumonia patients.

Keywords: Dog; High-flow nasal cannula; Hypoxemia; Non-invasive ventilation; Optiflow; Oxygen supplementation; Respiratory distress.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A flow chart of the study design. Abbreviations: FiO2=fraction of inspired oxygen, HFNO=high-flow nasal oxygen, PaO2=partial pressure of oxygen, SpO2=oxygen saturation
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Optiflow Airvo 2 high-flow nasal oxygen device: (1) wire-heated circuit tubing; (2) hot plate-heated humidification chamber system; (3) nasal cannula; (4) oxygen inlet port; (5) sterile water supply
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Human adult high-flow nasal oxygen cannula used to deliver air to medium or giant-sized dogs
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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