Retrospective Study Retrospective evaluation of postoperative nasotracheal tubes for oxygen supplementation in dogs following surgery for brachycephalic syndrome: 36 cases (2003^2007) David Senn, DVM; Nadja Sigrist, DVM, DACVECC; Franck Forterre, DVM, DECVS; Judith Howard, DVM, DACVIM and David Spreng, DVM, DECVS, DACVECC Abstract Objective – To assess the utility of nasotracheal tubes in postoperative oxygen supplementation in dogs following corrective surgery for brachycephalic syndrome. Design – Retrospective study 2003–2007. Setting – University teaching hospital. Animals – Thirty-six client-owned dogs that underwent corrective surgery for brachycephalic syndrome. Interventions – None. Measurements and Main Results – Medical records were reviewed for animals that underwent surgical interventions for brachycephalic syndrome including palatoplasty, ventriculectomy, and rhinoplasty. Data collected included signalment, presenting complaints, analgesic and surgical interventions, type of supplemental oxygen therapy, complications and mortality occurring during hospitalization. A nasotracheal tube (NTT) was placed in 20 dogs at the end of surgery; 16 dogs received other forms of oxygen supplementation (8) or no oxygen supplementation (8) during recovery. The total number of postoperative complications was similar in both groups(8/20 dogs with NTTs and 7/16 in those without NTTs). However, respiratory distress was observed in 5 dogs without NTTs but was not observed in any dog while an NTTwas in place. One dog in each group died postoperatively. Conclusion – Placement of an NTT was found to be easy and may offer benefit in dogs with brachycephalic syndrome as a noninvasive means of delivering oxygen. The use of NTT may minimize severe postoperative morbidity, in particular by reducing postoperative respiratory distress. (J Vet Emerg Crit Care 2011; 21(3): 261–267) doi: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2011.00612.x Keywords: canine, complications, postoperative, respiratory tract surgery Introduction Upper airway surgical procedures in dogs are most frequently performed to relieve obstruction due to bra- chycephalic airway syndrome. This syndrome includes stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, and eversion of the laryngeal saccules, which may lead to laryngeal col- lapse or be complicated by tracheal hypoplasia. 1–4 Breeds most commonly affected include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Pekingese, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. 1–3 In these dogs, a mechanical component causes partial airway obstruction, which is followed by turbulent airflow, local mucosal irritation, and edema formation. Signs of upper airway obstruc- tion may be the primary reason for dog owners to seek veterinary treatment, but may also first manifest fol- lowing general anesthesia. Additionally, a relationship between upper respiratory and gastrointestinal tract problems (eg, regurgitation, vomiting) in brachycephal- ic dogs has been described. 5,6 Dogs with ‘brachycephalic airway syndrome’ show signs ranging from mild to severe respiratory dis- tress. 2,4 Moderately and severely affected animals are Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. David Spreng, Division of Small Animal Surgery and Orthopedics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, La ¨nggassstrasse 128, PO Box, 3001 Bern, Switzerland. Email: david.spreng@kkh.unibe.ch Submitted February 23, 2010; Accepted January 11, 2011. Division of Small Animal Surgery and Orthopedics, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care 21(3) 2011, pp 261–267 doi:10.1111/j.1476-4431.2011.00612.x & Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society 2011 261