The appropriate VT for protective ventilation in dogs is unknown. This study aimed to compare respiratory mechanics and anatomic dead space (VDAnat) in 16 healthy adult mixed-breed dogs mechanically ventilated with VT of 9 (VT9, n = 8) and 15 mL kg-1 (VT15, n = 8).
Methods: After premedication with intramuscular morphine (0.4 mg kg-1) and acepromazine (0.02 mg kg-1), anesthesia was induced with intravenous propofol (4 mg kg-1), and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. Dogs were ventilated with VT9 or VT15 and no positive end-expiratory pressure. At 15 minutes of ventilation, respiratory system, lung and chest wall mechanics, and VDAnat data were collected. Data were compared between treatments with a t-test or Mann-Whitney.
