This retrospective single-center cohort study aimed to determine the incidence of intra-anesthetic hyperglycemia and to identify associated risk factors in non-diabetic dogs undergoing general anesthesia.
A total of 400 client-owned, non-diabetic dog...
This retrospective single-center cohort study aimed to determine the incidence of intra-anesthetic hyperglycemia and to identify associated risk factors in non-diabetic dogs undergoing general anesthesia.
A total of 400 client-owned, non-diabetic dogs anesthetized for surgical or diagnostic procedures between May and December 2024 were included in the study. Medical records were reviewed to collect data on patient characteristics, anesthetic management, and intra-anesthetic blood glucose concentrations measured via arterial blood gas analysis. Hyperglycemia was defined as blood glucose > 180 mg dL-1 (10 mmol L⁻¹) and severe hyperglycemia as > 300 mg dL-1 (16.7 mmol L⁻¹). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent associated factors of hyperglycemia.
Intra-anesthetic hyperglycemia occurred in 14.8% (59/400) of dogs, and severe hyperglycemia was observed in 4.3% (17/400). Multivariable logistic regression identified the following independent risk factors for hyperglycemia: preanesthetic fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg dL-1 (5.6 mmol L-1) [odds ratio (OR) 4.40, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.98–9.79, p < 0.001], American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA status) ≥ 3 (OR 2.78, 95% CI: 1.18–6.54, p = 0.019), medetomidine use (OR 4.62, 95% CI: 1.03–20.75, p = 0.046), undergoing surgery (OR 3.09, 95% CI: 1.21–7.85, p = 0.018), intra-anesthetic hypothermia < 36 ℃ (OR 3.09, 95% CI: 1.29–7.38, p = 0.011), dopamine (OR 22.75, 95% CI: 9.36–55.33, p < 0.001), and norepinephrine use (OR 4.63, 95% CI: 1.76–12.20, p = 0.002), with dopamine showing the strongest association.
Intra-anesthetic hyperglycemia occurred in non-diabetic dogs, with specific risk factors identified: elevated preanesthetic fasting glucose, ASA status ≥ 3, medetomidine use, surgery, intra-anesthetic hypothermia, dopamine, and norepinephrine use. Patients with these risk factors may be predisposed to hyperglycemia, highlighting the importance of intra-anesthetic glucose monitoring.