High flow oxygen therapy versus conventional oxygen therapy in dogs and cats undergoing bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage: a pilot study

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of high flow oxygen therapy (HFOT), and to record SpO₂ and desaturation episodes in dogs and cats receiving HFOT or conventional oxygen therapy (COT) during bronchoscopy ± bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).

Dogs and cats undergoing bronchoscopy ± BAL between January and May 2023 were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups: HFOT (HFOT group; two cats and four dogs) and COT (COT group; one cat and five dogs). HFOT and COT were started at the beginning of the bronchoscopy. HFOT was delivered with a gas flow rate of 1 L/kg/min at an FiO₂ of 100% and a temperature of 34°C (pediatric mode) or 37°C (adult mode). COT was delivered through the working channel of the bronchoscope at a rate of 1.5 L/min. The safety and feasibility of HFOT were assessed, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) was measured by pulse oximetry every 30 s throughout the procedure.

HFOT was feasible and safe in both dogs and cats with no complications reported. While there was no significant difference in the number of desaturation episodes (SpO₂ < 94%) between the two groups, none of the patients in the HFOT group experienced severe desaturation (SpO₂ < 90%). In contrast, two patients in the COT group had an SpO₂ < 90%. Mean SpO₂ was significantly higher in the HFOT group compared to the COT group at T0 (98% ± 2% vs. 94 ± 2%), T0.5 (98% ± 2% vs. 94% ± 3%) and T1 (98% ± 2% vs. 94% ± 4%).

To the authors' knowledge, this is the largest study conducted to date using HFOT during bronchoscopy in dogs and cats. Our results suggest that HFOT is feasible and safe during bronchoscopy ± BAL. Furthermore, HFOT may reduce the risk of desaturation episodes in dogs and cats undergoing bronchoscopy and BAL.