Anesthetic mortality in swine: a multicenter retrospective analysis

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anesthesiology
• Comparative Medicine
• Swine Health

Background:

• Anesthesia and sedation are common procedures in veterinary medicine, including for domestic swine.
• Understanding anesthesia-related mortality risks is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
• Limited data exists on anesthesia-related mortality in swine populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of mortality associated with anesthesia and sedation in domestic swine.
• To identify risk factors contributing to anesthesia-related mortality in pigs.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted.
• Medical records of 1849 pigs undergoing anesthesia or sedation between 2018 and 2023 were analyzed.
• Statistical analysis included univariate logistic regression to calculate odds ratios for various factors.

Main Results:

• The overall mortality rate within 24 hours post-anesthesia was 0.96%.
• Factors significantly increasing mortality odds included American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification III-V, emergency procedures, and after-hours procedures.
• No other evaluated factors were associated with increased or decreased mortality risk.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first report on anesthesia-related mortality incidence in porcine patients.
• Elevated ASA status, emergency procedures, and after-hours procedures are significant risk factors for swine mortality during anesthesia.
• Findings emphasize the need for careful patient assessment and procedural planning to mitigate risks in swine anesthesia.