Emergence delirium in small animals: a first step towards an objective assessment

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Anesthesiology
• Animal Behavior

Background:

• Emergence delirium (ED) is known in human anesthesia recovery.
• The frequency and characteristics of ED in veterinary patients are not well-defined.
• This study addresses the knowledge gap in post-anesthetic ED in small animals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify symptoms of emergence delirium in dogs and cats.
• To determine the occurrence rate of ED symptoms in veterinary patients.
• To explore factors associated with ED in small animals.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study involving veterinary anesthesiologists.
• Systematic recording of symptoms during anesthesia recovery in dogs and cats.
• Data analysis including logistic regression to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

• Six key ED symptoms were identified: nystagmus, paddling, opisthotonos, uncoordinated/violent movement, vocalization, and biting.
• Over half of the animals (57%) exhibited at least one ED symptom.
• Uncoordinated movement (41%), vocalization (36%), and paddling (30%) were most common; 14% met criteria for ED.

Conclusions:

• Post-anesthetic ED appears to be a frequent occurrence in dogs and cats.
• The identified symptoms and occurrence rates provide a basis for further research.
• No significant associations were found between ED occurrence and subject or anesthesia-related factors in this study.