RECOVER Guidelines: Newborn Resuscitation in Dogs and Cats. Clinical Guidelines

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Neonatal Care
• Animal Reproduction

Background:

• Newborn resuscitation is critical for neonatal survival in puppies and kittens.
• Standardized guidelines are needed for consistent and effective neonatal resuscitation.
• Existing practices may vary, necessitating evidence-based recommendations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish evidence- and consensus-based guidelines for the resuscitation of newborn puppies and kittens.
• To provide clear, actionable clinical instructions for veterinary professionals and breeders.
• To create a standardized framework for neonatal resuscitation in veterinary practice.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature searches using Population-Intervention-Comparator-Outcome (PICO) format.
• Evidence synthesis and quality assessment of relevant publications.
• A consensus process involving transdisciplinary, international experts and a community commenting period.

Main Results:

• Addressed 28 PICO questions related to neonatal resuscitation in puppies and kittens.
• Developed 59 treatment recommendations for an iterative resuscitation approach.
• Included initial steps (airway, stimulation, temperature) and advanced measures (positive pressure ventilation, CPR).
• An algorithm visually represents the resuscitation process flow.

Conclusions:

• The RECOVER Newborn Resuscitation Guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for neonatal resuscitation.
• These guidelines support veterinary professionals, breeders, educators, and researchers.
• Implementation of these guidelines aims to advance and improve newborn resuscitation outcomes.