Comparison of three continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) interfaces in healthy Beagle dogs during medetomidine-propofol constant rate infusions.

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of three continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) interfaces in dogs on gas exchange, lung volumes, amount of leak during CPAP and rebreathing in case of equipment failure or disconnection. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, prospective, crossover, experimental trial. ANIMALS Ten purpose-bred Beagle dogs. METHODS Dogs were in dorsal recumbency during medetomidine-propofol constant rate infusions, breathing room air. Three interfaces were tested in each dog in a consecutive random order: custom-made mask (M), conical face mask (FM) and helmet (H). End-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) measured by electrical impedance tomography was assessed with no interface (baseline), with the interface only (No-CPAP for 3 minutes) and at 15 minutes of 7 cmHO CPAP (CPAP-delivery). PaO was assessed at No-CPAP and CPAP-delivery, partial pressure of inspired carbon dioxide (PICO; rebreathing assessment) at No-CPAP and the interface leak (ΔP) at CPAP-delivery. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). RESULTS During CPAP-delivery, all interfaces increased EELI by 7% (p<0.001). Higher ΔP was observed with M and H (9 cmHO) in comparison with FM (1 cmHO) (p