Effect of selected preoperative factors on postoperative mortality in dogs with small bowel obstruction

Abstract

A total of 52 dogs surgically treated for small bowel obstruction were evaluated for selected preoperative clinical and laboratory findings as possible risk factors in regard to postoperative mortality in these patients. Relative risk of postoperative mortality was established for the following preoperative findings and indicators: leukocytosis or leukopaenia, anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, hypocalaemia, thrombocytopaenia and bacterial peritonitis. Of the selected preoperative factors, connection was demonstrated (p < 0.05) with hypoalbuminaemia, anaemia, thrombocytopaenia and bacterial peritonitis. On the other hand, preoperative findings of hypocalaemia, leukopaenia or leukocytosis were not associated in the monitored group of patients with a higher risk of postoperative patient mortality. In clinical practice, preoperative assessment of the mentioned risk factors connected with a higher postoperative mortality rate could contribute to establishing a more accurate diagnosis in cases of the small bowel obstruction disease in dogs.