Veterinary nurses’ confidence in monitoring brachycephalic dogs under general anaesthesia

Brachycephalic dogs are predisposed to conditions that increase their anaesthetic risks, so precautions must be taken throughout the entire anaesthesia process. Unfortunately, studies examining veterinary nurses’ (VNs’) confidence in monitoring brachycephalic dogs under general anaesthesia (GA) are limited. This study aimed to gain an insight into existing anaesthetic protocols for brachycephalic dogs in the UK, and to examine the confidence levels of VNs monitoring these breeds. Registered VNs who frequently monitor brachycephalic dogs under GA were invited to participate in an anonymous online questionnaire. Some questions consisted of tick boxes to establish demographics; others provided text boxes to elaborate on answers. A total of 359 valid responses were gained and statistically analysed. Significant differences in confidence were detected between VNs with different qualification routes (p = 0.011), practice settings (p = 0.001) and lengths of time qualified (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were identified between the frequency of monitoring brachycephalic breeds and VNs’ confidence. A significant difference in confidence when monitoring brachycephalic breeds
compared with non-brachycephalic breeds was evident (p < 0.001), suggesting that breed has an influence on VNs’ confidence. Thematic analysis revealed that finances and staff shortages make it difficult to improve protocols, similar to findings in other studies. Despite the majority of respondents feeling satisfied with the anaesthetic protocols for brachycephalic dogs in their practice, many of these protocols are tailored to suit these breeds, rather than being developed specifically for them. It is evident that VNs’ confidence levels increase with time and experience, as reported by multiple studies. However, further studies are required to reduce gaps in the existing literature before devising the ‘perfect’ anaesthetic protocol for brachycephalic patients.