Cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcomes in a UK veterinary hospital: pilot study

Abstract

This retrospective study aimed to investigate cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcomes in a UK veterinary hospital and compare these to values communicated in literature from other countries. Five years' worth of patient records, kept by one hospital, were examined over a one-month period. Clinical notes were reviewed to obtain key data and animals with incomplete data sets were not included. Results were statistically analysed. A sample of 114 records were reviewed; 89 canines, 25 felines. Initially, 21.9% of patients were revived following cardiopulmonary arrest with 6.1% of patients surviving to discharge. Location of resuscitation (P=0.003), type of compression used (open or closed) (P=0.005), and whether sustained return of spontaneous circulation was achieved (P=0.001) were variables of significance in relation to cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcome. Overall, the study revealed cardiopulmonary resuscitation survival to discharge fell in line with statistics recorded in similar studies. Prospective studies would aid clinical auditing and robust use of recording sheets.