Anesthesia Consideration in a Dog with Degenerative Valve Disease Undergoing Soft Tissue Surgery

This case report aims to assist veterinarians in selecting appropriate anesthetic protocols and managing dogs with moderate to severe valvular degeneration during general soft tissue surgery.Three client-owned dogs with valve degeneration stages C or D who underwent general anesthesia for surgical treatment were included in this study.All dogs in this study were assigned to receive diazepam 0.3 mg/kg body weight, alfaxalone 2.5 mg/kg body weight, and a perioperative fluid rate of 5 ml/kg/hr.An appropriate assessment before and during surgery may help to prevent adverse events and preserve cardiovascular functions.This case report provides recommendations for anesthetic protocols and management in dogs with valvular heart disease.This study suggested that the anesthetic drug protocol of alfaxalone 2.5 mg/kg and a maintenance fluid rate of 5 mL/kg/hr in dogs with valve disease is safe and appropriate for preserving cardiovascular functions.