Key result
Vet-ERAS protocol linked to ~76% lower 15-day mortality and fewer complications in dogs undergoing emergency laparotomy.
Why the study?
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a veterinary enhanced recovery after surgery (Vet-ERAS) protocol, adapted from human medicine, in dogs undergoing emergency laparotomy.
Does the Vet-ERAS protocol improve outcomes and reduce mortality in dogs undergoing emergency laparotomy?
Observational (n=141)
Does the Vet-ERAS protocol improve outcomes and reduce mortality in dogs undergoing emergency laparotomy?
The implementation of a veterinary enhanced recovery after surgery (Vet-ERAS) protocol significantly reduces perioperative complications and 15-day mortality in dogs undergoing emergency laparotomy.
May support Vet-ERAS in canine emergency laparotomy; hypothesis-generating pending randomized confirmation.
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a veterinary enhanced recovery after surgery (Vet-ERAS) protocol in dogs undergoing emergency laparotomy (EL). The protocol, adapted from human medicine, encompassed a multidisciplinary approach and interventions such as early goal-directed fluid resuscitation, antibiotic prophylaxis, anti-emetic therapy, multimodal analgesia, and early enteral nutrition. A prospective observational study compared outcomes between dogs managed with the Vet-ERAS protocol (n = 59) and historical controls (n = 82). Implementation of the Vet-ERAS protocol resulted in a significant reduction in perioperative complication rates (p = 0.003) and 15-day mortality (5% vs. 20.7%). Intraoperative complications, including tachycardia and hypothermia, were significantly lower in the Vet-ERAS group. Compliance with the protocol improved over time (p = 0.01). These findings suggest that integrating the Vet-ERAS protocol into perioperative management can improve outcomes in dogs undergoing EL.
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Carcéles et al. (2025) conducted an observational in Emergency laparotomy (n=141). Veterinary enhanced recovery after surgery (Vet-ERAS) protocol vs. Historical controls was evaluated on 15-day mortality (p=0.003). The Vet-ERAS protocol reduced 15-day mortality (5% vs. 20.7%) and perioperative complication rates (P=0.003) in dogs undergoing emergency laparotomy compared to historical controls.
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