Anesthetic risk analysis with routine preoperative thoracic radiography in dogs and cats

Thoracic radiography is a valuable tool not only for detecting and evaluating intrathoracic diseases but also for diagnosing systemic conditions. Additionally, it aids in determining the most appropriate anesthesia protocol based on a physical status grading system. This study assessed the cardiovascular and respiratory systems of patients undergoing routine thoracic radiography and analyzed anesthesia risks considering factors such as age, planned surgical procedures, and comorbidities. To achieve this, thoracic radiographs taken during the preoperative period of cats and dogs presented to the Istanbul University–Cerrahpaşa Veterinary Faculty, Department of Surgery, Ear Nose Throat (ENT) clinic between 2018 and 2021 for planned ENT surgeries were evaluated. The ASA physical status score of each patient was determined based on physical examination, laboratory results, and radiographic findings. A total of 237 animals—140 cats and 97 dogs—were included in the evaluation. Extrathoracic structures, pleura, pulmonary parenchyma, and the mediastinum were examined separately and categorized as either normal or presenting lesions that could pose an anesthetic risk. In 103 patients, no lesions were observed on thoracic radiography, and these patients were classified as normal. However, lesions that could potentially increase anesthetic risk were identified in the remaining 134 patients. In conclusion, thoracic radiography is a critical diagnostic and risk assessment tool, particularly in animals with upper respiratory tract diseases. This study’s findings highlight that airway obstructions and pulmonary pathologies are commonly observed across various age groups, especially in brachycephalic breeds, underscoring the importance of routine thoracic radiography in preoperative evaluations.