Management of functional adrenalectomy in dogs (II)

Everything you need to know during the peri- and postoperative period in a functional adrenalectomy in a dog

Hello! 😊

In this second part we will cover the key aspects during the peri- and postoperative period in a functional adrenalectomy in dogs.

Peri-operative medical management in dogs with hypercortisolemia:

• Constant blood pressure monitoring and electrocardiogram.

• Start dexamethasone infusion as soon as the adrenal mass has been removed/sectioned:

  • Dose: 0.1 mg/kg infusion over 6 hours (0.017 mg/kg/h).

• Electrolyte and glucose measurement at the end of surgery.

• Sufficient but not excessive peri- and post-operative analgesia, since the patient must be able to walk/be ambulatory no later than 4 hours after surgery.

  • This is pursued to try to reduce the risk of thrombus formation.

Post-operative medical management:

• MONITORING

  • Electrocardiogram (ideally constant).

  • Blood pressure (2 - 3 measurements per day).

  • Hematocrit/total protein (at least 1 time per day).

  • Glucose 4 - 6 hours after surgery and the morning after surgery.

    • From that moment on, 24 hours or depending on needs.

  • Electrolytes 4 - 6 h after surgery and the morning after surgery.

    • From that moment on, 24 hours or depending on needs.

  • Short, frequent walks (q 1 - 2 hours initially) to promote blood circulation and minimize the risk of thrombus formation.

  • Important! Remove sutures later than usual (3 weeks after surgery) as healing may be slower.