High euthanasia rates and iatrogenic complications limit the ability to accurately prognosticate for affected dogs in this retrospective study, but in dogs with LMND that is severe enough to require IIPV, support may be required days to weeks.

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OBJECTIVE To assess agreement between 2 benchtop blood gas analyzers developed by 1 manufacturer (BGA 1 and BGA 2 [a newer model with reduced maintenance requirements]) and a reference chemistry analyzer for measurement of electrolyte (sodium, chloride, and potassium) in blood samples from dogs. ANIMALS 17 healthy staff- and student-owned dogs and 23 client-owned dogs admitted to an emergency and intensive care service. PROCEDURES Blood collected by venipuncture was placed in lithium heparin–containing tubes. Aliquots were analyzed immediately with each BGA. Samples were centrifuged, and plasma was analyzed with the reference analyzer. Results for each BGA were compared with results for the reference analyzer by Passing-Bablok regression analysis. Percentage differences between BGA and reference analyzer results were compared with published guidelines for total allowable error. RESULTS Proportional bias was detected for measurement of chloride concentration (slope, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.7 to 0.8), and constant positive bias was detected for measurement of chloride (y-intercept, 34, mmol/L; 95% CI, 16.9 to 38 mmol/L) and potassium (y-intercept, 0.1 mmol/L; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.2 mmol/L) concentrations with BGA 1. There was no significant bias for measurement of potassium or chloride concentration with BGA 2 or sodium concentration with either BGA. Differences from the reference analyzer result exceeded total allowable error guidelines for ≥ 1 sample/analyte/BGA, but median observed measurement differences between each BGA and the reference analyzer did not. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Good agreement with reference analyzer results was found for measurement of the selected electrolyte concentrations in canine blood samples with each BGA.

Background Traditional viscoelastic clotting tests are significantly impacted by the operator and environmental variation. The VCMVet coagulation monitor could provide a more user‐friendly alternative for veterinary practices. Objectives We aimed to determine if environmental vibration commonly encountered in veterinary practice alters the results of a point‐of‐care viscoelastic device, the VCMVet. Methods Nine fresh whole blood samples from healthy dogs were evaluated simultaneously using VCMVet instruments under four environmental conditions: (normal) alone and undisturbed on a raised tabletop, (centrifuge) on a countertop 6 inches from a centrifuge that operated at 12 000 rpm for 10 minutes every 20 minutes, (workspace) on a tabletop workspace in proximity to two heavy‐use computers, and (gurney) on a rolling gurney at a walking pace for 10 minutes every 20 minutes. Results were compared between conditions using a Friedman test, and if this was significant (P‐value < .05), it was followed by a Wilcoxon test for paired samples. Results Analysis of samples on a rolling gurney created obvious movement artifacts, and this condition was excluded from statistical analysis. The centrifuge condition resulted in a significantly higher alpha angle (median 49 degrees, interquartile range 4) than the normal condition (median 46 degrees, interquartile range 5, P = .0078). Other viscoelastic parameters were not significantly different between the normal, centrifuge, and workspace conditions. Conclusions The VCMVet is suitable for use in a busy veterinary environment but should be protected from vibration. The instrument does not produce reliable results when operated on a moving gurney, and it should be stationary during sample analysis.