Medición de lactato sérico como marcador de hipoxia celular en perras esterilizadas en la unidad de bienestar animal (UBA) de la ciudad de Quito

Abstract

This graduation project focused on determining the existence of cellular hypoxia in female dogs sterilized during campaigns by measuring serum lactate levels before and after anesthesia. An observational and descriptive research approach was conducted, supported by a prospective and longitudinal design, as data were collected from the same patients. For the research, a total of 60 samples were taken, with two samples per patient, evaluating 10 patients per day over a period of three days at the Animal Welfare Unit (UBA). Overall, it was found that 60% of the patients showed a slight increase in lactate levels, classified as mild to moderate, after anesthesia. The average values were 3.2 mmol/L, compared to 2.9 mmol/L recorded before anesthesia. The anesthesia used in the study was total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA), and due to resource limitations, sterilization campaigns use low-cost drugs and apply a general anesthetic protocol for all patients, without distinction of individual needs. Differences were also analyzed based on the age and size of the patients. Adult females showed slightly higher levels, with an average of 3.9 mmol/L after anesthesia. In terms of size, lactate levels were higher in large patients weighing 11 to 20 kg, who reached an average of 3.7 mmol/L. In conclusion, the results reflect a mild increase in lactate levels, which could indicate hypoxia. However, this elevation is reversible and likely caused by factors such as stress and the use of anesthetic drugs, so it is not considered indicative of a poor prognosis.