Muscle surface pH monitoring during surface-induced hypothermia with circulatory arrest in puppies

Abstract Monitoring of muscle surface pH appears to have distinct value in the management of animals being subjected to deep hypothermia and elective circulatory arrest. It provides an early warning system to detect inadequate delivery of oxygen to the peripheral tissues. It gives a minute-to-minute assessment of tissue oxygenation and an almost immediate evaluation of the effects of any therapy that is given. The early control of acidotic problems associated with deep hypothermia and circulatory arrest appears practical when muscle surface pH is monitored along with arterial pH.