AUTHOR=Riehl Jessica , Hetzel Scott J. , Snyder Christopher J. , Soukup Jason W. 

TITLE=Detection of Pulpal Blood Flow In Vivo with Pulse Oximetry in Dogs

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Veterinary Science

VOLUME=3

YEAR=2016

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2016.00036

DOI=10.3389/fvets.2016.00036

ISSN=2297-1769

ABSTRACT=<sec id="ST1"><title>Objective</title><p>The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of pulse oximetry to detect blood flow within the canine tooth of dogs.</p></sec><sec id="ST2"><title>Materials and methods</title><p>Dogs aged 18–138 months presenting for oral treatment and meeting the inclusion criteria underwent pulse oximetry evaluation of at least one canine tooth. Oxygen saturation (SpO<sub>2</sub>) and pulse rate values were acquired from vital canine teeth of 38 clinical patients (representing 40 total teeth) with a handheld pulse oximeter and compared to a control area. SpO<sub>2</sub> values from the tooth and control area were recorded every 5 s for three 60-s intervals. The sensors were repositioned after each 60-s interval.</p></sec><sec id="ST3"><title>Results</title><p>The vital teeth consistently recorded SpO<sub>2</sub> values significantly lower than the control area. The mean vital tooth SpO<sub>2</sub> was 85.9% (median = 87%; SD = 8.6), and the mean control area SpO<sub>2</sub> was 97.7% (median = 98%; SD = 1.8). An age-related significant difference was noted in vital tooth SpO<sub>2</sub> values.</p></sec><sec id="ST4"><title>Conclusion</title><p>In conclusion, the present data support the possible use of pulse oximetry to detect blood flow in canine teeth. However, there was no significant correlation between SpO<sub>2</sub> values in the vital tooth and in the control areas. Additionally, the results were not definitive, and validation of the modality with additional studies of non-vital canine teeth is needed before clinical use can be recommended.</p></sec>