An exploratory evaluation of the frequency of perioperative changes in electrolyte, acid-base, creatinine, glucose, and lactate variables in dogs and cats undergoing cranial surgery for tumor resection.

Clinically significant hyperkalemia is rare during veterinary cranial tumor surgery, but routine perioperative bloodwork monitoring remains recommended.

This retrospective observational study examined perioperative point-of-care bloodwork changes in 61 dogs and 14 cats undergoing cranial surgery for tumor resection at a single institution between 2009 and 2023. The primary focus was on dyskalemia, with secondary evaluation of acid-base status, sodium, ionized calcium, creatinine, glucose, and lactate. Intraoperative mannitol was administered to approximately 39% of dogs and 36% of cats, reflecting standard intracranial pressure management protocols. Clinically relevant hyperkalemia (≥6.0 mmol/L) was absent in all patients; only 2/75 animals (3%) developed mild intraoperative hyperkalemia (<5.9 mmol/L). Intraoperative hypokalemia occurred in 8% of animals. A statistically significant but clinically modest rise in potassium was observed intraoperatively compared to postoperative values (p < .001). Intraoperative reductions in bicarbonate, sodium, and ionized calcium were noted but remained largely within institutional reference intervals and resolved postoperatively. These transient intraoperative changes are likely attributable to fluid administration, anesthetic effects, and osmotic therapy. The study's retrospective design, single-center setting, and relatively small heterogeneous cohort limit generalizability. Nonetheless, the findings suggest that life-threatening electrolyte disturbances are uncommon during veterinary cranial tumor surgery. The authors conclude that while severe dyskalemia appears rare in this population, routine perioperative point-of-care monitoring remains warranted to detect and manage subclinical electrolyte and acid-base derangements promptly.

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