Survival of Dogs Following Section of Carotid and Vertebral Arteries. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. In a group of 7 dogs, the common carotid and vertebral arteries were doubly ligated and sectioned. In a second group of 7 dogs, common carotids were cut in 2 animals, vertebral arteries in another 2, vertebrals and internal carotids in another 2, and common carotids and one vertebral in one dog. 2. Animals in both groups survived 4 months from August to December, 1959. Heart rates, body temperatures and eye-grounds remained essentially normal in animals of both groups. Of dogs in the first group (carotid and vertebral arteries cut), in-telligence and alertness appear somewhat impaired, and physical condition is poor, with marked emaciation, hair loss, and edema of the extremities. All animals in second group appear normal in all respects. 3. The presence of known arterial anastomoses makes complete cerebral anemia most unlikely following section of both common carotid and both vertebral arteries in the dog. It is concluded that permanent interruption of the carotid and vertebral arterial supply to the head and brain of the dog is not incompatible with life, and that collateral circulation to the head is adequate to sustain life for at least 4 months.