OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of an open-chest condition on oxygen delivery in anesthetized dogs. METHODS Prospective, controlled experimental study. METHODS Eight clinically normal adult Walker Hound dogs weighing 25.6-29.2 kg. METHODS Eight anesthetized dogs underwent an open-chest operation after the insertion of thoracoscopy cannulae in the lateral chest walls. A Swan Ganz catheter was used to both measure hemodynamic parameters and obtain mixed venous blood samples for blood gas analysis. A dorsal pedal catheter was placed to both measure arterial blood pressure and obtain blood samples for blood gas analysis. Oxygen delivery index and oxygen extraction ratio were calculated. A randomized block anova for repeated measures was used to evaluate the effect of the treatment on hemodynamic and pulmonary parameters. RESULTS Creation of an open chest did not significantly affect oxygen delivery index (DO(2)I; p = 0.545). It induced a significant decrease in arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO(2); p = 0.018) and arterial oxygen content (CaO(2); p = 0.025). It induced a significant increase in shunt fraction (p = 0.023), physiologic dead space (p = 0.015), and alveolar-arterial oxygen difference (p = 0.019). Arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2); p = 0.766) and arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO(2); p = 0.178) were not significantly affected. Diastolic (DPAP; p = 0.050) and mean (MPAP; p = 0.033) pulmonary arterial pressures were significantly increased by opening the chest. Other hemodynamic parameters were not significantly affected. CONCLUSIONS Opening the thoracic cavity is not detrimental to hemodynamic function and oxygen delivery in normal dogs, although impaired gas exchange does occur. CONCLUSIONS Close monitoring of patients is recommended during open-chest thoracoscopy as adverse effects on gas exchange can contribute to hypoxemia.