Long‐term mechanical ventilation of an 8‐week‐old dog with idiopathic polyradiculoneuritis

Abstract

AbstractA 2‐month‐old labrador retriever diagnosed with progressive polyradiculoneuritis was anaesthetised and mechanically ventilated with the aid of pressure control ventilation due to severe hypoventilation and hypoxaemia. Anaesthesia was maintained with propofol and midazolam constant‐rate infusions (CRIs). Over time, once the patient was showing spontaneous breathing attempts and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide was within normal range, ventilatory mode was switched to pressure support ventilation. The anaesthetic protocol was modified to maintain an appropriate level of anaesthesia with a minimum amount of fluid administered. The midazolam CRI was substituted by a sufentanil CRI, followed by a change to a dexmedetomidine CRI. An intensive nursing care protocol was established. Intermittent hyperthermia and peripheral oedema were the main complications observed. Ventilatory support was reduced until the patient was successfully weaned from the ventilator at the third attempt, after 116 hours of ventilatory support.