Abstract
A 17-year-old mare undergoing dental surgery suffered a cardiac arrest while being transferred from the surgical theatre to the recovery box. This complication was diagnosed early, thus allowing a prompt start to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers. External thoracic compressions, intermittent positive pressure ventilation, and adrenaline administration were at the core of this successful resuscitation. Although it was not possible to confirm the cause of cardiac arrest in this horse, a Bezold-Jarisch reflex due to potential decrease on venous return because of postural change and drug interactions was hypothesized. Based on this report, it appears advisable to smoothly change the position of anaesthetized patient; furthermore, the administration of drugs affecting cardiovascular hemodynamics or sympatho-vagal balance to animals while changing their recumbency should be avoided.
Highlights
A perioperative mortality rate from 0.12 to 0.9% has been reported in non-colic horses [1, 2]
The present case aimed to describe the successful detection and treatment of a cardiac arrest occurring after a postural change during the recovery phase of anaesthesia in a horse
A better pulse quality was subjectively achieved with this way of performing the external massage, but it could have been attributed to the heavier weight of the operator. In addition to these physical maneuvers, adrenaline was administered to the horse. This drug is recommended for asystole in horses [6] and small animals [9]
Summary
A perioperative mortality rate from 0.12 to 0.9% has been reported in non-colic horses [1, 2]. Severe debilitating diseases and anaesthetic drugs-related factors have been described as leading causes of cardiac arrest in horses [1]. The occurrence of cardiac reflexes following change of hemodynamic conditions may lead to this complication. Peri-anaesthetic cardiac arrest, despite being uncommon, carries a poor outcome in horses [1, 2, 4], mainly because of the difficulties performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) maneuvers in this specie. The present case aimed to describe the successful detection and treatment of a cardiac arrest occurring after a postural change during the recovery phase of anaesthesia in a horse
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