Svania P. DVM, MSc student of Surgery, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Varkoulis K. DVM, MSc, ECVAA Resident, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Aggelou V. DVM, MSc, PhD, Surgery and Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Sarpekidou E. DVM, PhD Candidate, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Patsikas Μ. DVM, PhD, Dip ECVI, Professor of Diagnostic Imaging, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,Thessaloniki, Greece | Kazakos G. DVM, PhD, Associate Professor of Surgery and Anesthesia - Intensive Care, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
Introduction
The aim of the study was to describe the sudden onset of Torsade de Pointes arrythmia (TdP) in a bitch during lung lobectomy under general anesthesia. Dog suffered cardiac arrest simultaneously with hemodynamic destabilization and a change in electrocardiogram (ECG).
Clinical case
A 9- years old female spayed mixed breed dog was presented in Companion Animal Clinic (AUTh) for inability to charge its hind limps. CT scan revealed intervertebral disc projection at Th13-L1. Also, a 25.8 mm mass in the posterior right lobe of the lung was revealed accidentaly. Both lobectomy and spinal cord decompression surgery were scheduled. During lobectomy, ECG rhythm changed from sinus to TdP with hemodynamic destabilization and arrest. Intracardiac and intravenous adrenaline and cardiac compressions were performed by the surgeon.
Results
ECG was converted to a sinus rhythm, the lobectomy was successfully done and the bitch was transferred postoperatively to the Intensive Care Unit for 4 days. It was sedated for 29 hours and then it successfully extubated.
Conclusions
In this particular case, aggressive treatment of TdP arrhythmia may had prevented its progression to ventricular fibrillation.
