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Resuscitation of an anaesthetised foal with uroperitoneum and ventricular asystole
Author(s) -
Haga H. A.,
Risberg Å.,
Strand E.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
equine veterinary education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 2042-3292
pISSN - 0957-7734
DOI - 10.1111/j.2042-3292.2011.00233.x
Subject(s) - medicine , foal , anesthesia , asystole , abdomen , resuscitation , abdominal compartment syndrome , cardiopulmonary resuscitation , pulseless electrical activity , surgery , archaeology , history
Summary A 2‐day‐old male Quarter Horse foal was diagnosed with uroperitoneum and ruptured bladder. Intravenous fluid therapy was initiated prior to anaesthesia and repeated unsuccessful attempts were made to drain the abdomen of accumulated urine. Prior to anaesthesia the foal exhibited clinical signs of abdominal compartment syndrome. When anaesthetised the accumulated urine was drained by free flow through a small abdominal stab incision after aseptic site preparation. A few minutes later electrocardiography indicated second degree atrioventricular block which progressed into third degree atrioventricular block and ventricular asystole. The foal was resuscitated by closed chest compressions, mechanical ventilation, sympathomimetic and antimuscarinergic drugs. When anaesthetising these neonatal patients one must be prepared to handle potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias and, prior to surgery, the danger posed by increased intra‐abdominal pressure should be weighed against the need for diluting plasma potassium.