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Early recognition with capnography, and successful resuscitation, of severe cardiac dysfunction during transvenous electric cardioversion (TVEC) in a horse
  • Elliot Pye,
  • Miguel Gozalo-Marcilla,
  • Karen Blissitt
Elliot Pye
The University of Edinburgh Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Miguel Gozalo-Marcilla
The University of Edinburgh Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies
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Karen Blissitt
Royal (Dick) School of Vet Studies
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Abstract

A 19-year-old Cob mare with atrial fibrillation (AF) presented for transvenous electric cardioversion (TVEC). Under general anaesthesia, three successive incremental electric shocks were given (total 750 Joules) and sinus rhythm was temporarily restored. After 13 seconds, AF recurred so a fourth shock (300 Joules) was given and intravenous (IV) amiodarone started. Shortly after, capnography revealed an acute drop in the end-tidal carbon dioxide, which was followed by agonal gasping. Echocardiography showed severe cardiac dysfunction. Successful cardiac resuscitation consisted, amongst others, of cessation of amiodarone, and administration of dobutamine and adrenaline. This case report highlights the importance of capnography as a non-invasive means of cardiac output monitoring in equine anaesthesia which definitely contributed to a positive outcome. It also emphasises the critical importance of early recognition and communication of complications within anaesthetic and cardiology teams.
23 Feb 2023Submitted to Equine Veterinary Education
24 Feb 2023Submission Checks Completed
24 Feb 2023Assigned to Editor
24 Feb 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
14 Apr 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
14 Apr 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
02 Jul 20231st Revision Received
10 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
10 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
13 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
26 Jul 20232nd Revision Received
27 Jul 2023Submission Checks Completed
27 Jul 2023Assigned to Editor
27 Jul 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
27 Jul 2023Editorial Decision: Accept