Dexmedetomidine Related Bradycardia Leading to Cardiac
Arrest in a Dog
C. Y. Chen2, K-S. Chen1,2, K. M.
Chang2, W. M. Lee1,2, S. C. Chang1,2
and H. C. Wang1,2
1Department of
Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine; 2
Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary
Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, 250-1 Kuo Kuang Road,
Taichung 402, Taiwan, R.O.C.
*Corresponding author: hcwang@dragon.nchu.edu.tw
Abstract
A 2-year-old, mixed breed female dog (16 kg) underwent
an exploratory laparotomy following ultrasonographic diagnosis of foreign body
and a segment of small intestine intussusceptions. The patient was classified as
an ASA II. Ketamine (1mg/kg, IV), and dexmedetomidine (2.5 µg/kg, IV), and
morphine (0.6 mg/kg, SC) were given as anesthetic premedication. Propofol (0.1
mg/kg, IV) titrated to a total amount of 4 ml (2.5 mg/ kg) was given for
intubation. Asystole was occurred. Cardiac resuscitation was then conducted
immediately. Atipamezole (0.1 ml) was injected, but showed no response on ECG.
Atropine (0.02 mg/kg) was then injected, and a second dosage was given.
Two-three mins later, the heart rate at 84 beats/min. The NIBP showed 203/132
with MAP 153 mmHg, and the SpO2 showed 95% after the cardiac function was
regained. Dexmedetomidine related bradycardia leading to cardiac arrest has been
suggested in this case.
Key words: Bradycardia, Cardiac arrest, Dexmedetomidine, Dog