Increasing halothane concentration abolishes anesthesia-associated arrhythmias in cats and dogs

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1988 Jun 15;192(12):1730-5.

Abstract

Fifteen cats and 6 dogs developed ventricular arrhythmias during halothane anesthesia. Halothane was administered by precision vaporizer, using a semiclosed anesthetic system. Cardiac arrhythmias were diagnosed within 5 to 10 minutes after a surgical plane of anesthesia was achieved. Arrhythmias in 9 of 15 cats and 3 of 6 dogs were converted to sinus rhythm by increasing the inspired halothane concentration. Conversion to sinus rhythm occurred within 4 minutes. Cardiac arrhythmias were reestablished in 8 of 9 cats and 2 of 3 dogs, after decreasing the inspired halothane concentration to its original value. Increasing the inspired halothane concentration can convert anesthetic-associated ventricular arrhythmias to sinus rhythm in dogs and cats.

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia / adverse effects
  • Anesthesia / veterinary*
  • Animals
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / chemically induced
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / prevention & control
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / veterinary*
  • Cat Diseases / chemically induced
  • Cat Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Cats
  • Dog Diseases / chemically induced
  • Dog Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Dogs
  • Electrocardiography / veterinary
  • Halothane / administration & dosage*
  • Halothane / adverse effects

Substances

  • Halothane