Hyperkalaemia in a greyhound under general anaesthesia

Abstract

AbstractCases of intraoperative hyperkalaemia in healthy greyhound dogs under general anaesthesia have previously been reported in veterinary literature. This case report describes the identification and treatment of hyperkalaemia in an otherwise healthy greyhound undergoing general anaesthesia for a fracture repair. The clinical signs were sudden bradycardia and loss of P waves on the electrocardiogram waveform. Treatment consisted of intravenous 10% calcium gluconate, rapid recovery from anaesthesia, intravenous glucose administration and continued serum potassium monitoring postoperatively. Potential aetiologies of the hyperkalaemia are discussed.