Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Muscle stiffness from fentanyl in a dog after surgery ventilation
By Kazumasu Sasaki et al.·Published in Veterinary Medicine and Science·2023·Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Service Sendai Animal Care and Research Center Sendai Japan, GB·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Fentanyl‐induced muscle rigidity in a dog during weaning from mechanical ventilation after emergency abdominal surgery: A case report
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
An 8.4-year-old female mixed breed dog experienced muscle stiffness and jaw closure after undergoing emergency surgery for a serious uterine infection (pyometra). This happened shortly after the anesthesia, which included fentanyl, was stopped. To address the muscle rigidity, the veterinarian gave naloxone, which quickly helped the dog start breathing on her own again. After a short recovery period, she was able to breathe normally and was safely taken off the ventilator. The dog stayed in the hospital for four days without any further issues and was discharged in good health.
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Abstract
Abstract A 22.5‐kg, 8.4‐year‐old female mixed breed dog was presented for an emergency ovariohysterectomy for pyometra. No neurological abnormalities were observed on preoperative physical examination. Surgery was completed uneventfully under fentanyl‐ and sevoflurane‐based anaesthesia. Cardiorespiratory indices remained stable under mechanical ventilation throughout the procedure. Approximately 23 min after the discontinuation of fentanyl infusion, the investigator noticed jaw closure and stiffness and thoraco‐abdominal muscle rigidity. To rule out fentanyl‐induced muscle rigidity, naloxone was administered. Following administration of naloxone, there was a return of spontaneous respiratory effort, indicated by capnogram and visible chest wall excursion. Based on the clinical signs and response to naloxone administration, the dog was diagnosed with suspected fentanyl‐induced muscle rigidity. Six minutes after the return of spontaneous respiration, the dog was extubated uneventfully without additional naloxone administration. During 4 days of postoperative hospitalization, no recurrent muscle rigidity was observed, and the patient was discharged safely. The total dose of fentanyl administered was 0.61 mg (27 μg kg−1).
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.1001