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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Dog died from air around heart after laparoscopic spay surgery

By Best, E J & Hellewell, E·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2017·Rowe Veterinary Hospital, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed

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Original publication title: Pneumopericardium as a complication of laparoscopy for ovariectomy.

Species:
dog

Plain-English summary

A one-year-old poodle-cocker spaniel mix was brought in for a routine laparoscopic ovariectomy (a surgery to remove the ovaries). The surgery went well, but after the procedure, the dog showed signs of serious heart problems and sadly passed away. A post-mortem exam revealed that air had built up around the heart, a condition known as pneumopericardium, which can lead to cardiac tamponade (pressure on the heart). This case highlights the potential risks associated with surgical procedures, even when they seem straightforward.

People also search for: dog surgery complications · poodle cocker spaniel heart problems · pneumopericardium in dogs

Abstract

A one-year-old poodle×cocker spaniel bitch was presented for laparoscopic ovariectomy. Pre-operative examination was unremarkable. The left ovariectomy was performed uneventfully. Following insufflation of the abdomen and repositioning of the patient, signs consistent with cardiac tamponade developed, resulting in death. Post-mortem radiography demonstrated pneumopericardium.

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Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28276117/