Postanesthetic equine myopathy suggestive of malignant hyperthermia. A case report

Vet Surg. 1989 Nov-Dec;18(6):479-82. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-950x.1990.tb01131.x.

Abstract

Signs of malignant hyperthermia, including progressive increases in PaCO2, skin temperature and heart rate, and elevated serum levels of potassium, inorganic phosphate, and creatine kinase, were identified in a halothane-anesthetized horse. Treatment was discontinuing halothane administration, applying ice and cold fluids, and hyperventilating with 100% oxygen. After an initial recovery, bilateral hindlimb myopathy and pigmenturia developed. The myopathy resolved after treatment with oral dantrolene, IV fluids, and hydrocortisone. Results of caffeine-halothane challenge, using semimembranosus muscle collected 2 weeks after the episode, were considered within normal limits for horses. The intraoperative abnormalities were evidently predictive of postanesthetic myopathy but the cause in this horse remained unclear.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, General / adverse effects
  • Anesthesia, General / veterinary*
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Halothane*
  • Horse Diseases / etiology*
  • Horses
  • Malignant Hyperthermia / etiology
  • Malignant Hyperthermia / veterinary*
  • Muscular Diseases / etiology
  • Muscular Diseases / veterinary*

Substances

  • Halothane