[Malignant hyperthermia as a complication of anesthesia in the dog]

A moderate malignant hyperthermia developed in a Labrador Retriever anaesthetized with isoflurane for a femoral shaft fracture repair. Signs of malignant hyperthermia included progressive increases in PETCO2 and rectal temperature up to 39.8 degrees C, tachycardia, cyanosis, and elevated serum levels of potassium, inorganic phosphorus, AST, CK and alkaline phosphatase. Treatment initiated in the early recovery period consisted of hyperventilation with 100% oxygen, stomach lavage with iced water, body surface cooling, and intravenous administration of cold isotonic saline solution. Cooling was continued until the rectal temperature had dropped to 37.3 degrees C. After treatment the dog recovered uneventfully. Clinical signs, pathophysiology, therapy, prevention of malignant hyperthermia and its association with other disorders are discussed.