Fentanyl-induced muscle rigidity in a dog during weaning from mechanical ventilation after emergency abdominal...

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 ).