Halothane induced porcine malignant hyperthermia reversed by dantrolene

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) was observed in three cases of Halothane anesthesia performed in six littermate pigs. In two pigs, MH was totally reversed by the intravenous administration of Dantrolene 2 or 3 mg/kg. In one pig, an injection of 2 mg/kg reversed the MH symptoms transiently Dantrolene had no effect on the serum lactate values elevated in the MH-positive pigs. The therapeutic use of Dantrolene appears to be indicated in the stress-susceptible pigs.