Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Postanesthetic recumbency associated with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in a quarter horse.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1992
- Authors:
- Robertson, S A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
A Quarter Horse with a condition called hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (which causes episodes of muscle weakness) underwent surgery and initially recovered well. However, just two hours after the surgery, the horse became very weak and was unable to stand for more than a few seconds. Despite receiving treatment and careful nursing for a week, the horse remained down and developed serious skin sores from lying down. Tests showed no severe muscle damage, but a closer look at the muscle fibers revealed some abnormalities. Unfortunately, after seven days of not being able to stand, the decision was made to euthanize the horse.
Abstract
Anesthesia and surgery in a Quarter Horse affected with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis resulted in euthanasia after 7 days of postoperative recumbency. Initial recovery was uneventful after extensive sinus surgery, but within 2 hours, the horse had severe muscle weakness. Plasma electrolyte concentrations were within the normal range during the period of recumbency. There was no clinical or laboratory evidence of severe muscle damage. Despite treatment with acetazolamide, isoproterenol, and intensive nursing, the horse was unable to stand for more than a few seconds and developed severe decubital ulcers. Ultrastructural examination revealed nemaline rods and swollen mitochondria in disrupted myofibers.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1429160/