Suspected pulmonary oedema development in a pig following general anaesthesia and the associated complications encountered during a subsequent general anaesthetic

Abstract

Abstract: An 85‐kg, 6‐year‐old pig presenting with stranguria was anaesthetised for computed tomography and cystotomy. During this anaesthetic, bradyarrhythmias occurred twice, both responding to medical intervention. A cystotomy tube was placed but the removal of one urethrolith was not possible. Recovery from anaesthesia was uneventful. During hospitalisation, the animal's respiratory rate and effort increased, with crackles on thoracic auscultation. As this responded to antibiotics and a reduction in intravenous fluid therapy, the pig underwent a second anaesthetic for a percutaneous cystolithotomy to remove the urethrolith. On induction of anaesthesia, clear fluid was visible in the oropharynx. This was removed by suction but after intubation large volumes flowed from the respiratory tract via the endotracheal tube. The pig's condition was stabilised during the anaesthetic with intravenous furosemide and intermittent positive‐pressure ventilation. Surgery was completed and the animal recovered from anaesthesia. Postoperatively the pig developed severe dyspnoea and cardiopulmonary arrest.