Fatal diaphragmatic rupture during recovery from general anaesthesia in a Standardbred horse

Abstract

A 23 years old Standardbred mare underwent elective enucleation of the left eye under general anaesthesia. Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia were unremarkable but the horse had a turbulent recovery phase twice rolling over on to its back. The horse showed agonal gasps and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was started immediately but ended with a fatal outcome. On the necropsy a fresh diaphragmatic tear was found with herniation of the colon and entire caecum into the thoracic cavity. This case illustrates an unusual complication during the recovery phase from general anaesthesia in the horse.