Pericardial tamponade during balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty in a dog

Abstract

A 4-month-old entire male Coton de Tulear dog was referred for balloon valvuloplasty for treatment of severe valvular pulmonic stenosis. During the procedure, when attempting to pass the guide wire into the ventricle, the dog developed cardiac arrest. After initial resuscitation with chest compressions, manual ventilation, adrenaline and intravenous fluids, focused cardiac ultrasound revealed pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Pericardiocentesis resolved the haemodynamic emergency. This case report should raise awareness of pericardial tamponade as a possible complication during pulmonic stenosis balloon valvuloplasty. It describes the clinical signs observed during anaesthesia as well as how to treat it with a positive outcome.