Treatment for a severe reaction to intravenous administration of diatrizoate in an anesthetized horse

Abstract

A mature horse developed acute signs of bronchoconstriction causing hypoxemia and hypercapnia during anesthesia for computerized tomography of the maxillary sinus after IV administration of diatrizoate contrast medium. The horse was treated with aerosolized albuterol, atropine, and oxygen insufflation and recovered uneventfully despite severe hypoxemia and low hemoglobin saturation. The horse's condition continued to improve after treatment, and the horse was discharged with no further complications. Caution is advised with the use of contrast media in anesthetized horses.