Sodium Nitroprusside-Induced Deliberate Hypotension to Facilitate Patent Ductus Arteriosus Ligation in Dogs

Abstract

Objective - To report the use of sodium nitroprusside to induce deliberate hypotension to reduce hemorrhage and facilitate surgical ligation of complicated patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in dogs. Study Design - Retrospective study. Animals - Six dogs. Methods - Hemorrhage occurred during surgical ligation of PDA in 5 dogs. Surgical dissection and isolation of the PDA were very difficult in a sixth dog that was considered to be at increased risk for ductus rupture. Sodium nitroprusside (5 to 25 μg/kg/min intravenously) was administered to these 6 dogs to induce hypotension to reduce blood loss and facilitate surgical ligation of the PDA. Results - Sodium nitroprusside infusion reduced blood pressure (mean arterial pressure, 45 to 60 mm Hg) within 5 to 10 minutes and hemorrhage from the PDA, facilitating its surgical ligation. Recovery from surgery and anesthesia was uneventful in all 6 dogs. Conclusions - Sodium nitroprusside infusion can be used to induce deliberate hypotension in dogs to facilitate surgical ligation of PDA. Clinical Relevance - Sodium nitroprusside infusion produces hypotension within 5 to 10 minutes and is easy to control, rapidly abates, and should help to facilitate surgical ligation of PDA. © Copyright 2003 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.