Acute pulmonary oedema and electrocardiographic changes following ketamine administration in a crossbreed dog

Abstract

A 3-year-old male crossbreed dog presented with<br><br>1-week history of external otitis. During the initial clinical<br><br>examination, the dog appeared alert and bright and there<br><br>was no sign of other abnormalities. Ketamine was administered<br><br>intramuscularly to induce a light sedation in order to<br><br>perform otoscopic examination. Fifteen minutes following<br><br>ketamine administration, the dog showed severe respiratory<br><br>distress. Thoracic auscultation and radiography revealed the<br><br>occurrence of pulmonary oedema secondary to adverse side<br><br>effects of ketamine injection. Electrocardiographic findings<br><br>showed low-voltage QRS complexes which continued,<br><br>monitored via electrocardiograms, over the clinical course<br><br>of the respiratory distress. This eletrocardiographic pattern<br><br>disappeared completely the following day concurrent with<br><br>the resolution of any respiratory distress. In view of the<br><br>widespread use of ketamine by veterinary surgeons, the aim<br><br>of this report is to contribute towards an increased awareness<br><br>relating to unusual secondary cardiorespiratory effects of<br><br>ketamine within the veterinary practice.