Postanesthetic recumbency associated with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in a quarter horse
Robertson, S.A.; Green, S.L.; Carter, S.W.; Bolon, B.N.; Brown, M.P.; Shields, R.P.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 201(8): 1209-1212
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 1429160 Document Number: 388857
Anesthesia and surgery in a Quarter Horse affected with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis resulted in euthanasia after 7 days of postoperative recumbency. Initial recovery was uneventful after extensive sinus surgery, but within 2 hours, the horse had severe muscle weakness. Plasma electrolyte concentrations were within the normal range during the period of recumbency. There was no clinical or laboratory evidence of severe muscle damage. Despite treatment with acetazolamide, isoproterenol, and intensive nursing, the horse was unable to stand for more than a few seconds and developed severe decubital ulcers. Ultrastructural examination revealed nemaline rods and swollen mitochondria in disrupted myofibers.