Transient third-degree atrioventricular block during anesthesia in a cat

Abstract

Background: Third-degree atrioventricular block (AVB) is usually permanent, with transient cases being rare. Cats with transient third-degree AVB. It had been not reported in detail.
Case Description: A 9.3-year-old, male shorthair cat was evaluated for possible nervous disease resulting from otitis interna. Under propofol and isoflurane anesthesia, this cat developed a third-degree AVB. Isoproterenol was administered by continuous infusion to increase its heart rate. During recovery, heart rate returned to sinus bradycardia together with first-degree AVB without medical treatment. The cause of transient AVB was not observed at the examination.
Conclusion: The case of this cat suggests that anesthesia can result in a transient third-degree AVB.