Evaluation of atrial fibrillation induced during anesthesia with fentanyl and pentobarbital in German Shepherd Dogs with inherited arrhythmias

Abstract

Atrial fibrillation developed spontaneously and was induced in German Shepherd Dogs under fentanyl and pentobarbital anesthesia. Electrical activity was more organized in the left atrium than in the right atrium as judged by use of spectral entropy.

Anesthesia Case of the Month

“…4 Mechanisms of druginduced atrial fibrillation that have been described in people include adrenergic and vagal stimulation; direct cardiotoxicosis; changes in atrial conduction, refractoriness, or automaticity; coronary vasoconstriction or ischemia; and local electrolyte disturbances. In dogs, atrial fibrillation has been induced with fentanyl and pentobarbital, 7 and vagomimetic drugs have been shown to be associated with spontaneous atrial fibrillation in large-breed dogs. 8 These findings support the suggestion that vagal tone is an important contributor to the development of atrial fibrillation.…”