Successful management of ventricular bigeminy using lidocaine in a horse anaesthetised for emergency laparotomy

Abstract

A 13‐year‐old mare was referred to the Equine Hospital of the University of Liege for colic, 1 week after foaling and was submitted to emergency laparotomy. During anaesthesia, the horse developed ventricular bigeminy that did not compromise haemodynamic stability. Lidocaine (two intravenous [iv] boluses of 1 mg/kg, followed by iv infusion of 1–2 mg/kg/h) effectively terminated the arrhythmia and the animal recovered uneventfully. Although cardiac arrhythmias associated with gastrointestinal disorders are mostly attributed to endotoxaemia, cardiac workup performed postoperatively should not be overlooked. The mare was discharged 23 days after surgery.