Transient atrial fibrillation following total pneumonectomy for the treatment of a primary pulmonary chondrosarcoma, managed with one‐lung ventilation in a dog

Abstract

An 8-year and 2-month-old 37.2 kg crossbreed dog was presented with a persistent cough. Thoracic computed tomography was performed and identified a large lobar mass sitting within the left main stem bronchus. The mass was deemed operable, but considering the unique technical challenges associated with the surgery (need for specific ventilation strategies and risk of major haemorrhage) a guarded prognosis was given. A total left-sided pneumonectomy via a lateral thoracotomy was performed. One-lung ventilation was required in order to allow surgical access. During the surgery, the dog suddenly developed atrial fibrillation, which converted back to a normal sinus rhythm (SR) during the recovery period. The dog recovered uneventfully following the return to SR and was discharged 72 hours after the surgery. Histopathological results of the lung mass concluded to a primary pulmonary chondrosarcoma.