By Kendra Freeman, DVM, MS, DACVS (large animal); DACVS (small animal)

Presentation

A 12-year-old female spayed golden retriever 12 hours post splenectomy for hemoabdomen.

1) What percentage of canines will develop ventricular premature contractions after a splenectomy?

a) 20 percent

b) 40 percent

c) 60 percent

d) 80 percent

2) Splenic rupture is a risk factor for development of this arrhythmia?

a) True

b) False

3) The immediate treatment of choice for persistent tachycardia and hemodynamic instability is:

a) Lidocaine

b) Sotolol

c) Mexiletine

Check your answers on page 2.