A COMPLICATION OF CARDIAC CATHETERIZATION IN THE DOG:

This case history describes a fatal complication of cardiac catheterization in a dog. A 2-year-old intact female miniature Schnauzer presented with a one month history of coughing, tachypnea, and dyspnea that was unresponsive to medical therapy. On clinical examination, a 4/6 systolic murmur was auscultated over the left and right fourth intercostal spaces. Lung sounds were diffusely increased. Survey radiographs revealed cardiomegaly and pulmonary edema. Cardiac catheterization was undertaken to clarify the cause of congestive cardiac failure but was abandoned when contrast medium was seen in the pericardial sac following an attempted injection of the contrast medium into the left ventricle. During recovery from anesthesia progressive pallor, hemothorax, and respiratory distress developed. The dog died 10 hours later despite aggressive support therapy. Gross necropsy revealed hemorrhage into the pericardial sac and pleural space, thrombus formation around and perforation of the right coronary artery.