Suspected bilateral phrenic nerve damage following a mediastinal mass removal in a 17 week old pug

Abstract

The anesthetic management of a pediatric pug for removal of a mediastinal mass is described. During recovery from anesthesia, the dog's respiratory pattern was compatible with bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. Incidence, complications, possible treatments of phrenic nerve injury, problems of long-term mechanical ventilation, and alternative case management are discussed