Dexmedetomidine Related Bradycardia Leading to Cardiac Arrest in a Dog

A 2-year-old, mixed breed female dog (16 kg) underwent an exploratory laparotomy following ultrasonographic diagnosis of foreign body and a segment of small intestine intussusceptions. the patient was classified as an asa ii. ketamine (1mg/kg, iv), and dexmedetomidine (2.5 μg/kg, iv), and morphine (0.6 mg/kg, sc) were given as anesthetic premedication. propofol (0.1 mg/kg, iv) titrated to a total amount of 4 ml (2.5 mg/ kg) was given for intubation. asystole was occurred. cardiac resuscitation was then conducted immediately. atipamezole (0.1 ml) was injected, but showed no response on ecg. atropine (0.02 mg/kg) was then injected, and a second dosage was given. two-three mins later, the heart rate at 84 beats/min. the nibp showed 203/132 with map 153 mmhg, and the spo2 showed 95% after the cardiac function was regained. dexmedetomidine related bradycardia leading to cardiac arrest has been suggested in this case.