Anaesthetic management and peri-operative complications in dogs undergoing cardiac electrophysiology studies and radio-frequency catheter ablations

EP studies and RFCA for SVT in dogs can be performed under general anaesthesia with a low incidence of major or catastrophic complications. Anaesthetic protocols using a <i>μ</i>-opioid agonist ± acepromazine, propofol induction, and isoflurane maintenance facilitated completion of procedures. Although intraoperative arrhythmias, hypotension, and hypoventilation were common, these events were manageable. Severe complications and peri-operative mortality were uncommon, and overall outcomes were favourable. Careful anaesthetic planning, consideration of the severity of underlying cardiac disease, and preparedness for cardiopulmonary emergencies are recommended to optimise patient management and outcomes.