Anaesthesia considerations for a patient with suspected myasthenia gravis

This extended patient care report highlights the nursing considerations required to safely and effectively manage a case with myasthenia gravis (MG) throughout the peri-anaesthetic period. It also focuses on the secondary conditions that may occur and outlines the nursing interventions and potential complications that can arise during the pre-anaesthetic and postanaesthetic stage. Veterinary nurse (RVN) knowledge of the condition is important in order to predict outcomes, minimise complications and maximise patient care. Autonomy of the RVN, gives further responsibility to understand and communicate potential problems with specialised diseases in order to correct, support and prevent further deterioration.

Species: Canine

Breed: Medium crossbreed

Age: 2 years 7 months

Sex: Male (entire)

Weight: 22.6 kg

This patient was considered class III for anaesthesia according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Scale (moderate risk) (Academy of Veterinary Technician Anesthetists, 2013).

The patient presented to the primary care practice with diarrhoea, vomiting, regurgitation and pelvic limb weakness. The veterinary surgeon suspected neurological involvement and referred the patient to a specialist practice for further investigation. The history acknowledged a systolic heart murmur grade II/VI but no assessment from a cardiologist or echocardiogram was performed.