Dobutamine infusion without pericardiocentesis as a treatment for cardiac tamponade due to left atrial rupture in a dog

We describe the successful management of an obstructive shock case caused by cardiac tamponade following atrial rupture. The dog was an 11-year-old female chihuahua with a 1-year history of mitral valve insufficiency. During a radiographic examination, the dog collapsed. We diagnosed a case of obstructive shock caused by cardiac tamponade following left atrial rupture, secondary to mitral valve regurgitation. After administration of atropine and dobutamine, the blood pressure stabilised. The dog regained consciousness and was discharged 96 hours post collapse. The use of dobutamine should be considered in selected obstructive shock cases and may reduce the high mortality rate associated with atrial rupture.