What should be done when symptoms of malignant hyperthermia occur during anesthesia?

When symptoms of malignant hyperthermia occur during anesthesia, terminating all anesthetic drugs is crucial. Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening condition that can be triggered by certain anesthetic agents, particularly halothane and certain muscle relaxants in genetically susceptible individuals. The condition leads to a rapid increase in body temperature, muscle rigidity, and a hypermetabolic state due to the uncontrolled release of calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle.

By ceasing all anesthetic drugs, you prevent further exacerbation of the condition. It's essential to immediately halt the use of any agents that could contribute to the ongoing hypermetabolic state, which could lead to severe complications like cardiac arrest if not managed promptly. Once the anesthetic agents are stopped, supportive measures can be taken to stabilize the patient, including cooling and managing electrolytes.

While cooling the animal is an important part of treatment for malignant hyperthermia, it should follow the immediate action of terminating the anesthetic drugs. Increasing oxygen flow to the patient may be beneficial but does not directly address the underlying problem of hyperthermia caused by the anesthetic drugs. Administering more anesthetic drugs could significantly worsen the crisis and is contraindicated.