Cardiorespiratory and anaesthetic effects of two continuous rate infusions of dexmedetomidine in alfaxalone anaesthetized dogs

• Published in: Research in veterinary science 2014-08, Vol.97 (1), p.132-139
• Main Authors: Quirós Carmona, S., Navarrete-Calvo, R., Granados, M.M., Domínguez, J.M., Morgaz, J., Fernández-Sarmiento, J.A., Muñoz-Rascón, P., Gómez-Villamandos, R.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alfaxalone; Anaesthesia; Anesthesia; Anesthetics, Combined - administration & dosage; Animals; Blood Gas Analysis - veterinary; Blood pressure; Blood Pressure - drug effects; Body Temperature - drug effects; Calibration; Catheters; Cross-Over Studies; Dexmedetomidine; Dexmedetomidine - administration & dosage; Dogs; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug dosages; Heart Rate - drug effects; Hypnotics and Sedatives - administration & dosage; Infusions, Intravenous; Pregnanediones - administration & dosage; Prospective Studies; Respiratory Rate - drug effects; Stroke Volume - drug effects; Time Factors; Veterinary medicine
• ISSN: 0034-5288; 1532-2661
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2014.03.022

Six Beagles were used in this prospective randomised crossover experimental study. Dexmedetomidine was administered at 0, 1 or 2 μg/kg IV for group C, LDA and HDA, respectively. Animals were induced and maintained with alfaxalone at 0.07 mg/kg/min with a CRI dexmedetomidine dose of 0, 0.5 or 1 μg/kg/h for group C, LDA and HDA, respectively. Cardiorespiratory variables, arterial blood gases and depth of anaesthesia were recorded. The recovery times and quality of recovery were scored. Group HDA produced a greater increase in the depth of anaesthesia than LDA. However, with both protocols, CI was halved compared to normal values in dogs. The use of oxygen before and during the anaesthetic maintenance is advisable, mainly if dexmedetomidine is going to be use as a pre-medicant and maintenance agent. The quality of recovery was better in groups receiving dexmedetomidine, without causing an increase in recovery time.