Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia
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Objective This clinical trial attempted to evaluate the potency, onset and duration of action of cis-atracurium in dogs. Animals Twenty dogs aged between 1 and 15 years and weighing between 15 and 85 kg admitted for a variety of elective, surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. Materials and methods Following induction of general anaesthesia, the effects of an intravenous loading dose of cis-atracurium (0.1 mg kg-1) were evaluated by counting visual responses to train of four (TOF) nerve stimulation. ⋯ Conclusions Cis-atracurium is an effective neuromuscular blocking agent in the dog, although its potency varies. Clinical Relevance Further studies are required to determine whether observed differences in potency are related to age, breed or sex. Cis-atracurium may prove useful in dogs with impaired renal and or hepatic function.
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Objective To compare the magnitude and duration of the peri-operative haematological, endocrine and metabolic effects of surgery performed under sevoflurane anaesthesia. Study Design Prospective randomized study. Animals Ten, 55-day-old lambs of both sexes, mean weight 20.8 ± 0.3 kg (range 18.5-23.6 kg). ⋯ Plasma protein and glucose concentrations did not change. Conclusions Increased ACTH and cortisol concentrations recorded 1 hour after anaesthesia suggest that sevoflurane induces a stress response in lambs. Clinical relevance The study did not identify the mechanism by which sevoflurane induces a stress response although hypotension is implicated.
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Objective To quantify the vapour output of the Komesaroff machine when using sevoflurane and to determine its performance for inducing and maintaining sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs. Study design Prospective experimental study. Animals Six clinically normal beagles, aged 3-6 years and weighing 20 ± 1.65 kg (mean ± SEM). ⋯ The pedal withdrawal reflex persisted throughout anaesthesia. Conclusions It proved impossible to produce surgical anaesthesia with sevoflurane delivered by the Komesaroff machine despite the highest possible sevoflurane concentration being delivered. Clinical relevance Sevoflurane delivered from the Komesaroff machine cannot be relied upon to maintain surgical anaesthesia in spontaneously breathing dogs.