Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia
-
To determine the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane during the infusion of ketamine. ⋯ The MAC of isoflurane was significantly decreased by an infusion of ketamine and this was accompanied by an increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Because of the prolonged recovery in our cats, further work needs to be performed before using this in patients.
-
To assess the effects of a single intravenous dose of butorphanol (0.1 mg kg(-1)) on the nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) using threshold, suprathreshold and repeated subthreshold electrical stimuli in conscious horses. ⋯ Butorphanol has minimal effect on sharp immediate Adelta-mediated pain but may alter spinal processing and decrease the delayed sensations of pain.
-
Case Reports
Accidental prehension and suspected transmucosal or oral absorption of fentanyl from a transdermal patch in a dog.
A 100-microg hour(-1) transdermal fentanyl patch was applied to a 29-kg, 6-year-old, intact male mixed breed dog to help manage postoperative pain after total ear canal ablation and lateral bulla osteotomy. Two days later, the dog was found extremely sedated, and the reservoir of the transdermal patch was open. ⋯ The patch was removed, blood was drawn to determine serum fentanyl levels, and the dog recovered without incident. This clinical case documents the potential for neurologic sequelae, and bradycardia when fentanyl patches are used in animals to relieve postoperative pain.