Propofol: application in veterinary sedation and anesthesia

Dose-dependent changes in orientation amplitude maps in the cat visual cortex after propofol bolus injections

A general intravenous anesthetic propofol (2,6-diisopropylphenol) is widely used in clinical, veterinary practice and animal experiments. It activates gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABAa) receptors. Though the cerebral cortex is one of the major targets of propofol action, no study of dose dependency of propofol action on cat visual cortex was performed yet. Also, no such investigation was done until now using intrinsic signal optical imaging. Here, we report for the first time on the dependency of optical signal in the visual cortex (area 17/area 18) on the propofol dose. Optical imaging of intrinsic responses to visual stimuli was performed in cats before and after propofol bolus injections at different doses on the background of continuous propofol infusion. Orientation amplitude maps were recorded. We found that amplitude of optical signal significantly decreased after a bolus dose of propofol. The effect was dose- and time-dependent producing stronger suppression of optical signal under the highest bolus propofol doses and short time interval after injection. In each hemisphere, amplitude at cardinal and oblique orientations decreased almost equally. However, surprisingly, amplitude at cardinal orientations in the ipsilateral hemisphere was depressed stronger than in contralateral cortex at most time intervals. As the magnitude of optical signal represents the strength of orientation tuned component, these our data give new insights on the mechanisms of generation of orientation selectivity. Our results also provide new data toward understanding brain dynamics under anesthesia and suggest a recommendation for conducting intrinsic signal optical imaging experiments on cortical functioning under propofol anesthesia.

Comparison between continuous rate infusion and target-controlled infusion of propofol in dogs: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare a propofol continuous rate infusion (CRI) with a target-controlled infusion (TCI) in dogs.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized prospective double-blinded clinical study.

ANIMALS

A total of 38 healthy client-owned dogs.

METHODS

Dogs premedicated intramuscularly with acepromazine (0.03 mg kg^-1) and an opioid (pethidine 3 mg kg^-1, morphine 0.2 mg kg^-1 or methadone 0.2 mg kg^-1) were allocated to P-CRI group (propofol 4 mg kg^-1 intravenously followed by CRI at 0.2 mg kg^-1 minute^-1), or P-TCI group [propofol predicted plasma concentration (Cp) of 3.5 μg mL^-1 for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia via TCI]. Plane of anaesthesia, heart rate, respiratory rate, invasive blood pressure, oxygen haemoglobin saturation, end-tidal carbon dioxide and body temperature were monitored by an anaesthetist blinded to the group. Numerical data were analysed by unpaired t test or Mann-Whitney U test, one-way analysis of variance and Dunnett's post hoc test. Categorical data were analysed with Fisher's exact test. Significance was set for p < 0.005.

RESULTS

Overall, propofol induced a significant incidence of relative hypotension (mean arterial pressure 20% below baseline, 45%), apnoea (71%) and haemoglobin desaturation (65%) at induction of anaesthesia, with a higher incidence of hypotension and apnoea in the P-CRI than P-TCI group (68% versus 21%, p = 0.008; 84% versus 58%, p = 0.0151, respectively). Propofol Cp was significantly higher at intubation in the P-CRI than P-TCI group (4.83 versus 3.5 μg mL^-1, p < 0.0001), but decreased during infusion, while Cp remained steady in the P-TCI group. Total propofol administered was similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Both techniques provided a smooth induction of anaesthesia but caused a high incidence of side effects. Titration of anaesthesia with TCI caused fewer fluctuations in Cp and lower risk of hypotension compared with CRI.

Hemodynamic variables in piglets anesthetized with isoflurane or propofol, kept under spontaneous ventilation and FIO2 of 0.5

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate comparatively the effects of propofol or isoflurane on hemodynamic variables in piglets that received inspired oxygen fraction (FIO2) of 0.5 under spontaneous ventilation. Therefore, sixteen piglets weighing 16±1.1kg, were randomly divided into two groups: GI (Isoflurane and FIO2 of 0.5) and GP (Propofol and FIO2 of 0.5). Heart rate (HR), systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP and MAP), central venous pressure (CVP), cardiac output (CO), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) and mean capillary pulmonary pressure (mCPP) were assessed 40 minutes after anesthetic induction (T0), followed by 15 minutes intervals (from T15 to T60). The variables cardiac index (CI), stroke volume (SV), stroke index (SI), total peripheral resistance (TPR), total peripheral resistance index (TPRI), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and pulmonary vascular resistance index (PVRI) were calculated. SAP and TPRI were significantly different between groups at T30 and T60 (P< 0.05) with higher GP values being recorded. There were no differences in the other variables, however, GP presented mean closer to normality on most of the analyzed variables. Therefore, we conclude that total intravenous anesthesia with propofol presented greater stability of the hemodynamic variables evaluated.

Clinicophysiological and haematobiochemical effects of dexmedetomidinepropofol-sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs

The present study was conducted to evaluate the clinicophysiological and haematobiochemical effects of dexmedetomidine in dogs undergoing propofol-sevoflurane anaesthesia. Twelve apparently healthy adult dogs were divided into two groups having 6 animals each. Animals of group I received atropine sulphate @ 0.04 mg/kg s.c. + dexmedetomidine @ 10 μg/kg i.v. while animals of group II were administered atropine sulphate @ 0.04 mg/ kg s.c. + dexmedetomidine @ 15 μg/kg i.v. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol (as i.v. bolus till effect) and maintained with sevoflurane. Clinicophysiological and haematobiochemical parameters were recorded at different intervals. Quicker attenuation of clinical reflexes was observed in both groups. Induction time was significantly lower while duration of anaesthesia, recovery time, standing time, complete recovery time and percent reduction in MAC of sevoflurane was significantly higher in group II. Non-significant differences in induction dose of propofol, physiological and haematobiochemical parameters were observed in both groups. Significant decrease in heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature, haemoglobin oxygen saturation and significant increase in mean arterial pressure was recorded in both the groups. Transient significant decrease in haemoglobin, total leukocyte count, total erythrocyte count and transient significant increase in glucose, urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and cortisol was recorded in both the groups. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate increased significantly while insulin level decreased significantly in both groups. Both anaesthetic combinations used in the present study produced satisfactory anaesthesia and muscle relaxation, therefore can be suggested for clinical use in canine patients undergoing propofol-sevoflurane anaesthesia.

Effect of oxygen supplementation on propofol anesthesia in acepromazine/tramadol premedicated dogs

Research in the area of injectable anesthetics in dogs requires mindfulness of ventilation, in order to supply artificial oxygen, which is often achieved with special equipment which may be unaffordable for veterinarians in developing countries. This study evaluated the effect of oxygen supplementation in dogs anesthetized with acepromazine-tramadol-propofol. Six Nigerian indigenous dogs were premedicated with intramuscular injection of acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg) and tramadol (5 mg/kg), followed by induction of anesthesia with propofol (4 mg/kg) IV 20 min later. Maintenance of anesthesia for 2 h was achieved with repeated bolus injections of propofol (2 mg/kg) at 10 min interval and anesthetized dogs breathed oxygen. This experimental trial was repeated a week later without oxygen supply as a control. Anesthetic indices, cardiopulmonary parameters, and rectal temperature were recorded at 10 min intervals for 2 h. Duration of anesthesia, duration of recumbency, time to extubation, and time to standing were not significantly (P > .05) different from their respective control values. Mean heart rate progressively decreased from the 60 min interval in both groups of anesthetized dogs. Mean arterial pressure in dogs with supplemented oxygen was similar to the control group. The mean oxygen-haemoglobin saturation was similar in both experimental trials. There was a progressive decrease in rectal temperature from the 60 min interval in both groups of anesthetized dogs. It was concluded that bolus injection of propofol, with and without supplemental oxygen, appeared to be efficacious and relatively safe in acepromazine-tramadol premedicated healthy dogs not undergoing any surgical or diagnostic procedures.

Effect of ketamine on the minimum infusion rate of propofol needed to prevent motor movement in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To determine the minimum infusion rate (MIR) of propofol required to prevent movement in response to a noxious stimulus in dogs anesthetized with propofol alone or propofol in combination with a constant rate infusion (CRI) of ketamine.

ANIMALS

6 male Beagles.

PROCEDURES

Dogs were anesthetized on 3 occasions, at weekly intervals, with propofol alone (loading dose, 6 mg/kg; initial CRI, 0.45 mg/kg/min), propofol (loading dose, 5 mg/kg; initial CRI, 0.35 mg/kg/min) and a low dose of ketamine (loading dose, 2 mg/kg; CRI, 0.025 mg/kg/min), or propofol (loading dose, 4 mg/kg; initial CRI, 0.3 mg/kg/min) and a high dose of ketamine (loading dose, 3 mg/kg; CRI, 0.05 mg/kg/min). After 60 minutes, the propofol MIR required to prevent movement in response to a noxious electrical stimulus was determined in duplicate.

RESULTS

Least squares mean ± SEM propofol MIRs required to prevent movement in response to the noxious stimulus were 0.76 ± 0.1 mg/kg/min, 0.60 ± 0.1 mg/kg/min, and 0.41 ± 0.1 mg/kg/min when dogs were anesthetized with propofol alone, propofol and low-dose ketamine, and propofol and high-dose ketamine, respectively. There were significant decreases in the propofol MIR required to prevent movement in response to the noxious stimulus when dogs were anesthetized with propofol and low-dose ketamine (27 ± 10%) or with propofol and high-dose ketamine (30 ± 10%).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Ketamine, at the doses studied, significantly decreased the propofol MIR required to prevent movement in response to a noxious stimulus in dogs.

Anaesthetic induction and recovery characteristics of a diazepam-ketamine combination compared with propofol in dogs

Induction of anaesthesia occasionally has been associated with undesirable behaviour in dogs. High quality of induction of anaesthesia with propofol has been well described while in contrast variable induction and recovery quality has been associated with diazepam-ketamine. In this study, anaesthetic induction and recovery characteristics of diazepam-ketamine combination with propofol alone were compared in dogs undergoing elective orchidectomy. Thirty-six healthy adult male dogs were used. After habitus scoring (simple descriptive scale [SDS]), the dogs were sedated with morphine and acepromazine. Forty minutes later a premedication score (SDS) was allocated and general anaesthesia was induced using a combination of diazepam-ketamine (Group D/K) or propofol (Group P) and maintained with isoflurane. Scores for the quality of induction, intubation and degree of myoclonus were allocated (SDS). Orchidectomy was performed after which recovery from anaesthesia was scored (SDS) and times to extubation and standing were recorded. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Kappa Reliability and Kendall Tau B tests. Both groups were associated with acceptable quality of induction and recovery from anaesthesia. Group P, however, was associated with a poorer quality of induction (p = 0.014), prolonged induction period (p = 0.0018) and more pronounced myoclonus (p = 0.003), but had better quality of recovery (p = 0.000002) and shorter recovery times (p = 0.035) compared with Group D/K. Diazepam-ketamine and propofol are associated with acceptable induction and recovery from anaesthesia. Propofol had inferior anaesthetic induction characteristics, but superior and quicker recovery from anaesthesia compared with diazepam-ketamine.

Novel and effective balanced intravenous-inhalant anaesthetic protocol in swine by using unrestricted drugs

Nowadays, because of increasing employment of swine for experimental studies and medical training, it is hopeful to investigate novel and effective anaesthetic protocols for preserving the animal welfare in medical investigation and concurrently improving the quality of research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate a novel and effective anaesthetic protocol in swine undergoing major surgery, by translating know-how of combined anaesthesia from human protocols. Seven landrace swine were anaesthetized for three hours by a combined trial anaesthetic protocol (sedation: medetomidine, acepromazine, atropine and tramadol; induction: propofol, medetomidine and acepromazine; anaesthesia: isofluorane, propofol, medetomidine and acepromazine) and both clinical and haemodynamic parameters were compared with those of five swine anaesthetized with a control protocol (sedation: diazepam, ketamine and atropina; induction: diazepam and ketamine; anaesthesia: isofluorane). Both cardiac frequency (CF) and mean blood pressure (MBP) were significantly (P<0.05) more stable in trial protocol (CF: 78.3 ± 4.6-81.1 ± 5, MBP: 63.9 ± 10.7-96.4 ± 13.0) compared to control protocol (CF: 93.7 ± 5.5-102.5 ± 8.5, MBP: 71.0 ± 6.6-108.7 ± 7.2). The body temperature remained stable in trial protocol (°C: 36.9 ± 0.7-37.2 ± 0.3) compared to control anaesthesia (°C: 36.4 ± 0.3-37.3 ± 0.2, P<0.05). Haematosis improved undergoing combined anaesthesia (+2%, P<0.05) whereas did not change in control animals. There were no differences in respiratory rate between trial and control protocols. This study demonstrates that the proposed balanced intravenous-inhalant protocol permits to carry out a very effective, stable and safe anaesthesia in swine undergoing deep anaesthesia.

Comparison of time to loss of consciousness and maintenance of anesthesia following intraosseous and intravenous administration of propofol in rabbits

OBJECTIVE

To compare time to loss of consciousness (LOC) and effective maintenance of anesthesia following intraosseous (IO) and IV administration of propofol in rabbits.

DESIGN

Evaluation study.

ANIMALS

24 New Zealand White rabbits.

PROCEDURES

Rabbits were selected to receive IO (n = 6) or IV (6) bolus administration of 1% propofol (12.5 mg/kg [5.67 mg/lb]) only or an identical bolus of propofol IO (6) or IV (6) followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI; 1 mg/kg/min [0.45 mg/lb/min]) by the same route for 30 minutes. Physiologic variables were monitored at predetermined time points; time to LOC and durations of anesthesia and recovery were recorded.

RESULTS

Following IO and IV bolus administration, mean time to LOC was 11.50 and 7.83 seconds, respectively; changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (as measured by pulse oximetry), and mean arterial blood pressure values were evident, but findings did not differ between groups. For the IO- and IV-CRI groups, propofol-associated changes in heart rate, oxygen saturation, and mean arterial blood pressure values were similar, and although mean arterial blood pressure decreased significantly from baseline, values remained > 60 mm Hg; respiratory rate decreased significantly during CRI in both groups, but remained higher in the IO-CRI group. Anesthesia and recovery time did not differ between the IO- and IV-CRI groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

In all evaluated aspects of anesthesia, IO administration of propofol was as effective as IV administration in rabbits. Results suggested that total IO anesthesia can be performed in rabbits with limited vascular access.

Intracranial variables in propofol or sevoflurane-anesthestized dogs subjected to subarachnoid administration of iohexol

The effects of subarachnoid administration of iohexol on intracranial hemodynamic in dogs anesthetized with propofol or sevoflurane were evaluated. Thirty adult animals (10.9±2.9kg) were distributed into two groups: PG, where propofol was used for induction (10±0.5mg/kg), followed by a continuous rate infusion at 0.55±0.15mg/kg/hour, and SG, where sevoflurane was administered for induction (2.5 MAC) and for anesthetic maintenance (1.5 MAC). A fiberoptic catheter was implanted on the right superficial cerebral cortex to monitor intracranial pressure (ICP). After 30 minutes, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected at the cisterna magna and iohexol was injected. The measurements were performed before CSF collection (TA), after the iohexol injection (T0), and at 10-minute intervals (T10 to T60). Intracranial pressure decreased at T0 in SG. Cerebral perfusion pressure at T0 was higher than at TA, T50 and T60 in PG, but in SG, the mean value at T0 was higher than the ones from T20 to T60. Mean arterial pressure at T0 was higher than at TA in PG, while in SG, the values from T20 to T60 were lower than at T0. The heart rate at T60 was lower than at T0 in PG. Cardiac output at TA was lower than at T60 in SG. The cerebrospinal fluid collection and administration of iohexol promoted decrease in intracranial pressure in sevolflurane-anesthetized dogs and increase in cerebral perfusion pressure in propofol-anesthetized dogs.

Sedative effects of propofol in horses

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that propofol can produce rapidly-reversible, dose-dependent standing sedation in horses.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective randomized, blinded, experimental trial.

ANIMALS

Twelve healthy horses aged 12 +/- 6 years (mean +/- SD), weighing 565 +/- 20 kg, and with an equal distribution of mares and geldings.

METHODS

Propofol was administered as an intravenous bolus at one of three randomized doses (0.20, 0.35 and 0.50 mg kg(-1)). Cardiovascular and behavioral measurements were made by a single investigator, who was blinded to treatment dose, at 3 minute intervals until subjective behavior scores returned to pre-sedation baseline values. Continuous data were analyzed over time using repeated-measures anova and noncontinuous data were analyzed using Friedman tests.

RESULTS

There were no significant propofol dose or temporal effects on heart rate, respiratory rate, vertical head height, or jugular venous blood gases (pH(v), P(v)O(2), P(v)CO(2)). The 0.35 mg kg(-1) dose caused mild sedation lasting up to 6 minutes. The 0.50 mg kg(-1) dose increased sedation depth and duration, but with increased ataxia and apparent muscle weakness.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Intravenous 0.35 mg kg(-1) propofol provided brief, mild sedation in horses. Caution is warranted at higher doses due to increased risk of ataxia.

Propofol-cetamina racêmica e propofol-cetamina levógira em cadelas: parâmetros eletrocardiográficos e outras variáveis fisiológicas

Estudaram-se os efeitos da infusão contínua da associação propofol e cetamina sobre variáveis fisiológicas e eletrocardiográficas e sua possível analgesia em 12 cadelas. Após indução com propofol, os animais receberam 0,4mg/kg/min de propofol + 0,2mg/kg/min de cetamina racêmica (n = 6, grupo PC) ou 0,4mg/kg/min de propofol + 0,1mg/kg/min de cetamina S+ (n = 6, grupo PCS). Avaliaram-se: teste álgico, freqüência cardíaca (FC), parâmetros eletrocardiográficos, freqüência respiratória (FR), pressão arterial sistólica, média e diastólica (PAS, PAM, PAD), saturação da oxiemoglobina (SpO2) e temperatura retal (TR). Houve elevação da FC sem alterações eletrocardiográficas, com exceção de aumento na amplitude da onda T em um animal de cada grupo. A FR diminuiu, e os valores de SpO2 ficaram abaixo de 90% em alguns momentos nos dois grupos. PAS, PAM e PAD diminuíram, mas não houve diferença entre os protocolos. Não se observou analgesia em sete animais, três cadelas apresentaram analgesia discreta, e apenas duas demonstraram analgesia favorável. Conclui-se que os protocolos são seguros em cadelas, contudo não há analgesia suficiente para procedimento cirúrgico. As alterações eletrocardiográficas foram relacionadas à FC e à amplitude de onda T, sendo esta sugestiva de hipóxia do miocárdio.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety for use of two sedation and analgesia protocols to facilitate assisted ventilation of healthy dogs

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness and safety of 2 sedative-analgesic protocols to facilitate assisted ventilation in healthy dogs.

ANIMALS

12 healthy dogs.

PROCEDURES

Dogs were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Mean dosages for protocol 1 were diazepam (0.5 mg/kg/h [n = 3 dogs]) or midazolam (0.5 mg/kg/h [3]), morphine (0.6 mg/kg/h [6]), and medetomidine (1.0 microg/kg/h [6]). Mean dosages for protocol 2 were diazepam (0.5 mg/kg/h [n = 3]) or midazolam (0.5 mg/kg/h [3]), fentanyl (18 microg/kg/h [6]), and propofol (2.5 mg/kg/h [6]). Each dog received the drugs for 24 consecutive hours. All dogs were mechanically ventilated with adjustments in minute volume to maintain normocapnia and normoxemia. Cardiorespiratory variables were recorded. A numeric comfort score was assigned hourly to assess efficacy. Mouth care, position change, and physiotherapy were performed every 6 hours. Urine output was measured every 4 hours.

RESULTS

Use of both protocols maintained dogs within optimal comfort ranges > 85% of the time. The first dog in each group was excluded from the study. Significant decreases in heart rate, oxygen consumption, and oxygen extraction ratio were evident for protocol 1. Cardiac index values in ventilated dogs were lower than values reported for healthy unsedated dogs. Oxygen delivery, lactate concentration, and arterial base excess remained within reference ranges for both protocols.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Use of both protocols was effective for facilitating mechanical ventilation. A reduction in cardiac index was detected for both protocols as a result of bradycardia. However, oxygen delivery and global tissue perfusion were not negatively affected.

Anesthetic and cardiopulmonary effects of intramuscular morphine, medetomidine, ketamine injection in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To determine the quality and duration of anesthesia and the cardiopulmonary effects of a morphine, medetomidine, ketamine (MMK) combination administered intramuscularly (IM) to dogs.

STUDY DESIGN

Descriptive injectable anesthetic protocol evaluation.

ANIMALS

Eight intact adult Beagle dogs: five males, three females.

METHODS

The electrocardiogram, heart rate, direct arterial blood pressure, and core body temperature were monitored in eight chronically instrumented dogs. Each dog received 0.2 mg kg(-1) morphine sulfate, 20 microg kg(-1) medetomidine hydrochloride, and 5 mg kg(-1) ketamine hydrochloride IM. Anesthetic and analgesic effects (clamping the tail and metatarsus) were categorized, and the times to lateral recumbency, orotracheal intubation, extubation, and sternal recumbency were recorded. Respiratory, cardiovascular, temperature, and acid-base variables were recorded 5 minutes before, and 3, 10, 20, 30, 45, 50, and 60 minutes after MMK. Atipamezole, 100 microg kg(-1) IM, was administered 60 minutes after MMK administration and data recorded 10 minutes later.

RESULTS

The onset of anesthesia was uneventful and rapid. Time to lateral recumbency was 7.1 +/- 4.1 minutes. The tracheas of four dogs were orally intubated in 5.1 +/- 0.8 minutes. After MMK administration most dogs were unresponsive to noxious stimulation from 20 to 60 minutes and heart rate, cardiac index and venous blood pH were significantly decreased from baseline values. Arterial blood pressure increased initially and then returned to baseline values. Times to extubation (four dogs) and return to sternal recumbency after atipamezole administration were 2.8 +/- 1.8 and 4.3 +/- 4.4 minutes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The IM administration of MMK produced anesthesia and analgesia in Beagle dogs. Hemodynamic data were within accepted normal values. Atipamezole administration produced rapid return to consciousness in all dogs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Morphine/medetomidine/ketamine may be used for minor medical and surgical procedures requiring short-term anesthesia and analgesia but it is not recommended for medical procedures that are painful.

A comparison of the effects of propofol and etomidate on the induction of anesthesia and on cardiopulmonary parameters in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of propofol or etomidate on induction quality, arterial blood pressure, blood gases, and recovery quality in normal dogs.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized, blinded trial.

ANIMALS

Eighteen purpose-bred adult Beagles.

METHODS

Dogs were randomly assigned to receive propofol at 8 mg kg(-1) or etomidate at 4 mg kg(-1) intravenously (IV) administered to effect. Midazolam was administered at 0.3 mg kg(-1) IV as pre-medication at least 1 minute prior to induction. Direct arterial blood pressure, arterial blood gases, and heart rate were obtained at baseline, before induction, after induction, and for every 5 minutes afterwards until the dog began to swallow and the trachea was extubated. The dogs were allowed to breathe room air with the endotracheal tube in place.

RESULTS

The systolic arterial pressure (SAP) was higher in the etomidate group compared with the propofol group after induction. The SAP and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were higher in the etomidate group compared with the propofol group at 5 minutes. The recovery quality and ataxia score were worse in the etomidate group compared with the propofol group. Time from extubation to sternal recumbency and sternal recumbency to standing was longer in the etomidate group compared with the propofol group. The heart rate, PaCO(2), and HCO(3) were higher in the propofol group compared with the etomidate group after induction. The PaO(2) and SaO(2) were lower in the propofol group compared with the etomidate group after induction. The SAP and MAP were lower in the propofol group at 5 minutes compared with baseline.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Propofol caused a decrease in SAP and MAP which was not observed with etomidate. Etomidate caused longer and poorer recoveries than propofol.

Effects of Diazepam or Lidocaine Premedication on Propofol Induction and Cardiovascular Parameters in Dogs

The effects of diazepam or lidocaine on the propofol induction dose and certain cardiovascular parameters were documented in this randomized, blinded study. Dogs received 0.9% saline (0.1 mL/kg intravenously [IV]), lidocaine (2 mg/kg IV), or diazepam (0.25 mg/kg IV) prior to propofol IV until loss of jaw tone was achieved (up to a maximum of 8 mg/kg). Propofol was followed by 0.3 mg/kg atracurium IV. Direct arterial blood pressures and heart rates were recorded before premedication, induction, and intubation. No statistically significant differences were found among the groups for cardiovascular measurements or for the propofol dose required for intubation.

Quantitative electroencephalographic findings in beagles anaesthetized with propofol

The purpose of this study was to assess quantitative electroencephalography (q-EEG) in 10 healthy beagle dogs under propofol anaesthesia in order to determine objective guidelines for diagnostic electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings and interpretation. The basic pattern after preliminary visual examination of EEG recordings was characterized by spindles, k-complexes, vertex sharp transients, and positive occipital transients that were superimposed on the slow background activity. The results of the q-EEG were characterized by the prevalence of slow rhythms delta and theta, both in absolute and relative power spectrum analysis, while fast rhythms (alpha and beta) were poorly represented. The distribution of single frequency bands was widespread for delta, focal for frontal and central for theta, as well as for most alpha and beta patterns. The present study has shown that the use of quantitative EEG gives information on the frequency content of the bio-electrical activity and defines the distribution of the single frequency bands under a standardized anaesthetic protocol.

Primate anesthesia

This article provides an update on some of the recent advances in primate anesthesia. It focuses in particular on some of the newest information available regarding the effects of opioids and alpha-2 agonists in primates, and how these effects are different from what we might expect in other companion animals. It reviews the important properties of the latest induction and inhalation agents, and stresses the need for continuous monitoring of the anesthetized patient.

Surgical emergencies of the respiratory system

Management of the patient in respiratory distress requires an efficient and accurate diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. This article describes the approach to patients with respiratory compromise, including the indications and techniques for performing emergency surgical procedures. The clinical features of upper airway obstruction, thoracic wall trauma, and pleural space disease are discussed.