Physiological, haemodynamic and haematological changes due to medetomidine-pethidine induced neuroleptanalgesia in experimental dogs

Abstract

Medetomidine @ 30µg/kg body weight (group A) and a combination of medetomidine @30µg/kg and pethidine @2 mg/ kg body weight (group B) were given in atropinized dogs divided into 2 groups of 5 animals each. Animals of group A showed only moderate sedation/analgesia but group B animals were completely anaestheized for 30-45 mm with excellent muscle relaxation. Transient but significant (P < 0.05) increase in heart rate and decrease in respiratory rate was recorded in both the groups. Arterial pressure and central venous pressure also showed significant increase (P<0.05) in both the groups but changes between the groups were insignificant. Haematological parameters (Hb, PCV, TEC, TLC) were not altered significantly in both the groups. Pethidine enhanced the analgesic and sedative effects of medetomidine substantially without potentiating its cardiovascular effects. The combination may be used safely for anaesthesia in dogs.