Studies on the Efficacy of Meloxicam as Adjunctive Analgesic in Xylazine –Propofol –Isoflurane Anesthetic Regimen in Dogs

Hamad, Amal; Gadallah, Shaaban; Torad, Faisal

doi:10.21608/jcvr.2017.38770

Studies on the Efficacy of Meloxicam as Adjunctive Analgesic in Xylazine –Propofol –Isoflurane Anesthetic Regimen in Dogs

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Egypt.

² Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.

10.21608/jcvr.2017.38770

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of meloxicam as an adjunctive analgesic in xylazine–propofol–isoflurane anesthetic regimen in dogs. For this purpose, six adult mongrel dogs were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Group ɪ; dogs were premedicated with subcutaneous atropine sulphate (0.04 mg kg-1) and intravenous xylazine (1 mg kg-1); Group ɪɪ; dogs were premedicated with intravenous meloxicam (0.2 mg kg-1) in addition to atropine sulphate (0.04 mg kg-1) and xylazine (1 mg kg-1). On both occasions, anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. The variables measured were: level of sedation (following premedication), induction dose, induction time, quality of induction, the degree of muscle relaxation, recovery time and quality, heart rate, non-invasive systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and rectal temperature. All parameters were recorded at baseline, after induction, 15 minutes after connection to isoflurane (0 time) and for 1.5 hours later at 15 minutes interval. Greater sedation, better muscle relaxation with a significant reduction in induction time, propofol induction dose with faster and smoother recovery were demonstrated in Group ɪɪ compared to Group ɪ. Cardiovascular and pulmonary parameters were better maintained in Group ɪɪ. There was no difference between the two groups with regard to body temperature and oxygen saturation. It was concluded that usage of meloxicam as an adjunctive analgesic in xylazine-propofol- isoflurane anesthetic regimen augmented its anesthetic effect and ameliorates some of the associated cardiopulmonary depressant effects. Anesthetic combination involving meloxicam can be considered a better alternative.

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