A comparison of the haemodynamic effects of isoflurane and halothane anaesthesia in horses

The purpose of this study was to compare the haemodynamic effects of equipotent isoflurane and halothane anaesthesia. Six adult horses were investigated on two separate occasions at least 4 weeks apart. On both occasions anaesthesia was induced by ketamine 2.2 mg/kg bwt given 5 min after i.v. administration 100 microg/kg bwt romifidine. Anaesthesia was maintained either by halothane or isoflurane (end-tidal concentrations 0.9-1.0% and 1.3-1.4%, respectively). Horses were ventilated by intermittent positive pressure to maintain PaCO2 between 40-50 mmHg. Haemodynamic variables were measured using catheter-mounted strain gauge transducers in the left and right ventricle, aorta, and right atrium. Cardiac output (CO), velocity time integral (VTI), maximal aortic blood flow velocity (Vmax) and acceleration (dv/dt(max)), left ventricular pre-ejection period (PEP) and ejection time (ET) were measured from aortic blood flow velocity waveforms obtained by transoesophageal Doppler echocardiography. Flow velocity waveforms were recorded from the femoral arteries and veins using low pulse repetition frequency Doppler ultrasound. Time-averaged mean velocity (TAV), velocity of component a (TaVa), velocity of component b (TaVb) and early diastolic deceleration slope (EDDS) were measured. Pulsatility index (PI) and volumetric flow were calculated. Microvascular blood flow was measured in the left and right semimembranosus muscles by laser Doppler flowmetry. Maximal rate of rise of LV pressure (LVdp/dt(max)), CO, Vmax, dv/dt(max), ET, VTI were significantly higher at all time points during isoflurane anaesthesia compared to halothane anaesthesia. Pre-ejection period and diastolic aortic blood pressure were significantly less throughout isoflurane anaesthesia compared to halothane. Isoflurane anaesthesia was associated with significantly lower systemic vascular resistance than halothane anaesthesia. Femoral arterial and venous blood flow were significantly higher and EDDS and PI were significantly lower during isoflurane anaesthesia compared to halothane anaesthesia. In addition during both halothane and isoflurane anaesthesia, femoral arterial flow was higher and EDDS and PI lower in the left (dependent) artery compared to the right (nondependent) artery. This study supports previous work demonstrating improved left ventricular systolic function during isoflurane compared to halothane anaesthesia. This improvement was still evident after premedication with a potent-long acting alpha2-adrenoreceptor agonist, romifidine, and induction of anaesthesia with ketamine. There was also evidence of increased hindlimb blood flow during isoflurane anaesthesia. However, there were differences observed in flow between the left and right hindlimb during maintenance of anaesthesia with each agent, suggesting that there were differences in regional perfusion in anaesthetised horses caused by factors unrelated to agents administered.     

Transplacental transfer of propofol in pregnant ewes

Propofol is an injectable anaesthetic that is currently used both in veterinary and human medicine for the induction and maintenance of anaesthesia. Although little is known about the pharmacokinetics of propofol in fetuses, it is widely used in obstetric procedures, particularly in caesarean section. This study determines the pharmacokinetics of propofol in pregnant ewes in the last third of pregnancy, and placental transfer and pharmacokinetics in fetuses after the administration of a 6 mg/kg intravenous (i.v.) bolus (phase 1) or a 6 mg/kg i.v. bolus followed by continued infusion of 0.4 mg/kg/min. In ewes, the area under the blood concentration-time curve (AUC) and C(max) (8.6 mgh/mL and 9.5mg/mL, respectively) was higher than those of the fetus (1.6 mgh/mL and 1.19 mg/mL, respectively). The mean half-life was 0.5h in the dam and 1.1h in the fetus.     

A comparison of propofol infusion and propofol/isoflurane anaesthesia in dexmedetomidine premedicated dogs

The effects of propofol infusion were compared with propofol/isoflurane anaesthesia in six beagles premedicated with 10 microg/kg intramuscular (i.m.) dexmedetomidine. The suitability of a cold pressor test (CPT) as a stress stimulus in dogs was also studied. Each dog received isoflurane (end tidal 1.0%, induction with propofol) with and without CPT; propofol (200 microg/kg/min, induction with propofol) with and without CPT; premedication alone with and without CPT in a randomized block study in six separate sessions. Heart rate and arterial blood pressures and gases were monitored. Plasma catecholamine, beta-endorphin and cortisol concentrations were measured. Recovery profile was observed. Blood pressures stayed within normal reference range but the dogs were bradycardic (mean heart rate < 70 bpm). PaCO2 concentration during anaesthesia was higher in the propofol group (mean > 57 mmHg) when compared with isoflurane (mean < 52 mmHg). Recovery times were longer with propofol than when compared with the other treatments. The mean extubation times were 8 +/- 3.4 and 23 +/- 6.3 min after propofol/isoflurane and propofol anaesthesia, respectively. The endocrine stress response was similar in all treatments except for lower adrenaline level after propofol infusion at the end of the recovery period. Cold pressor test produced variable responses and was not a reliable stress stimulus in the present study. Propofol/isoflurane anaesthesia was considered more useful than propofol infusion because of milder degree of respiratory depression and faster recovery.     

A comparison of the immunological effects of propofol and isoflurane for maintenance of anesthesia in healthy dogs

Most anesthetics have an immuno-suppressive effect on cellular and neurohumoral immunity, and research shows that total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol has a greater immuno-protective effect than inhalational anesthesia in human medicine. However, in veterinary clinics, these effects remain ambiguous. To clarify the details, we focused on propofol and isoflurane, investigating clinical blood hematology and immunological profiles drawn from healthy dogs under and after two anesthesia techniques. Twelve healthy adult beagles were included in this study, randomly assigned to the propofol anesthesia group (group P: n=6) or the isoflurane anesthesia group (group I: n=6). In both groups, the number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood decreased after 2 hr of anesthesia (2 hr), but group P showed significantly less decrease than group I. For T-lymphocyte subsets examined by flowcytometry, the ratio of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) of group P at 2 hr also exhibited a high level compared to group I. Moreover, for mRNA expression of cytokines measured by real-time PCR, the IL2 (pro-inflammatory cytokine) of group P showed no decrease like group I. The IL10 (anti-inflammatory cytokine) of group P also showed no increase like group I, while both cytokines maintained nearly the same level until 2 hr. These results suggest that, compared to propofol, isoflurane had more strongly immuno-suppression caused by anesthesia, and propofol itself might have some immuno-protective effects. Thus, TIVA with propofol might benefit immunological support in the perioperative period of dogs.     

A comparison of the haemodynamic effects of epidurally administered medetomidine and xylazine in dogs

Alpha₂ agonists have a significant role in epidural anaesthetic techniques. However, there are few reports regarding epidural administration of these drugs especially in small animals ( Greene et al. 1995; Keegan et al. 1995; Vesal et al. 1996 ). This study compared the haemodynamic effects of xylazine and medetomidine after epidural injection in dogs. Six dogs (four females and two males) weighing 27.5 ± 3.39 kg, aged 5.6 ± 1.42 years were studied on two separate occasions one month apart. Dogs were sedated with 0.5 mg kg^?1 diazepam IM and 0.1 mg kg^?1 acepromazine IM. After 20 minutes, a lumbosacral epidural injection of 0.25 mg kg^?1 xylazine was administered (group X). One month later, following the same sedation, 15 µg kg^?1 medetomidine was administered epidurally (group M). Haemodynamic variables (ECG and indirect blood pressure (Doppler)), respiratory rate and rectal temperature were recorded before (baseline) and then every 5 minutes after the epidural injection, up to 60 minutes. Differences between groups were compared by a paired t‐test. Within group changes were compared to basal values by anova . A p‐value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Both groups showed significant reductions in heart rate (106.3 ± 7.7 beats minute^?1 baseline versus 67.7 ± 7.6 (group M); 91 ± 3.8 baseline versus 52.3 ± 9 (group X)) and mean arterial blood pressure (113.1 ± 12.3 mm Hg baseline versus 87 ± 11 (group M); 118 ± 7 baseline versus 91 ± 14 (group X)). There were no differences between groups in these variables. After epidural injection, first degree atrioventricular block was recorded significantly more often in group X (50% against 33%) but second degree block was significantly more frequent in group M (66% against 33%). Also 50% of dogs in group X and 66% in group M showed sinus arrest. Respiratory rate decreased significantly in both groups following the epidural injection (20.66 ± 0.66 minute^?1 baseline versus 16.33 ± 4.77 (group M); 37.66 ± 0.56 baseline versus 16.33 ± 1.81 group X), but no differences between groups were observed. Rectal temperature decreased significantly in group X (38.16 ± 0.21) with respect to the basal measurement (39.30 ± 0.14 °C). In group M, there was no significant reduction in temperature, however, no statistical difference in rectal temperature was found between groups. This study shows that 0.25 mg kg^?1 xylazine and 15 µg kg^?1 medetomidine produce similar, significant cardiovascular and respiratory changes following lumbosacral epidural administration in dogs.     

Maternal and fetal effects of propofol anaesthesia in the pregnant ewe

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of propofol (PRF) on maternal and fetal cardiopulmonary function during the last trimester of pregnancy. Six pregnant 2-3 year-old Ripollesa sheep, each weighing 78+/-8 kg were used in the study and prepared by placing catheters in the maternal jugular vein and carotid artery. A catheter was also placed in the fetal femoral artery. Twenty-four hours later the sheep were anaesthetized with PRF (6 mg/kg intravenous (IV) followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.4 mg/kg/min for 60 min) and cardiopulmonary data collected. Further data were collected for 105 min following termination of the infusion. The maternal mean arterial pressure (MAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) were significantly decreased (P<0.05) during the first 15 min of the infusion period, while the maternal pH was also significantly decreased. Maternal PaCO(2) and PaO(2) were significantly increased throughout the total infusion period. It was further observed that the fetal pH decreased significantly, throughout the infusion period, whereas the fetal MAP, DAP and PaCO(2) were significantly increased during the first 15 min of the infusion, after which time all parameters returned to control values. No differences in either maternal or fetal parameters were observed between control and recovery times.     

Renal effects of carprofen administered to healthy dogs anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate renal effects of carprofen in healthy dogs following general anesthesia. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. ANIMALS: 10 English hound dogs (6 females and 4 males). PROCEDURE: Dogs were randomly assigned to control (n = 5) or carprofen (5) groups. Anesthesia was induced with propofol (6 to 8 mg/kg [2.7 to 3.6 mg/lb] of body weight, i.v.) and maintained with isoflurane (end-tidal concentration, 2.0%). Each dog underwent two 60-minute anesthetic episodes with 1 week between episodes, and mean arterial blood pressure was maintained between 60 and 90 mm Hg during each episode. Dogs in the carprofen group received carprofen (2.2 mg/kg [1 mg/lb], p.o.) at 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM the day before and at 7:00 AM the day of the second anesthetic episode. Glomerular filtration rates (GFR) were determined during each anesthetic episode by use of renal scintigraphy. Serum creatinine and BUN concentrations and the urine gamma-glutamyltransferase-to-creatinine concentration (urine GGT:creatinine) ratio were determined daily for 2 days before and 5 days after general anesthesia. RESULTS: Significant differences were not detected in BUN and serum creatinine concentrations, urine GGT:creatinine ratio, and GFR either between or within treatment groups over time. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Carprofen did not significantly alter renal function in healthy dogs anesthetized with propofol and isoflurane. These results suggest that carprofen may be safe to use for preemptive perioperative analgesia, provided that normal cardiorespiratory function is maintained.     

Comparison of the neuromuscular blocking effects of cisatracurium during isoflurane or propofol anesthesia in dogs

ObjectiveTo compare the neuromuscular blocking effects of cisatracurium during isoflurane versus propofol anesthesia in dogs.Study designProspective, randomized study.AnimalsA total of 20 healthy, client-owned dogs (16 females, four males) weighing 12.5–22 kg and aged 1–8 years.MethodsDogs undergoing elective surgery were randomized in equal numbers to an isoflurane (ISO) or propofol (PPF) group. Other drugs used during anesthesia were equal between groups. Single-twitch (ST) stimulation was used to monitor neuromuscular response. After recording the baseline ST (T0), cumulative doses of cisatracurium (0.05 mg kg^–1) were administered intravenously until ST/T0 ≤5%. Effective doses 50 (ED₅₀) and 95 (ED₉₅) of cisatracurium in each group were calculated from group dose-response curves. Recovery of ST (TR) was defined as spontaneous recovery of ST to 80–120% of T0 remaining stable for 2 minutes. The ST after each dose of cisatracurium, duration 25% (time after the last dose until 25% recovery of TR), recovery index (time to recovery from 25% to 75% of TR) and duration to TR (time after the last dose until recovery of TR) were recorded.ResultsIncremental doses of cisatracurium, median (range), were 2 (1–3) in ISO and 4 (2–5) in PPF to achieve ≥95% depression of ST/T0 (p < 0.01). ED₅₀ and ED₉₅ were 20 μg kg^–1 and 117 μg kg^–1 in ISO and 128 μg kg^–1 and 167 μg kg^–1 in PPF, respectively. The duration 25%, recovery index and duration to TR, median (range), were longer in ISO [22.6 (10.3–24.3), 5.3 (3.0–7.8) and 36.1 (20.1–49.7) minutes, respectively] than in PPF [10.2 (6.8–16.5), 3.0 (2.0–3.8) and 17.7 (14.2–28.7) minutes, respectively] (p < 0.01).Conclusions and clinical relevanceCisatracurium-induced neuromuscular blockade was significantly enhanced and prolonged by isoflurane compared with propofol.     

Kinetics of infection and effects on the placenta of Chlamydophila abortus in experimentally infected pregnant ewes

A Chlamydophila abortus-induced abortion model was carried out on the basis of the experimental infection of ewes at day 75 of gestation. The infection induced abortions and the birth of weak lambs during the last 3 weeks of pregnancy. To study the kinetics of the infection in the placenta and in other organs, infected ewes were killed at 105, 120, and 130 days of gestation and also several days after abortion or parturition. Infected ewes developed a systemic infection that caused a mild and transient pneumonia and focal hepatitis. Pathologic changes were observed in placentas at 120 day of gestation, although the lesions varied between animals and even between placentomes of the same placenta. The first placental area infected was the maternal stroma and epithelium next to the intercaruncular areas, where neutrophilic response seemed to control the infection. A substantial degree of multiplication of C. abortus was then observed in the trophoblast cells of the placentome, periplacentomal choriallantoic membranes, and hilius, with an inflammatory exudate composed mainly of neutrophils, some macrophages, and very scarce lymphocytes. After abortion, the lesions affected the intercotyledonary areas of the aborted placentas, whereas in the uterus significant lymphocyte infiltration was observed, together with a rapid decrease of the C. abortus antigen in the degenerated caruncular tissues.     

Clinical comparison of recovery from total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane in dogs

The characteristics of recovery from total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol and inhalation anesthesia with isoflurane was clinically compared in 149 client-owned dogs that anesthetized for surgical or diagnostic procedures. In all dogs, anesthesia was induced with an intravenous injection of propofol following premedication with acepromazine or diazepam. As a result, 58 dogs anesthetized with propofol-TIVA showed slower but smoother recovery than 91 dogs anesthetized with isoflurane anesthesia. The dogs stood at 34.5 +/- 19.3 and 27.7 +/- 17.2 min after propofol-TIVA and isoflurane anesthesia, respectively. Adverse effects, including hypersalivation, neurologic excitement (paddling, muscle tremor/twitching, opisthotonos) and vomiting/retching, were observed in similar infrequent incidences during the recovery from both anesthetic protocols. Propofol-TIVA is suggested to be an alternative anesthetic protocol for canine practice.     

Spontaneous vaginal rupture in pregnant ewes

Seventeen cases of spontaneous, partial or total vaginal rupture, in pregnant ewes, involving the dislocation and herniation of the intestines and uterus, were studied. Four of them also had a uterine torsion, and three of these recovered after treatment. In the remaining 13 cases the condition of the uterus was unknown. The lesion always consisted of a dorsolateral tear in the vagina with a partial or total perforation of the wall close to the uterine cervix. The affected animals were all in normal body condition. Their average age was just under five years, and most were carrying twins. Most cases occurred approximately one week before expected lambing. None of the cases was observed to have a vaginal prolapse before the vaginal rupture. Histological examination of one case revealed scar formation in the vaginal wall close to the rupture, which appeared to be due to an earlier inflammatory process or injury. The circulatory disturbance in the reproductive organs caused by the uterine torsion potentially weakens the vaginal wall. This weakness, in combination with excessive tenesmus resulting from increased tension in the uterine ligaments, and in some cases possibly with a lower vaginal resistance due to previous scarring, may be of aetiological significance in spontaneous vaginal rupture.     

Pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin in fetal sheep and pregnant ewes

Macrolides are important antimicrobials frequently used in human and veterinary medicine in the treatment of pregnant women and pregnant livestock. They may be useful for the control of infectious ovine abortion, which has economic, animal health, and human health impacts. In this study, catheters were surgically placed in the fetal vasculature and amnion of pregnant ewes at 115 (±2) days of gestation. Ewes were given a single dose of 2.5 mg/kg tulathromycin subcutaneously, and drug concentrations were determined in fetal plasma, maternal plasma, and amniotic fluid at 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 144, and 288 hr after drug administration. Pharmacokinetic parameters in maternal plasma were estimated using noncompartmental analysis and were similar to those previously reported in nonpregnant ewes. Tulathromycin was present in fetal plasma and amniotic fluid, indicating therapeutic potential for use against organisms in these compartments, though concentrations were lower than those in maternal plasma. Time‐course of drug concentrations in the fetus was quite different than that in the ewe, with plasma concentrations reaching a plateau at 4 hr and remaining at this concentration for the remainder of the sampling period (288 hr), raising questions about how tulathromycin may be transported into or metabolized and eliminated by the fetus.