Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
ISSN:
0002-9645
Publication Date:
01 May 2006
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Effect of medetomidine on respiration and minimum alveolar concentration in halothane- and isoflurane-anesthetized dogs

Phillip Lerche BVSc, PhD1 and William W. Muir III DVM, PhD2
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  • 1 Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210.
  • | 2 Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.67.5.782
Volume/Issue:
Volume 67: Issue 5
Online Publication Date:
01 May 2006
Restricted access
Reprints and Permissions Purchase Article

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate the effect of medetomidine on minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), respiratory rate, tidal volume, minute volume (VM), and maximum inspiratory occlusion pressure (IOCPmax) in halothane- and isoflurane-anesthetized dogs.

Animals—6 healthy adult dogs (3 males and 3 females).

Procedure—The MAC of both inhalants was determined before and 5, 30, and 60 minutes after administration of medetomidine (5 μg/kg, IV). Dogs were subsequently anesthetized by administration of halothane or isoflurane and administered saline (0.9% NaCl) solution IV or medetomidine (5 μg/kg, IV). Respiratory variables and IOCPmax were measured at specific MAC values 15 minutes before and 5, 30, and 60 minutes after IV administration of medetomidine while dogs breathed 0% and 10% fractional inspired carbon dioxide (FICO2). Slopes of the lines for VM/FICO2 and IOCPmax/FICO2 were then calculated.

Results—Administration of medetomidine decreased MAC of both inhalants. Slope of VM/FICO2 increased in dogs anesthetized with halothane after administration of medetomidine, compared with corresponding values in dogs anesthetized with isoflurane. Administration of medetomidine with a simultaneous decrease in inhalant concentration significantly increased the slope for VM/FICO2, compared with values after administration of saline solution in dogs anesthetized with halothane but not isoflurane. Values for IOCPmax did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Equipotent doses of halothane and isoflurane have differing effects on respiration that are most likely attributable to differences in drug effects on central respiratory centers. Relatively low doses of medetomidine decrease the MAC of halothane and isoflurane in dogs.

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate the effect of medetomidine on minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), respiratory rate, tidal volume, minute volume (VM), and maximum inspiratory occlusion pressure (IOCPmax) in halothane- and isoflurane-anesthetized dogs.

Animals—6 healthy adult dogs (3 males and 3 females).

Procedure—The MAC of both inhalants was determined before and 5, 30, and 60 minutes after administration of medetomidine (5 μg/kg, IV). Dogs were subsequently anesthetized by administration of halothane or isoflurane and administered saline (0.9% NaCl) solution IV or medetomidine (5 μg/kg, IV). Respiratory variables and IOCPmax were measured at specific MAC values 15 minutes before and 5, 30, and 60 minutes after IV administration of medetomidine while dogs breathed 0% and 10% fractional inspired carbon dioxide (FICO2). Slopes of the lines for VM/FICO2 and IOCPmax/FICO2 were then calculated.

Results—Administration of medetomidine decreased MAC of both inhalants. Slope of VM/FICO2 increased in dogs anesthetized with halothane after administration of medetomidine, compared with corresponding values in dogs anesthetized with isoflurane. Administration of medetomidine with a simultaneous decrease in inhalant concentration significantly increased the slope for VM/FICO2, compared with values after administration of saline solution in dogs anesthetized with halothane but not isoflurane. Values for IOCPmax did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Equipotent doses of halothane and isoflurane have differing effects on respiration that are most likely attributable to differences in drug effects on central respiratory centers. Relatively low doses of medetomidine decrease the MAC of halothane and isoflurane in dogs.

Contributor Notes

Supported in part by Pfizer Animal Health Incorporated.

The authors thank Jennifer Gadawski, Katy Knostman, Steven Schumacher, Chad Andrews, Cheri Edwards, and Shawn Rosensteel for technical assistance.

Address correspondence to Dr. Lerche.