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Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery logoLink to Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
. 2009 Oct 1;11(10):783–792. doi: 10.1016/j.jfms.2008.12.008

Evaluation of cardiorespiratory effects of combinations of dexmedetomidine and atropine in cats

Eduardo R Monteiro 1, Daniela Campagnol 2, Letícia R Parrilha 3, Luísa Z Furlan 4
PMCID: PMC11135499  PMID: 19254860

Abstract

The cardiovascular effects of dexmedetomidine alone or in combination with atropine were studied in six cats. Cats underwent four treatments in a randomized crossover design as follows: DEX15, saline+dexmedetomidine 15 μg/kg; DEX30, saline+dexmedetomidine 30 μg/kg; ADEX15, atropine+dexmedetomidine 15 μg/kg; ADEX30, atropine+dexmedetomidine 30 μg/kg. Pulse rate (PR) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) decreased in DEX15 and DEX30. Premedication with atropine was effective in preventing bradycardia (PR<100 beats/min) and resulted in a biphasic effect in blood pressure. Hypertension was followed by a gradual decrease in SAP. Rate pressure product decreased in DEX15 and DEX30 whereas in ADEX15 and ADEX30 it remained within baseline values for at least 60 min. Although premedication with atropine in cats sedated with dexmedetomidine prevents bradycardia, it induces hypertension and increases myocardial oxygen consumption. The magnitude of cardiovascular effects produced by dexmedetomidine in cats does not seem to be dose-related.

Contributor Information

Eduardo R. Monteiro, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centro Universitário de Vila Velha (UVV), Vila Velha-ES, Brazil  btraposo@hotmail.com

Daniela Campagnol, Pós-Graduação em Anestesiologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu-SP, Brazil.

Letícia R. Parrilha, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centro Universitário de Maringá (CESUMAR), Maringá-PR, Brazil

Luísa Z. Furlan, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centro Universitário de Maringá (CESUMAR), Maringá-PR, Brazil

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