Cardiopulmonary effects of sufentanil long acting on sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the cardiopulmonary effects of sufentanil long acting (SLA) in sevoflurane-anaesthetized dogs. Study designRandomized prospective study. Animals Forty female dogs (beagles) aged 1–2 years, weighing 11.97 ± 1.40 kg. Materials and methodsThe dogs were divided into five groups of eight. Two control groups were used: group A received intramuscular (IM), SLA (50 μg kg−1) alone, while group B received the SLA vehicle followed by sevoflurane anaesthesia for 90 minutes. In the other groups, SLA (50 μg kg−1 IM) was given immediately before (group C0), 15 minutes before (group D15) or 30 minutes (group E30) before induction [with intravenous (IV) thiopental] of sevoflurane anaesthesia lasting for 90 minutes. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, respiratory rate (fr), arterial oxygen haemoglobin saturation and end-tidal sevoflurane concentration (Fe′SEVO) were measured every 10 minutes during anaesthesia and at 2, 4 and 24 hours after induction (not Fe′SEVO). Acid–base and blood gas analyses were performed. ResultsSufentanil LA reduced heart rate and increased arterial CO2 tensions during anaesthesia. Respiratory depression was least in group E30 compared with groups C0 and D15. Bradycardia was present for at least 24 hours. Respiratory rate was least in group B although arterial O2 and CO2 tension values were acceptable up to 24 hours after anaesthesia. ConclusionsPre-anaesthetic medication with SLA moderately aggravated the cardiopulmonary effects of sevoflurane. Clinical relevance In spite of a moderate depressant effect on cardiorespiratory parameters, SLA may be of use as pre-anaesthetic medication before sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs. Intermittent positive pressure ventilation may occasionally be necessary.