Comparative effects of intramuscular and intravenous administration of diminazene aceturate on blood pressure and lead‐II electrocardiogram of dogs.

Abstract

Diminazene aceturate (DIAC), has been used extensively in Veterinary practice as a potent antiprotozoal drug. The drug has also been reported to be a small molecule which is capable of activating angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 and thereby, having some cardio‐protective effect. We investigated the possible effects of DIAC when administered through the intramuscular (i/m) or intravenous (i/v) routes of dogs on cardiovascular function using blood pressure measurements and electrocardiography as clinical indices. Ten apparently normal dogs were divided into 2 groups of 5 dogs each. DIAC was administered intramuscularly at 3.5mg/kg weight to one group while the other group was treated intravenously using the same dosage. Blood pressure parameters (SBP, DBP and MAP) and lead II ECG were used to assess physiological function. Parameters were measured prior to administration and also at 10 min, 30min, 1hr, 2hrs, 3hrs. 4hrs, 6hrs, 12hrs and 24 hrs afterwards. DIAC caused a statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction in SBP and MAP at 10 and 30 min post administration in both treatment groups. The i/v DIAC also caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in SDP at 10min, 6hrs and 12hrs post administration. Administration of the drugs through either routes had no significant effect on QTc (Bazett) however, there was a slight increase in QTc (fridericia) values after 30 min of i/v administration when compared with pre‐administration values. This study shows that administration of DIAC through either the i/m or i/v routes caused transient hypotension which was however restored by 1 hour post administration. Electrocardiographic assessment also did not show much remarkable aftermath.