Effect of organic contrast Media on the haematology and Serum Electrolytes in Xylazine Sedated Dogs

Abstract

Key Words: Contrast media, haematology, serum electrolytes, dogs, xylazine The effect of contrast media on the hematology and serum electrolyte was determined in five dogs sedated with 2mg/kg of xylazine intramuscular (i.m). A total of 800mg/kg bolus of 76% urograffin was then administered by intravenous injection through the cephalic vein. Blood was collected from the jugular vein before sedation after sedation, and 5mins after contrast medium administration for the determination of packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin (HB), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC) and platelets. In addition, value of the serum sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate ions were determined, while the sodium/potassium ratio (Na/K) and anion gap (AG) were calculated. In this study, the administration of 76% urograffin does not significantly (P>0.05%) alter the PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC and Platelets. Similarly the serum sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate ions as well as the Na/K and AG were not significantly (P>0.05) altered by the urograffin in the xylazine-sedated dogs. It was therefore, concluded that 76% urograffin at the dosage rate of 800mg/kg does not produce adverse changes in the hematology and serum electrolyte in clinically healthy dogs pretreated with xylazine. Trop. Vet. Vol. 20(4) 2002: 209-217