Comparison of cardiorespiratory and anaesthetic effect of alfaxalone or propofol in dogs premedicated with acepromazine-buprenorphine

The study compared the cardiorespiratory and anaesthetic effects of alfaxalone or propofol for total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) in dogs premedicated with acepromazine-buprenorphine. Six adult Nigerian dogs with mean±S.D. body weight of 11.5±1.6 kg were studied. Acepromazine hydrochloride (0.03 mg/kg) and buprenorphine (0.02 mg/kg) were mixed in the same syringe and administered intramuscularly as premedicants. Following obvious sedation, anaesthesia was induced with bolus intravenous (IV) injection of either 2.0 mg/kg alfaxalone or 4.0 mg/kg propofol over a period of about 30 s. Repeated IV bolus injection of either 1.0 mg/kg alfaxalone or 2.0 mg/kg propofol was administered at 10 minute interval for maintenance of anaesthesia over 90 minutes. Physiological variables were measured and recorded at 15 minute intervals over 90 minutes using a multi-parameter monitor. Onset and duration of analgesia with alfaxalone protocol (2.2±0.4 min and 106.2±4.0 min) were significantly (P<0.05) shorter than those with propofol protocol (4.5±1.4 min and 124.5±3.4 min) respectively. Duration of recumbency with alfaxalone (159.5±18.9 min) and propofol (150.8±5.7 min) were not significantly different. Time to standing and recovery time with alfaxalone (38.2±10.8 min and 76.8±28.4 min) were significantly (P<0.05) longer than those with propofol (14.0±3.8 min and 23.5±6.4 min respectively). There were no significant differences between mean heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (RR), haemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) and rectal temperature (RT) between both protocols. In conclusion, either alfaxalone or propofol appeared to be equally efficacious and safe for induction and maintenance of anaesthesia in healthy dogs premedicated with acepromazine-buprenorphine.