Annex XIV (6/18/92)
Canine Analgesia, Sedation and IV Anesthesia
Nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic,
and analgesic effects. The analgesic effects are
attributed mainly to their antiprostaglandin activity
(i.e. cyclooxygenase inhibition). They are effective
in the treatment of pain of low to moderate severity.
They are more effective in controlling somatic than
visceral pain. They are most commonly used to treat
musculoskeletal pain in dogs.
Drug Dose Possible Side Effects and Actions
---- ---- --------------------------------
Aspirin 10 mg/kg PO q Decreased platelet aggregation, increased
6-8 hrs bleeding time. Gastric irritation.
Phenylbutazone 10 mg/kg PO q Decreased platelet aggregation. Gastric
8 hrs irritation. Renal necrosis (prolonged admin.
Acetaminophen 10-15 mg/kg PO q Hepatic necrosis. (prolonged admin.)
6-8 hrs
Ibuprofen 10 mg/kg PO q Lowest incidence of adverse effects.
24-48 hrs
Opioids
The opioids produce analgesia by
their actions on specific opiate receptors that
are concentrated in the dorsal horn of the spinal
cord and several subcortical areas of the brain.
At least 3 different types of opiate receptors have
been characterized that have clinical significance
(mu, kappa, sigma). These receptors vary in the
pharmacologic effects that they produce.
The opioids listed below vary in
their effects due to differences in their binding
affinities for the opiate receptors. Other important
pharmacologic effects include salivation, vomiting,
decreased GI motility, bradycardia, hypotension,
hypothermia, and reduced urine output. The opioids
provide relief for moderate to severe pain.
Opioids
Drug Dose Possible Side Effects and Actions
---- ---- ---------------------------------
Morphine 0.25-1.25 mg/kg IM q Vomiting is common after initial TM
4-6 hrs dose. Bradycardia (increased vagal
tone); rx: glycopyrrolate.
Occasional excitement; mild to
moderate sedation.
Oxymorphone 0.02-0.04 mg/kg IV q Panting.
6 hrs Vomiting is uncommon.
0.1-0.2 mg/kg IM q Occasional excitement.
6 hrs
Meperidine 2-5 mg/kg IM q Vomiting almost never occurs.
1-2 hrs
Opioid agonist-antagonists
Drug Dose Possible Side Effects and Actions
---- ---- ---------------------------------
Buprenorphine 0.0006-0.010 mg/kg IV,IM q Long onset (up to 45 min.) esp.
4-6 hrs IM. Sedation may occur.
Butorphanol 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IV q 2-4 hrs
0.2-0.4 mg/kg IM q 2-4 hrs
Note:The agonist-antagonists demonstrate a ceiling effect, and analgesia may
decrease with increasing dose. Do not exceed the doses listed.
Sedation
IM combinations
Drug Dose Possible Side Effects and Actions
---- ---- ---------------------------------
Acepromazine 0.08-0.1 mg/kg IM (3 mg Slow onset; 20-30 min. peak effect.
maximum dose) Calming effect, sedation is mild.
Lowers the seizure threshold.
Hypotension (alpha antagonist).
Antiemetic.
Acepromazine 0.05 mg/kg IM (mixed together) Mild to moderate sedation.
Morphine 1-1.5 mg/kg IM Vomiting may occur.
Panting is common.
Acepromazine 0.05 mg/kg IM (mixed together) Mild sedation.
Oxymorphone 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IM Panting is common.
Acepromazine 0.05 mg/kg IM (mixed together) Mild sedation.
Meperidine 6-8 mg/kg IM
IV Combinations
Acepromazine 0.2 mg/kg IV (mixed together) Moderate sedation for 15-20 minutes.
Butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg IV
Oxymorphone 0.1-0.2 mg/kg IV (mixed together) Moderate sedation for 15-20 minutes.
Diazepam 0.2-0.4 mg/kg IV Panting is very common.
(or midazolam)
Atropine 0.01 mg/kg IV Bradycardia.
(optional)
Short-term
Anesthesia
suitable for procedures lasting
10-15 minutes or induction for inhalation agents
Drug Dose Possible Side Effects and Actions
Diazepam 0.5 mg/kg IV (mixed together) Give 1/2; then titrate remainder
(or midazolam) to effect.
Ketamine 10 mg/kg IV Tachycardia.
Atropine 0.01 mg/kg IV Excitement or seizure on recovery;
rx: diazepam.
Thiopental 4 mg/kg bolus IV q 15 seconds Tachycardia.
to effect for induction. Apnea.
2-4 mg/kg bolus IV as needed Large total doses (>18-20 mg/kg) may
for maintenance. result in excitement, delirium, thrashing
on recovery. Total dose may be reduced
by use of a preoperative sedative (see
above).
Propofol 4 mg/kg IV (with pre-op 5-10 min. duration (prolonged by use
sedation) Hyptension,
6 mg/kg IV (with no pre-op). Tachycardia.
sedation) Apnea
Maintenance: 0.4 mg/kg/min
