The effects of propofol and a diazepam/alfentanil combination in dogs aged 10 years and above on heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry data, intraocular pressure, and body temperature

Abstract

In older patients, it is important to minimise anaesthesia-related deaths and complications. In this study, 2 separate anaesthesia inductions were evaluated with respect to their effects on heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry data, intraocular pressure, and body temperature. A total of 22 dogs were evaluated and 2 separate anaesthesia groups were formed. Propofol (6 mg/kg) was administered to group G1 via a slow intravenous (IV) injection. In group G2, diazepam (0.5 mg/kg) was first administered via an IV injection, followed immediately by alfentanil (40 mu g/kg), administered via a slow IV route. Each parameter was recorded prior to anaesthesia (T-0), immediately after anaesthesia induction (min 0-T-1), 5 min after induction (T-2), immediately after intubation (min 0-T-3), and 5 min after intubation (T-4). Statistical analysis was performed by repeated measurements of ANOVA and independent samples t-test methods in SPSS 10.0. While no difference was observed between the times of measurements in group G1 regarding heart rate, respiratory rate, and pulse oximetry data, differences were determined between the measurement times in group G2. In group G1, a drop occurred in intraocular pressure immediately after anaesthesia induction. In group G2, a decrease in intraocular pressure was observed in the measurement taken 5 min after induction. Body temperature dropped significantly in both groups. It was concluded that, in the anaesthesia induction of patients aged 10 years and above, propofol, with more reliable findings, should be preferred over the diazepam/alfentanil combination.