Safety and efficacy of Butorphanol-Acepromazine-Glycopyrrolate as premedicant combination to midazolam-ketamine induction and isoflurane maintenance in canine orthopaedic surgery

The objective of this study was to evaluate anaesthetic efficacy and safety of BAG (Butorphanol, Acepromazine and Glycopyrrolate) as premedicant to midazolam-ketamine induction and isoflurane maintenance in clinical canine orthopaedic cases. The clinical study was carried out in 18 cases. Dogs were premedicated with intramuscular injection of butorphanol, acepromazine and glycopyrrolate @ 0.2, 0.04 and 0.01 mg/kg b.wt. respectively, mixed in a single syringe. Induction was performed using midazolam – ketamine @ 5mg/kg b.wt. and 0.28 mg/kg b.wt., respectively administered intravenously. Anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. The preanaesthetic combination provided moderate to profound sedation. Induction was smooth and satisfactory in all the dogs with ketamine-midazolam and stable maintenance with isoflurane during orthopaedic procedures, viz., intramedullary pinning, limb amputation, setting Ilizarov circular external fixator and type II external fixator. BAG as preanaesthetic to ketamine-midazolam induction and isoflurane maintenance proved safe and effective in orthopaedic surgery in dogs.