The study was conducted in 12 clinically healthy nondescript bitches presented for panhysterectomy, to evaluate the effect of preoperative dextrose infusion in alleviating stress to promote postoperative recovery. The animals were divided into two groups consisting of six each. In group I, panhysterectomy was done under general anaesthesia after overnight fasting and in group II, panhysterectomy was done under general anaesthesia after overnight fasting and administration of 12.5 per cent dextrose at the rate of 5 mL/kg i.v. two hours prior to induction of anaesthesia. Cortisol and glucose concentrations were estimated before surgery, immediately after surgery and 24 hour postoperatively in Groups I and II. A significant (P<0.05) reduction in stress in the immediate postoperative period was noted as indicated by lowered elevation of cortisol and glucose levels, and early anaesthetic recovery in animals received dextrose infusion in the preoperative period. The favourable outcome of the study recommends preoperative dextrose infusion in dogs for elective surgery as a protocol in animal surgery.
