Studies on the effects of thiopental sodium with and without dexmedetomidine in dogs

The study was performed to evaluate clinico-physiological and haematobiochemical effects of thiopental sodium with or without dexmedetomidine. Twelve clinically healthy dogs were divided into two groups with the objective to develop a safe anaesthetic protocol that could lead to fast and smooth recovery. The animals of group 1 were administered with atropine sulphate 0.04 mg/kg body weight intramuscularly followed by thiopental sodium I.V till effect. In animals of the group 2 atropine sulphate was administered as in group 1 followed by dexmedetomidine 10 μg/kg I.V. and thiopental sodium given I.V. till effect. Total dose of thiopental sodium required to produce general anaesthesia was decreased in animals of group 2, with increase in duration of anaesthesia, prolonged recovery time and better muscle relaxation.