Studies on the effects of etomidate with and without dexmedeto-midine in dogs

Twelve clinically healthy dogs of either sex were used in two groups of 6 dogs each, to evaluate the anaesthetic effects of etomidate alone or along with dexmedetomidine. All the dogs were premedicated with atropine sulphate (0.04 mg/kg b.wt, i.m.). In the animals of group 1, etomidate was administered (3 mg/kg b.wt, i.v.); and group 2 animals were administered with dexmedetomidine (10 µg/kg b.wt, i.v.) followed by etomidate (to effect: 1.32±0.03 mg/kg). The efficacy of the anaesthetic agents was assessed by observing various clinicophysiological and haematobiochemical parameters. The results showed that the combination of dexmedetomidine and etomidate produced quicker induction with better and muscle relaxation for a longer duration as compared to etomidate alone.