Evaluation of dexmedetomidine with and without butorphanol in tiletamine-zolazepam anesthetized dogs for ovariohysterectomy

The objective of the study was to evaluate dexmedetomidine with and without butorphanol in tiletamine-zolazepam anaesthesia in dogs for ovariohysterectomy under isoflurane anaesthesia. Twelve healthy adult female dogs of different breeds and age were randomly divided into two groups, with six animals each. All the dogs were administered with atropine sulphate intramuscularly. After 5 min. each dog received either intramuscular dexmedetomidine (10 mcg/kg, DEX) alone or dexmedetomidine (10 mcg/kg) with butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg, DEX-BUT). Once the animal attained a recumbent position, the anaesthesia was induced with tiletamine-zolazepam (TZ) administered intravenously till effect. The anaesthesia was maintained with isoflurane (ISO) for performing elective ovariohysterectomy in all the animals. The combination of DEX with BUT produced more consistent and deep sedation, analgesia, and muscle relaxation than DEX alone. The combination had minimum effect on cardiopulmonary, haemodynamic, and blood biochemical parameters and may be used for performing ovariohysterectomy in dogs.