Margeti Χ. DVM, PhD student, Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece | Κazakos G. DVM, PhD, Professor, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Skabardonis V. DVM, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Αnimal Ηealth Economics, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece | Zacharopoulou T. DVM, PhD student, Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece | Galatos A. DVM, PhD, Professor, Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece | Papatsiros V. DVM, PhD, Professor, Clinic of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece | Loukopoulos E. DVM, Postgraduate Student, Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece | Tsioli V. DVM, Postgraduate Student, Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece | Flouraki E. DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor, Surgery Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Karditsa, Greece
Introduction
This study aimed to assess the sedative effects, duration of action, and quality of recovery of two repeated doses of dexmedetomidine in cats. Additionally, the effects of the subsequent administration of common anesthetic drugs, such as opioids and anesthetic agents, following a single dose of dexmedetomidine were investigated. The main hypotheses focused on the enhancement of sedative properties and recovery quality.
Materials and methods
Six domestic shorthair cats were enrolled, and a randomized, crossover, blinded study design was employed. Dexmedetomidine was administered initially, followed by additional drugs in seven experimental groups. Sedation scores were assessed using the Grint and Alvaides scales, and recovery quality was evaluated using the Simple Descriptive Scale (Lozano et al.) and quality recovery score (Sams et al.)
Results
A subsequent dose of dexmedetomidine or the combination of dexmedetomidine with either butorphanol or ketamine significantly improved sedation. Dexmedetomidine with midazolam (DM) and tramadol (DT) resulted in shorter durations of sedation. Midazolam adversely affected sedation levels and resulted in prolonged recovery.
Conclusion
A subsequent dose of dexmedetomidine, ketamine or butorphanol may enhance inadequate sedation of dexmedetomidine. These findings provide valuable insights into optimizing sedation protocols for feline patients.
