Clinicophysiological and haematobiochemical effects of dexmedetomidine along with ketamine in dogs

The objective of the study was to determine various clinicophysiological and haematobiochemical parameters during dexmedetomidine-ketamine anaesthesia in dogs. Twelve clinically healthy dogs of either sex were divided into two groups. Atropine sulphate was administered @0.04 mg/kg i.m. in both groups. In group 1, ketamine was administered i.v. 10 mg/kg b.wt. In group 2, dexmedetomidine was administered 10 μg/kg b.wt, i.v. followed by ketamine to effect. The efficacy of anaesthesia was determined by measuring the level of various haematological and biochemical parameters and performing various surgical operations viz cystotomy, gastrotomy, spaying and enterotomy. Combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine resulted in quicker induction, better anaesthesia for long duration along with adequate muscle relaxation as compared to ketamine alone. A significantly less dose of ketamine was needed in animals of group 2 as compared to group 1 (from 10 mg/kg to 3.2 mg/kg b.wt). Surgical operations could be performed smoothly under the combination of dexmedetomidine and ketamine as compared to ketamine alone.