Romifidine (R), a selective alpha-2 receptor agonist, is an effective sedative in dogs when given intramuscularly at 20 and 40 ug/kg. The purpose of the study reported here was to determine the cardiopulmonary effects of IM administration of R in dogs with and without glycopyrrolate (G). Healthy, adult Beagles (9.1-14.6 kg, 9 F, 3 M) were assigned at random to each of 3 treatments with G (6 dogs), and to each of 3 treatments without G (6 dogs) in a cross-over design. Baseline data were recorded, and saline solution or G (10 ug/kg) was given IM. After 15 minutes, saline solution (control) or R (20 or 40 ug/kg) was given IM. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded before and 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 minutes after R administration. Rectal temperature (RT), pH, PaCO2, PaO2, hematocrit, and plasma protein were determined before and 15, 30, 60, and 120 minutes after R administration. Data were analyzed by use of analysis of variance for repeated measures and multiple comparison tests. Without G, HR (beats/minute) decreased to values (mean ± SD) of 52 ± 7 and 49 ± 12 (control 89 ± 20), 45 minutes after administration of R at doses of 20 and 40 ug/kg, respectively. At both doses, HR was significantly (P < 0.05) below control values 15 to 120 minutes after R administration. With G, HR increased to values of 113 ± 30 and 124 ± 16 beats/minute (control 143 ± 21), and MAP (mm Hg) increased to values of 139 ± 25 and 173 ± 17 mm Hg (control 113 ± 11), 30 minutes after administration of R at doses of 20 and 40 ug/kg, respectively. With and without G, RR and RT decreased and pH, PaCO2, PaO2, hematocrit, and plasma protein did not change after administration of R. In healthy Beagles, administration of R causes bradycardia; and administration of G, 15 minutes before administration of R, prevents bradycardia but increases arterial pressure.
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