Propofol was examined for use as a sedative in dogs undergoing outpatient intradermal skin testing (IDST). Twenty dogs (6 female, 14 male) presented for atopy were used in this clinical study. The IDST followed accepted protocol, using 58 allergens, a positive control (1:10,000 dilution histamine) and a negative control (sterile water). Patients were randomized to receive either propofol IV or an equal volume (0.6 ml/kg) of saline IV, and IDST was performed on the R or L (randomized) lateral thorax. Eight hours later, the alternate treatment was given, and a second IDST was performed on the opposite side of the thorax. No premedication was used. The dogs received propofol (6 mg/kg IV) to achieve lateral recumbency. Additional doses of propofol were given (0.6 mg/kg IV) as needed every 2-3 minutes to maintain a light plane of sedation. HR, RR, indirect blood pressure (IBP) and pulse oximetry (SpO2) were used to monitor dogs during propofol sedation. All IDST results were interpreted by one investigator (ST) blinded to the treatments. Number of sites reacting positively ranged from 3 to 39 in 19 dogs. One dog showed only one reactive site (histamine). Sites were graded subjectively by swelling and erythema on a scale of 0 to 4 and diameters (mm) of the sites were measured. The SAS statistical analysis system with the GLM procedure was used to analyze the least square means of the diameters of the positive sites. A value of P < 0.05 was considered significant. Overall, no significant differences were noted in diameter when comparing propofol and saline. However, when order of treatment was considered, dogs receiving propofol for the second IDST showed significant differences in diameter. The subjective score cumulative frequency and cumulative percent showed, on average, one additional site appearing positive when under propofol sedation for the first IDST compared to the saline control, and two additional sites appearing positive when under propofol sedation for the second IDST, compared to the saline control. This difference is considered to be insignificant in a clinical setting. This study suggests that propofol is an appropriate choice for sedation for IDST.
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