Assessment of immediate and owner perceived recovery following three different premedication drugs in dogs undergoing anaesthesia for radiotherapy

Miller, Chris (2021) Assessment of immediate and owner perceived recovery following three different premedication drugs in dogs undergoing anaesthesia for radiotherapy. MVM(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

Veterinary radiotherapy requires frequent, short duration general anaesthesia to perform the treatment. All anaesthetic drugs affect recovery to varying degrees and potential side effects of these drugs may impact both the animal and the owner’s perception of the treatment.

Numerous studies have investigated the speed and quality of recovery following different anaesthetic drugs but few studies have assessed longer duration recovery from anaesthesia. The objectives of this thesis were to: (1) investigate immediate recovery speed and quality following three different premedication drugs; (2) investigate longer term recovery within the home environment following three different premedication drugs. The three premedication drugs investigated were alfentanil/atropine, butorphanol and medetomidine. Immediate recovery was assessed by video analysis using a self-designed scoring system. Anaesthetic data, such as propofol dose, end tidal sevoflurane concentration, duration and various time points, was also captured. Longer term recovery was assessed by the owners following treatment using a self-designed questionnaire. Comparisons from these outcomes between the different treatment groups were made and other factors were also analysed that could affect the outcomes.

Speed of recovery was significantly affected by premedication. Premedication drug significantly affected time to extubation and the likelihood of dogs reaching sternal or standing position. Quality of immediate recovery was significantly affected by end tidal sevoflurane concentration. When assessing longer term recovery, premedication drug had a significant effect on reported behaviours. A reduction in activity and an increase in sleepwere reported more frequently following butorphanol.

This study highlights the effect that premedication can have on both immediate and longer term recovery from anaesthesia in dogs undergoing radiotherapy.

• Item Type: Thesis (MVM(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: S Agriculture > SF Animal culture > SF600 Veterinary Medicine
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Veterinary Medicine
• Supervisor's Name: Pawson, Dr. Pat
• Date of Award: 2021
• Depositing User: Mr Chris Miller
• Unique ID: glathesis:2021-82015
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 17 Feb 2021 07:25
• Last Modified: 17 Feb 2021 07:55
• Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.82015
• URI: http://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/82015