Comparison of propofol infusion rate required to abolish swallowing or pedal withdrawal reflexes in dogs

In a prospective, randomized, experimental non-blinded study, the continuous infusions rates of propofol required to prevent swallowing (P-SR) or pedal withdrawal reflex (P-WR) were evaluated in healthy premedicated dogs. Dogs were randomly assigned to one of two treatments at weekly intervals. Following premedication with a combination of acepromazine and methadone, anesthesia was induced with propofol (4.00 mg kg-1 per min) and was maintained for 90 min. The propofol infusion rate was increased or decreased by 0.05 mg kg-1 per min based on positive or negative swallowing (P-SR) or pedal withdrawal reflexes (P-WR). Propofol induction doses were 2.12 ± 0.43 mg kg-1 (P-SR) and 2.14 ± 0.31 mg kg-1 (P-WR), which were not significantly different. The mean (±SD) propofol infusion rate was significantly higher for P-WR (0.26 ± 0.10 mg kg-1 per min) when compared to P-SR (0.22 ± 0.12 mg kg-1 per min). During the last 30 min, the mean propofol infusion rates were 0.09 ± 0.02 and 0.18 ± 0.03 mg kg-1 per min for P-SR and P-WR, respectively. There were no significant differences between treatments with respect to heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, arterial blood pressure, end-tidal CO2 partial pressure, hemoglobin oxygen saturation, partial pressures of oxygen or pH. Transient apnea lasting up to three minutes was observed in three dogs with each treatment. Propofol infusion rate of 0.22 ± 0.12 mg kg-1 per min can be used in premedicated dogs requiring tracheal intubation and undergoing mechanical ventilation, non-painful procedures or painful procedures with local anesthetic techniques.