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Postanaesthetic effects of ketamine–midazolam and ketamine–medetomidine on gastrointestinal transit time in rabbits anaesthetised with isoflurane
Author(s) -
Botman Julie,
Hontoir Fanny,
Gustin Pascal,
Cambier Carole,
Gabriel Fabien,
Dugdale Alex,
Vandeweerd JeanMichel
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
veterinary record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.261
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 2042-7670
pISSN - 0042-4900
DOI - 10.1136/vr.105491
Subject(s) - ketamine , medetomidine , medicine , anesthesia , midazolam , isoflurane , atipamezole , sedation , heart rate , blood pressure
Background Gastrointestinal stasis is a common perianaesthetic complication in rabbits. The objective of this study was to assess the impact on gastrointestinal transit time of ketamine–midazolam (KMZ) versus ketamine–medetomidine (later antagonised by atipamezole) (KMT‐A) in rabbits anaesthetised with isoflurane. Methods This was a cross‐over, randomised, single‐blinded, controlled, experimental trial. Seven healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits were used. Gastrointestinal transit time was assessed by contrast radiography in awake rabbits. Presence of contrast medium in the small intestine (gastric transit time), in the caecum (small intestinal transit time) and in faeces in the colon was assessed. One week later, 55 minutes isoflurane anaesthesia was induced with ketamine (15 mg/kg) and either midazolam (3 mg/kg) or medetomidine (0.25 mg/kg) by intramuscular injection. Thirty minutes after discontinuation of isoflurane, atipamezole (0.5 mg/kg) was administered only to rabbits in KMT‐A treatment. Gastrointestinal transit time was then assessed in both treatment groups, beginning 30 minutes after cessation of isoflurane administration. Two weeks later, the treatment groups were interchanged. Results Gastric and small intestinal transit times were significantly longer with KMT‐A (92±109 minutes and 214±119 minutes, respectively) than with KMZ (1±0 minutes and 103±6 minutes, respectively) and in the awake state (7±7 minutes and 94±32 minutes, respectively). Conclusion Clinicians should therefore be aware of the potential gastrointestinal side effects of KMT‐A, particularly in rabbits at risk for gastrointestinal stasis.