EFFECTS OF PROPOFOL ANESTHESIA ON INTRADERMALLY INJECTED HISTAMINE PHOSPHATE IN CLINICALLY NORMAL DOGS

Objective-To compare skin test reactivity of ID injected histamine pho sphate in clinically normal dogs that were physically restrained or an esthetized with propofol. Animals-12 clinically normal adult dogs. Pro cedure-Nonanesthetized dogs (group 1) were restrained and shaved on th e right side of the thorax. A single injection of sterile buffered sal ine solution (negative control) and 5 serial dilutions of histamine ph osphate (0.05 ml each) were injected ID. Wheal size was measured after 15 minutes. Propofol anesthetized dogs (group 2) were shaved, and sal ine solution and histamine were administered ID. Wheal size was measur ed as for nonanesthetized dogs. Hemoglobin saturation, heart and respi ratory rates, and times to sternal recumbency and standing were record ed for anesthetized dogs. Twenty-four hours later, groups were reverse d, and testing was repeated on the left side of the thorax. Results-Me an wheal size was significantly (P < 0.05) less in dogs during propofo l anesthesia. Heart and respiratory rates were well maintained but hem oglobin saturation decreased during the first 6 minutes of anesthesia. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Although statistically significant , the difference in mean wheal size may not be clinically important. P ropofol anesthesia may be used during ID skin testing in atopic dogs. Further studies to assess effects of propofol on the reactivity of ID injected aeroallergens should be performed before recommending its use .