EFFECTS OF ACEPROMAZINE AND BUTORPHANOL ON POSITIVE-CONTRAST UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL-TRACT EXAMINATION IN DOGS

Objective-To determine whether acepromazine (ACE) and butorphanol (BUT ) combination can be used for restraint of dogs during positive-contra st upper gastrointestinal tract (UGIT) examination. Animals-6 healthy dogs. Procedure-In a randomized crossover design study, weekly UGIT ex aminations were performed on each dog for 5 weeks after administration of normal saline solution (0.5 ml), xylazine (1.0 mg/kg of body weigh t), or a combination of ACE (0.1 mg/kg) and 1 of 3 doses of BUT (0.05, 0.2, 1.0 mg/kg). Gastrointestinal tract emptying time, GI motility, p ulse, respiratory rate, and quality of restraint were assessed. Result s-Total gastric emptying time was significantly prolonged by use of an ACE and BUT (0.05 mg/kg) combination. Xylazine and higher dosages of BUT significantly prolonged gastric and intestinal emptying times. All anesthetic protocols significantly decreased motility and facilitated nonmanual restraint. Xylazine and BUT (1.0 mg/kg) significantly decre ased pulse and respiratory rate. Conclusion-The ACE and BUT combinatio n prolonged GI tract emptying times, decreased GI motility, and facili tated nonmanual restraint for duration of the examination. Although GI motility was decreased and total gastric emptying time was prolonged, administration of ACE (0.1 mg/kg) plus BUT (0.05 mg/kg) allowed morph ologic examination of the GI tract within 5 hours. Xylazine prolonged GI tract emptying, decreased GI motility, and provided flood to excell ent initial restraint. Clinical Relevance-The ACE and BUT combination prohibits functional examination of the GI tract; however, morphologic examination is possible when low dosages of BUT (0.05 mg/kg) are used .