Politis C. DVM, MSc, Surgery and Obstetrics Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece | Sarpekidou E. DVM, PhD Student, Companion Animal Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece Polyzopoulou Ζ. DVM, Professor, Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece | Kazakos G. DVM, Professor, Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, Companion Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Introduction
Neurological examination of stressed dogs is often difficult. The aim of this study is to evaluate the hind limp myotatic reflexes of dogs with thoracolumbar syndrome after administration of dexmedetomidine.
Materials and methods
Hindlimbs spinal reflexes (patellar, flexion, ischial, tibial) in nine dogs referred to the Companion Animal Clinic with thoracolumbar syndrome of severity 3 or 4 (scale 0-5) were evaluated on admission. Subsequently, dexmedetomidine 180 μg/m2 was administered intramuscularly and the reflexes were reevaluated 30΄ later. Angle changes formed by the stifle and tarsal joints before and after dexmedetomidine administration was assessed. Stress level changes and sedation degree during neurological examination were also evaluated.
Results
Mean sedation score was 6/17 after dexmedetomidine administration, which is considered moderate degree of sedation making it easier to manage them and perform the reflexes. When comparing the final stifle and tarsal angles formed before and after dexmedetomidine administration, a slight increase was found. However, differences between the angles were not statistically significant. Subsequently, localization was not altered.
Conclusions
Administration of dexmedetomidine can be used as an alternative for sedation in dogs with thoracolumbar syndrome without affecting the neuroanatomical localization of the lesion. Completion of the study will lead to conclusive results.
