The effects of nitrous oxide on recovery from isoflurane anaesthesia in dogs

Laing, S., Paul, V. and Murison, P.J. (2009) The effects of nitrous oxide on recovery from isoflurane anaesthesia in dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 50(2), pp. 82-86. (doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2008.00689.x) (PMID:19200263)

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess rate and quality of recovery from anaesthesia where isoflurane was delivered in oxygen or oxygen/nitrous oxide. METHODS: Dogs anaesthetised with propofol were randomly allocated to receive isoflurane maintenance in either 100 per cent oxygen (group 1) or 66 per cent nitrous oxide (N(2)O)/34 per cent oxygen (group 2). Time from end of anaesthesia to achieving sternal recumbency was recorded. Incidence of adverse behaviours (vocalisation, uncontrolled head movement and restlessness) were assessed. Recovery quality was recorded on a visual analogue scale (VAS) (anchored at 0 with "best possible" recovery and "did not recover" at 100 mm). Age, weight, gender, anaesthetic duration, mean vaporiser setting, VAS scores, recovery times, postoperative temperature and behavioural scores were compared (chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U test or t-test as appropriate, significance P< or =0.05). RESULTS: Objective data from 54 dogs were analysed, only VAS data where the observer was unaware of treatment group were used (n=33). Recovery was faster in group 2 dogs (median 10 min [range 4 to 31] compared with 14 minutes [3 to 43] in group 1, P=0.049) with less restlessness (0 [0 to 4] compared with 2 [0 to 4] in group 1, P=0.013) and uncontrolled head movement (0 [0 to 4] compared with 1 [0 to 3] in group 1, P<0.001). However, VAS scores were not statistically different between groups (group 1: mean 39.4 mm [s.d. 24.0)]; group 2: 30.1 mm [25.9]; P=0.303). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Addition of N(2)O to isoflurane anaesthesia results in a lower incidence of adverse behaviour (for example restlessness) and marginally faster recovery.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Murison, Professor Pamela
Authors: Laing, S., Paul, V., and Murison, P.J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Journal of Small Animal Practice
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:0022-4510
ISSN (Online):1748-5827
Published Online:04 February 2009

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