In this study the effects of pancuronium and vecuronium were compared in dogs submitted to lens extraction. Twenty four healthy male and female dogs, of different breeds, with 6.8 ± 2.0 years and mean weight of 10.0 ± 6.4 kilograms were used. All animals received acepromazine as the pre-anesthetic medication. Anesthesia was induced with midazolam and thiopentone and halothane was used as the maintenance agent in 100% oxygen with a circular system. After this animals were randomized in two groups: animals of group I received pancuronium and those from group II received vecuronium. Onset time evaluated by means of respiratory arrest as well as duration of action were verified by the moment spontaneous respiration reassumed and time to eye centralisation. Heart rate and rhythm, systolic, meand and diastolic blood pressure as well as hemoglobin saturation were measured before neuromuscular block administration and 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes after its administration. Data were submitted to statistical analyzes that consisted of analyzes of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures fallowed by Tukey post test for the evaluation of the different moments in the same group and Student T test for the differences between the groups. The statistical analyses did not show any difference between treatments or between different moments in the group. Mean values and standard deviation of onset time for pancuronium and vecuroniun were 93.5 ± 38.9 and 80.8 ± 25.5 seconds respectively, that were considered adequate once hypoxemia did not occurr when controlled ventilation were instituted. Eye centralization occurred 31.4 ± 18.2 seconds after pancuronium and 39.8 ± 19.7 seconds after vecuronium and these values were statistically different. Duration of action of pancuratium was significantly longer than that werified for vecuroniun and this values were 33.6 ± 7.1 and 23.9 ± 6.3 minutes. Nevertheless both agents showed a reasonable duration of action and the surgical procedure could be performed unevetfully.
pancuronium; vecuronium; dogs; lens extraction
