ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sedation with meperidine, acepromazine and its association on the echocardiographic parameters in dogs. Twelve adult Rottweilers were used and subjected to the echocardiography examination without the use of sedation (control - CT) and subjected to three treatment protocols using meperidine (MT), acepromazine (AT), and the combination of drugs (MAT). Variables were analyzed by Tukey test (p<0,05). The averages obtained in A-wave of mitral inflow in AT and MAT decreased significantly compared to MT, which did not differ from CT. There was a significant decrease in the measurement of mitral annulus motion (MAM) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) at TA. There was no significant difference in shortening fraction (SF) values between TA and other treatments. However, it was observed that 57.3% of the dogs showed SF values below the normal range for the species. All changes found may be due to the hypotensive effects of acepromazine used in isolation. In conclusion, meperidine or its association with acepromazine does not alter echocardiographic parameters in healthy dogs and acepromazine, used alone, causes changes in the parameters of systolic function and is not recommended for sedation of dogs submitted to echocardiogram, since it could cause a misinterpretation of the exam.
Keywords:
cardiology; sedation; neuroleptoanalgesic