D. Mattheeuws

Sufentanil and nitrous oxide anaesthesia for the recording of transcranial magnetic motor evoked potentials in dogs.

Transcranial magnetic motor evoked potentials were recorded from the extensor carpi radialis muscle of the forelimbs and from the cranial tibial muscle of the hindlimbs of anaesthetised dogs. The dogs were premedicated with droperidol and fentanyl and a light plane of anaesthesia was induced and maintained with sufentanil and nitrous oxide. The potentials recorded under sufentanil and nitrous oxide anaesthesia were suppressed in comparison with baseline recordings under droperidol and fentanyl sedation: their latencies were significantly increased and their amplitudes significantly decreased (P<0.05). However, the potentials could be recorded reliably in all the dogs and with very good reproducibility. This narcotic anaesthesia also allowed sensory evoked potentials to be recorded reliably.

Clinical pharmacokinetic studies of digoxin and digitoxin in the dog

Digitalis glycosides have a narrow therapeutic index. Small changes in the dose, bioavailability, rate of elimination and interactions with other drugs can lead to either subtherapeutic or toxic effects. Some aspects of these clinical pharmacokinetic problems have been reported previously5–7. The purpose of this report is to give a summary of the results of studies in our laboratory.