The aim of this study was to evaluate midazolam as an intravenous induction agent for inhalation anaesthesia in the routine castration of dogs. Investigations concerned the dose required for induction as well as its effects on the dog’s general condition, arterial blood gas and acid-base balance. A total of 24 male dogs of various breeds were studied, ranging in age from 1 to 11 years and in weight from 5 to 27 kg. Dogs were recruited at the Department and Clinics of Animal Surgery, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland. The dogs were premedicated intramuscularly with xylazine and atropine sulphate at dose rates of 2 mg/kg and 0.05 mg/kg respectively. Twenty minutes after premedication, midazolam was administered by intravenous infusion. Intravenous midazolam proved useful as an induction agent for inhalation anaesthesia. The dose used was dependent on the animal’s reaction. The induction of anaesthesia with midazolam was successful and enabled endotracheal intubation and inhalation anaesthesia with a halothane-oxygen mixture. The application of midazolam with halothane, however, led to transitory disturbances in systemic acid-base balance due to gas exchange abnormalities. The median effective dose of midazolam for the induction of anaesthesia was 0.46 mg/kg i.v. Postoperatively, a full recovery of consciousness and motor functions was rapidly achieved in all dogs. Further studies on midazolam as an intravenous induction agent for inhalation anaesthesia in the dog are warranted.
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