Effects of atropine on cardiac rate and rhythm in dogs
Muir, W.W.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 172(8): 917-921
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 649486 Document Number: 134084
Changes in cardiac rate and rhythm were determined in atropinized dogs prior to, during, and after anaesthetic induction with thiamylal sodium and maintenance with 1% halothane in 50% nitrous oxide and 50% oxygen. The incidence of cardiac dysrhythmias and sinus tachycardia was significantly higher prior to and after anaesthetic induction in dogs given atropine, compared with dogs not atropinized. Second-degree atrioventricular block was the most frequent dysrhythmia prior to anaesthetic induction in atropinized dogs. Most cardiac dysrhythmias were detected during the anaesthetic induction and early maintenance periods. The most common dysrhythmias during these periods were unifocal ventricular premature deplorizations and ventricular bigeminy.