Development of an opiate-based anaesthetic technique for use in dogs with cardiomyopathy
Williamson, H.A.; Cumming, D.V.; Cobb, M.A.; Pattison, C.W.; Yacoub, M.H.; Jones, D.G.
Veterinary Record 129(18): 398-400
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 1767482 Document Number: 381636
An opiate-based anaesthetic technique was developed for use in dogs with end-stage heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy. It has been used in dogs undergoing translocation of the left latissimus dorsi around the descending thoracic aorta to create an autologous counterpulsation system. Anaesthesia was induced with barbiturate (10 mg/kg thiopentone) and fentanyl (500 micro g) and maintained by an infusion of fentanyl (5 micro g/kg/minute) in addition to halothane (0.1 to 0.5%) and nitrous oxide (20 to 60%). This technique provided safe anaesthesia for major intrathoracic surgery.