Effects of acepromazine, pethidine and atropine premedication on lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and barrier pressure in anaesthetised cats
Hashim, M.A.; Waterman, A.E.
Veterinary Record 133(7): 158-160
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 8236702 Document Number: 421181
Combinations of acepromazine maleate, pethidine hydrochloride and atropine sulfate (0.05 mg/kg) or acepromazine maleate and pethidine hydrochloride and acepromazine maleate alone or atropine sulfate (0.1 mg/kg) alone were used to premedicate cats before they were anaesthetised with thiopentone, to investigate their effects on gastric pressure, lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and barrier pressure under anaesthesia. Measurements were made by using a non-perfused manometric technique. The lower oesophageal sphincter pressure was lowest in the cats premedicated with atropine sulfate alone. The difference in barrier pressure between the atropine (0.1 mg/kg) and acepromazine treated cats was highly significant. The risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux appeared to be highest with atropine (0.1 mg/kg) if barrier pressure is used as an indicator of the likelihood of reflux.