Effects of a constant rate infusion of magnesium sulphate in healthy dogs anaesthetized with isoflurane and undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of intravenous (IV) magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4) ) as a bolus followed by a constant rate infusion (CRI) on anaesthetic requirements, neuroendocrine stress response to surgery, haemostasis and postoperative analgesia in healthy dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy.

STUDY DESIGN: Blinded randomized clinical trial.

ANIMALS: Sixteen female dogs.

METHODS: After intramuscular premedication with acepromazine (0.05 mg kg(-1) ) and morphine (0.3 mg kg(-1) ), anaesthesia was induced with diazepam (0.2 mg kg(-1) ) and propofol (2 mg kg(-1) ) intravenously and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen in all dogs. Dogs were randomly assigned to two groups, M and C. Group M received MgSO(4) (50 mg kg(-1) over 15 minutes, followed by a 15 mg kg(-1) hour(-1) CRI). Group C received an equivalent bolus and CRI of lactated Ringer's solution. In addition, all dogs received lactated Ringer's solution (10 mL kg(-1) over 15 minutes followed by 10 mL kg(-1) hour(-1) ). End-tidal isoflurane and carbon dioxide tensions, cardio-respiratory variables, arterial blood gases, electrolytes, ACTH and cortisol concentrations were measured at different time points. Thromboelastography (TEG) was performed pre- and post-anaesthesia. Postoperative pain was evaluated using the short form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale. Data were analysed with repeated measures anova and Mann-Whitney U tests (p < 0.05).

RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between groups were found in any of the measured variables. However, the alpha angle and maximal amplitude recorded by TEG in group M were significantly increased post-anaesthesia, but remained within the reference interval. One dog in Group M and two in Group C received rescue analgesia during recovery.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As used in this study, MgSO(4) failed to decrease isoflurane requirements, postoperative pain and stress hormone concentrations; however, it did not produce any cardio-respiratory or major haemostatic side effects. Administration of intravenous MgSO(4) together with an opioid during ovariohysterectomy in dogs does not seem to provide any clinical advantage.