Effects of Continuous Dexmedetomidine Infusion on Canine Hematology and Serum Biochemistry

The hematological, biochemical and glycemic changes related to dexmedetomidine in dogs still require in-depth studies, and their mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, different individuals may present different responses to the pharmacodynamics of the compound in question. The aim of this study was to determine the profile in dogs and compare the results before, during and after continuous infusion. Six healthy dogs, with a mean weight of 10.40 ± 4.81 kg, were used in a randomized study. The animals received 3 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine at a concentration of 100 µg/mL intramuscularly and 10 minutes later, an infusion of 3 µg/kg/hr was started for 30 minutes by diluting 0.2 mL of dexmedetomidine in 20 mL of water for injection, reaching a concentration of 1 µg/mL. Venous blood samples of 4 mL were collected using a 5 mL syringe and a 25 x 0.70 mm hypodermic needle through the jugular vein at times T0’ (baseline), T15’, T30’ minutes of infusion and T120’ (90 minutes after the end of the infusion). The results were analyzed in a specialized laboratory taking into account the reference values ​​for the species. The parameters verified were total erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total leukocytes, total proteins, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, plasma urea and blood glucose. There was no difference between the doses and forms of administration among the patients. Concluding that the drug induces transient hyperglycemia, as well as significant increases in ALT.