Work

Comparative evaluation of the antiemetic and propofol-sparing effects of acepromazine and maropitant in female dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Nausea and vomiting are frequent adverse effects associated with opioid administration, potentially leading to discomfort, risk of aspiration, and reduced postoperative appetite. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of acepromazine and maropitant in preventing morphine-induced nausea and vomiting, to evaluate their propofol-sparing effects, and to assess postoperative appetite in female dogs undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy (OHE). Twenty-four young, healthy female dogs (mean age 32.7 ± 26 months; mean body weight 6.8 ± 3 kg) were included. The animals received an intravenous injection of maropitant (1 mg/kg; GM), acepromazine (0.02 mg/kg; GA), or saline (GS), 30 minutes before the intramuscular administration of morphine (0.5 mg/kg). The incidence of nausea and vomiting was recorded over 30 minutes following morphine administration. Sedation scores, propofol requirements for anaesthetic induction, and postoperative appetite were also evaluated. Compared to saline, maropitant and acepromazine reduced the incidence of vomiting in 100% and 37.5% of the animals, respectively. None of the treatments prevented nausea. Acepromazine induced greater sedation and reduced the propofol dose required for anaesthetic induction in comparison to maropitant and saline. Postoperative appetite recovery did not differ significantly among groups. Despite the small sample size and the limited observation period, it is concluded that maropitant effectively prevents morphine-induced vomiting without sedative or propofol-sparing effects. Conversely, acepromazine does not prevent emesis but provides deeper sedation and reduces the requirement for propofol. Neither drug demonstrated efficacy in managing nausea or enhancing postoperative appetite in healthy female dogs undergoing elective OHE. Keywords: NK-1

Source: Revista Principia - Divulgação Científica e Tecnológica do IFPB

DOI: 10.18265/2447-9187a2025id8893

Authors: Danielle Mara Lopes, Rafael Rostirolla Debiage, Luciana Wolfran, Fabiola Bono Fukushima

Institution: Universidade Federal do Paraná

Language: English

Topic: Veterinary Pharmacology and Anesthesia

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, Ministério da Educação