Benadryl as a sedative prior to anesthesia
Abstract
Objective; To determine and compare levels of sedation achieved by IM administration of diphenhydramine, saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, and acepromazine in dogs.
April 1, 2005 (Vol. 226, No. 7)
Evaluation of diphenhydramine as a sedative for dogs
Erik H. Hofmeister, DVM, and Christine M. Egger, DVM, MVSc, DACVA *
Design;Prospective randomized study.
Animals;56 dogs.
Procedure;”Dogs were randomly assigned to receive diphenhydramine at 2, 4, or 8 mg/kg (0.9, 1.8, or 3.6 mg/lb, respectively) IM; acepromazine at 0.1 mg/kg (0.05 mg/lb) IM; or saline solution at 0.05 mL/kg (0.02 mL/lb) IM. Sedation was assessed by use of a 6-category descriptive system based on observation and interaction.
Results;”Dogs in the acepromazine group had significantly higher sedation scores than did dogs in the saline solution or diphenhydramine groups at 30 minutes. Dogs in the diphenhydramine groups did not have significantly different sedation scores from dogs in the saline solution group at any time point.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance;”Diphenhydramine did not cause clinically appreciable sedation in healthy dogs. Diphenhydramine is not suitable as a sole sedative prior to general anesthesia in dogs. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005;226:1092–1094)
A must have book for referencing dog medication is the Pill Book Guide to Medication for your Dog and Cat by Bantam books for about $7.00 avail. at most bookstores. If you have a molosser be sure that your vet or vet anesthesiologist knows not to premedicate him with acepromazine.<