The full text of this item is not available at this time because the student has placed this item under an embargo for a period of time. The Libraries are not authorized to provide a copy of this work during the embargo period, even for Texas A&M users with NetID.
The Effect of Sedation with Dexmedetomidine Versus a Placebo of 0.9% Saline on Skin Perfusion in Nine Healthy Adult Cats
Abstract
Reconstructive surgery with subdermal plexus flaps, axial pattern flaps (APFs), or skin grafts are commonly required in patients with large skin defects or defects on the extremities. There is a high complication rate for reconstructive surgeries in cats and dogs with the most common being dehiscence and devitalization. Sedation is necessary for treatment and literature on the impact of sedative medications on skin perfusion is lacking. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) shows promise for non-invasive evaluation of skin perfusion in these patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of clinically relevant doses of dexmedetomidine on skin perfusion in cats using LSCI.
Two sites, the dorsal metatarsus (site: limb) and lateral flank (site: flank), were evaluated with LSCI at baseline and following administration of dexmedetomidine (1-, 3- or 5 mcg/kg IV) or a placebo (0.9% saline IV). Heart rate and body temperature were recorded at baseline and 15 minutes post-treatment. Sedation score and skin perfusion at each site were assessed via LSCI at baseline and at 5-, 10- and 15 minutes posttreatment.
Nine cats were included. There was a significant decrease in heart rate (P<0.001) in cats receiving 1-, 3- and 5 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine compared to those receiving a placebo. No significant difference was found between axillary temperature and treatment (P=0.86). There was a significant increase in median sedation score at all time points post-sedation compared to baseline (P≤0.018). Changes in mean speckle contrast (MSC) for the metatarsus were not significantly different between treatments at any time point (P=0.12). For the flank, MSC was significantly higher for cats treated with dexmedetomidine compared to baseline (P≤0.01).
Skin perfusion to the flank decreased as early as 5 minutes post-treatment with dexmedetomidine and this effect persisted for at least 15 minutes post-treatment, regardless of dexmedetomidine dose. Although the changes in perfusion to the metatarsus were not as marked, a similar trend was apparent. These results demonstrate that LSCI may be a viable, non-invasive method for evaluating skin perfusion in both sedated and unsedated veterinary patients.
Citation
Hollenbeck, Danielle (2023). The Effect of Sedation with Dexmedetomidine Versus a Placebo of 0.9% Saline on Skin Perfusion in Nine Healthy Adult Cats. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /199105.