title: Precautions when using opioid agonists for induction of anesthesia.
abstract: Opioids produce unpredictable anesthesia that is associated with poor muscle relaxation, prolonged onset, and relatively difficult intubation. They often induce bradycardia, which must be countered with atropine or glycopyrrolate, and hypoventilation, which requires ventilatory support. Return to consciousness is often delayed, making postoperative assessment of the patient's condition difficult. Finally opioid induction is relatively expensive compared with other anesthetic induction regimens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Columbus.
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bednarski
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D001919:Bradycardia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics