Effects of ketamine, diazepam, and their combination on intraocular pressures in clinically normal dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of ketamine, diazepam, and the combination of ketamine and diazepam on intraocular pressures (IOPs) in clinically normal dogs in which premedication was not administered.


METHODS
50 dogs.


METHODS
Dogs were randomly allocated to 1 of 5 groups. Dogs received ketamine alone (5 mg/kg [KET5] or 10 mg/kg [KET10], IV), ketamine (10 mg/kg) with diazepam (0.5 mg/kg, IV; KETVAL), diazepam alone (0.5 mg/kg, IV; VAL), or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (0.1 mL/kg, IV; SAL). Intraocular pressures were measured immediately before and after injection and at 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes after injection.


RESULTS
IOP was increased over baseline values immediately after injection and at 5 and 10 minutes in the KET5 group and immediately after injection in the KETVAL group. Compared with the SAL group, the mean change in IOP was greater immediately after injection and at 5 and 10 minutes in the KET5 group. The mean IOP increased to 5.7, 3.2, 3.1, 0.8, and 0.8 mm Hg over mean baseline values in the KET5, KET10, KETVAL, SAL, and VAL groups, respectively. All dogs in the KET5 and most dogs in the KETVAL and KET10 groups had an overall increase in IOP over baseline values.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with baseline values and values obtained from dogs in the SAL group, ketamine administered at a dose of 5 mg/kg, IV, caused a significant and clinically important increase in IOP in dogs in which premedication was not administered. Ketamine should not be used in dogs with corneal trauma or glaucoma or in those undergoing intraocular surgery.
Hofmeister
Erik H
EH
Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, 30602, USA.
Mosunic
Cory B
CB
Torres
Bryan T
BT
Ralph
Alan G
AG
Moore
Phillip Anthony
PA
Read
Matt R
MR
D000818:Animals; D003975:Diazepam / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006262:Health; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D007649:Ketamine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007649:Ketamine; D003975:Diazepam