title: Effects of intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine on intraocular pressure and pupil size in clinically normal dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effects of the intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine on the intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil size (PS) in normal dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-two animals with no ocular abnormalities were included in this study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following initial readings (T(0)) of IOP and PS, the dogs received an intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine (5 μg/kg). Both measurements were repeated 10 min (T(10) ) and 20 min (T(20)) later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences in IOP measurements between T(0) and T(10), although a significant decrease was observed at T(20). A significant miosis was found in the first 10 min after sedation. At T(20), the PS slightly increased, resulting in no statistical differences with T(0) and T(10).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dexmedetomidine is an excellent option for surgery or diagnostic ocular procedures in dogs when a specific control of IOP is required. However, it must be used in combination with mydriatics in ophthalmic surgical or diagnostic procedures, which require complete dilation of the pupil.
authors: Animal Medicine and Surgery Department, Cardenal Herrera-CEU University, Ed. Seminario s/n, 46113 Moncada, Valencia, Spain.
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Artigas
authors: José I
authors: JI
authors: Redondo
authors: María M
authors: MM
authors: López-Murcia
mesh_terms: D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D020927:Dexmedetomidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D011680:Pupil / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D058647:Adrenergic alpha-2 Receptor Agonists; D020927:Dexmedetomidine