Does trazodone reduce anaesthetic agent requirement in dogs?

Abstract

PICO question In dogs undergoing anaesthesia, does the use of oral trazodone given 2 hours before induction of anaesthesia reduce injectable or inhalant anaesthetic agent requirements? Clinical bottom line Category of research question Treatment The number and type of study designs reviewed Two randomised controlled trials were critically appraised Strength of evidence Moderate Outcomes reported Trazodone was shown to have a significant isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) sparing effect for isoflurane. There is also evidence to suggest trazodone has a similar effect on the cardiovascular system as acepromazine Conclusion Trazodone should be considered as part of a multimodal approach to anaesthesia in dogs to reduce the injectable and inhalant anaesthetic agent requirements How to apply this evidence in practice The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources. Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.

Keywords

• canine
• trazodone
• anaesthesia
• minimum alveolar concentration
• anaesthetic induction agent
• volatile agent