Quantitative assessment of pupillary light reflex in normal and anesthetized dogs: a preliminary study

J Vet Med Sci. 2015 Apr;77(4):475-8. doi: 10.1292/jvms.14-0387. Epub 2014 Dec 25.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the pupillary light reflex (PLR) in normal and anesthetized dogs using a pupillometer. Eleven dogs (20 eyes) of various breeds were included. PLRs were measured with a handheld pupillometer in dim light before and during anesthesia. Anesthesia was conducted with atropine, xylazine and ketamine. Parameters of pupillometry included neurological pupil index (NPi), pupil size, percent of change (%CH), latency (LAT), constriction velocity (CV), maximum constriction velocity (MCV) and dilation velocity (DV). NPi,%CH, CV and MCV were significantly decreased during anesthesia compared with the pre-anesthesia data. The results suggest that atropine-xylazine-ketamine combination anesthesia depresses the PLR. Additionally, this study demonstrates the feasibility of the use of a pupillometer in dogs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Anesthesia / administration & dosage
  • Adjuvants, Anesthesia / pharmacology
  • Anesthesia / veterinary*
  • Anesthetics, Dissociative / administration & dosage
  • Anesthetics, Dissociative / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Atropine / administration & dosage
  • Atropine / pharmacology*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Dogs / physiology*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination / veterinary
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / administration & dosage
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / pharmacology
  • Ketamine / administration & dosage
  • Ketamine / pharmacology*
  • Reflex, Pupillary / drug effects*
  • Reflex, Pupillary / physiology
  • Xylazine / administration & dosage
  • Xylazine / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Anesthesia
  • Anesthetics, Dissociative
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Xylazine
  • Ketamine
  • Atropine