Efficiency of medetomidine for epidural analgesia: Effects on isoflurane requirement and mean systemic arterial blood pressure in dogs.

Five healthy beagle dogs anesthetized with isoflurane were administered medetomidine (α-2 adrenoceptor agonist) by the epidural route. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and end-tidal concentration of isoflurane (ISO) were measured 1, 2.5, and 4 h after administration. Epidural administration of medetomidine reduced the isoflurane dose required to prevent changes in vital parameters following mechanical stimulation and maintained the MAP at a higher level compared to the control.