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The effects of buprenorphine on ocular parameters in healthy dogs
James C Pohl1, Cassin W Gonzales2, Ruby B Goldenberg1
1Veterinary Eye Clinic, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Objective:
To investigate the effects of a 0.02 mg/kg dose of intravenous buprenorphine on various ocular parameters in healthy dogs.
Animals:
25 healthy, client-owned dogs.
Methods:
Objective parameters (intraocular pressure [IOP], pupil size [PS]) and subjective parameters (menace response, dazzle reflex, corneal reflex, globe position, and third eyelid position) were measured prior to and following administration of buprenorphine. Baseline data was first established by measuring ocular parameters 20 min prior to (T-20) and immediately before (T0) intravenous administration of a 0.02 mg/kg dose of buprenorphine. Data was then collected again at 10, 20, 30, and 45 min post-administration (T10, T20, T30, and T45 respectively).
Results:
There was no significant change in any parameter measured in the baseline data, between T-20 and T0. No significant change was observed in the subjective parameters at any of the time points measured in the post-drug administration period. There was a significant decrease in PS between T0 and T10 (p < .05) which continued to decrease significantly across timepoints. Both eyes showed a significant, but transient increase in IOP. This increase was followed by a significant decrease in IOP OD and an approaching significant decrease in IOP OS. All variations in IOP remained within the normal canine range.
Conclusions:
A 0.02 mg/kg dose of intravenous buprenorphine impacts both PS and IOP and, therefore, should be used with caution in select diseases where effects on pupil size and intraocular pressure may cause additional harm.
