Influence of pentobarbital sodium anesthesia on hematologic values in the dog

The effects of intravenously administered commercial pentobarbital sodium, pentobarbital sodium in saline solution, 40% propylene glycol in saline solution, 10% ethanol in saline solution, and saline solution on erythrocyte fragility and blood coagulation variables were studied in the dog. The pentobarbital solution and the 40% propylene glycol caused erythrocyte lysis and obvious hemoglobin release into the plasma. They also caused a shortening of the whole blood clotting time and partial thromboplastin time tests, evidence of increased procoagulant activity involving the intrinsic coagulation system. Alterations in these variables were not noticed after pentobarbital sodium in saline solution, 10% ethanol in saline solution, and saline solution injections. Changes were not noticed in the extrinsic coagulation system or in platelet function.