A clinical comparison of oxymorphone/acepromazine and fentanyl/droperidol sedation in dogs

Using random allocation, 92 clinically healthy dogs were restrained chemically using fentany/droperidol, and 71 using oxymorphone/acepromazine, for radiography. Questionnaires completed by the radiology department revealed no significant differences between the drug combinations either in effectiveness as a restraining agent or in undesirable side effects, although there was a trend for a higher proportion of dogs to require manual restraint when fentanyl/droperidol was used. Questionnaires completed at home by the dogs' owners revealed a tendency toward greater incidence of temporary aggression following fentanyl/droperidol as well as a longer recovery period at home as judged by lack of interest in surroundings and lack of response to known commands. Oxymorphone and acepromazine appear to be a satisfactory neuroleptic combination, with fewer undesirable side effects during the recovery period..