TITLE:
Effects of Different Anesthesia Protocols Associated with Subdoses of Neuromuscular Blockers in Belgian Malinois Dogs Undergoing Electroretinography
AUTHORS:
Maria Fernanda Martins Duval, Rayssa Dias Faleiro, Andrea Kuner, Francis Arthur Seco Prando, Lianna Ghisi Gomes, Nathalie Moro Bassil Dower
KEYWORDS:
Inhalation Anesthesia, ERG, Belgian Malinois, Balanced Sedation
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine,
Vol.15 No.9,
September
11,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the feasibility of using the tiletamine-zolazepam-butorphanol-dexmedetomidine (TDex) combination compared to the use of butorphanol-propofol-isoflurane (Iso) for performing electroretinography (ERG) in healthy Belgian Malinois dogs. Six (6) dogs were subjected to different anesthesia protocols: the combination of tiletamine-zolazepam-butorphanol-dexmedetomidine (TDex) or tiletamine-zolazepam via the intramuscular (IM) route, and butorphanol-propofol-isoflurane (Iso) via intravenous route with anesthetic maintenance using isoflurane. Electroretinography was performed using the BPM2005 equipment with focal stimulation and three electrodes: recording, reference, and ground. The examination began 20 minutes after dark adaptation and continued with ambient lights on after a 10-minute light adaptation period. For statistical analysis, results were expressed as Mean ± Standard Error (SE). Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by the unpaired Student’s t-test for parametric data, and the Mann-Whitney test for non-parametric data. Grubb’s test was used to identify outliers. Significance levels were set at p