Abstract

Remifentanil, an ultra-short-acting μ-opioid receptor agonist, has become a key component in modern veterinary anesthesia thanks to its quick onset, accurate titration, and reliable recovery. This research project aimed to analyze the hemodynamic and analgesic effects of remifentanil in the course of elective surgery in dogs. A total of 12 healthy adult dogs were randomly divided into two groups: a remifentanil group (R) and a control group (C). Induction of anesthesia was done with propofol for both groups and maintenance with isoflurane in oxygen. The R group received a continuous administration of remifentanil (0.25 µg/kg/min), while the control group received the same volume of saline. Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were monitored every 10 minutes; the degree of analgesia was evaluated using a modified Glasgow Pain Scale. The remifentanil group showed a significant reduction in HR, stable MAP, and greater analgesic scores than the control group (p < 0.05). The results suggest that remifentanil is a factor of increased cardiac stability and, at the same time, very effective analgesia without the risk of hypoxia. Therefore, its use in dogs undergoing elective surgery is justified as part of a balanced anesthesia protocol.

Key words: Remifentanil, Hemodynamics, Analgesia, Veterinary Anesthesia, Dogs, Opioid, Cardiovascular Stability.