The effects of topical tropicamide and systemic medetomidine, followed by atipamezole reversal, on pupil size and intraocular pressure in normal dogs.

Twenty normal Golden Retrievers being screeened for eye, hip and elbow diseases were given tropicamide topically and medetomidine systemically. Medetomidine effects were later reversed with systemic atipamezole. Pupil size and intraocular pressure changes were determined. Pupil size increased significantly following tropicamide administration and continued to increase slightly but significantly after medetomidine injection. It was unclear whether the slight increase in pupil size following medetomidine administration was due to continued effect of tropicamide or due to the medetomidine itself. Atipamezole did not influence pupil size. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was not affected by these drugs. Ophthalmic screening examination for inherited disease following tropicamide administration is equally feasible prior to sedation with medetomidine and after reversal with atipamezole, but not during the period of sedation.