Effects of Immobilon and Revivon on the cardiovascular system and acid base status of the Göttingen minipig.

Two groups of Göttingen minipigs, aged about five months, were used in these experiments. In the first group of five animals etorphine and acepromazine were administered intramuscularly. In the second group of five animals, atropine was administered in addition. Over a period of 30 min the effects of the drug combination on heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac output, arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions and pH were monitored. Atropine caused a tachycardia rather than a bradycardia and an increase of cardiac output rather than a decrease. Diprenorphine reversed some of the effects of etorphine. The administration of the drug combination can only be recommended for neuroleptanalgesia in healthy animals. The applicability as a premedication or basis anaesthesia for endotracheal intubation has to be investigated.