Electroacupuncture and morphine on cardiorespiratory parameters on cat elective ovariohysterectomy

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the morphine and electroacupuncture effects on cardiorespiratory parameters and isoflurane consumption in cats submitted to elective ovariohysterectomy. Eighteen healthy cats were equally distributed in three groups: Electroacupunture, Morphine and Control. Animals were anestethized with acepromazine, propofol and isoflurane. Needles were introduced in false acupoints on animals from Control and Morphine groups, and on Zusanli and Yanglingquan acupoints on Electroacupunture group animals. Electroacupuncture was performed with 2 and 100Hz, square wave. Animals from Morphine group received morphine (0.3mg/kg/im) and Control animals received no treatment. Data were recorded just before acepromazine administration; 10 minutes after acepromazine; after anesthetic induction and stabilization; 30 minutes after electrostimulation beginning or morphine injection; and every 10 minutes for 60 minutes. Variables recorded were: rectal temperature; respiratory frequency; heart rate; oxyhemoglobin partial saturation; mean arterial pressure; total volume of consumed isoflurane; and inspired isoflurane volume. Data were analyzed by MANOVA. Only Electroacupunture animals did not show significant difference between moments for mean arterial pressure, while Electroacupunture and Morphine animals presented better cardiac stability. Compared to Control, the inspired isoflurane volume was decreased in 58.33% on Electroacupunture and 22.01% on GM. It is concluded that electrostimulation of Zusanli and Yanglingquan acupoints in cats submitted to elective ovariohysterectomy decreases the inspired isoflurane volume, leading to cardiorespiratory stability, being superior to morphine.