Use of a novel subcutaneous injection site in the region of acupuncture point GV20 for premedicating cats before general anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE

To compare sedation following premedication delivered via subcutaneous (SC) injection at or adjacent to the Governing Vessel 20 acupuncture location (GV20adj), interscapular SC injection (iscapSC), or lumbar epaxial intramuscular (IM) injection.

ANIMALS: Cats receiving ovariohysterectomy or castration surgery, randomly allocated to GV20adj (n = 18), iscapSC (n = 18), or IM (n = 20) groups.

PROCEDURE: Premedication consisted of dexmedetomidine (10 μg/kg) and methadone (0.2 mg/kg). Sedation, infrared temperature (GV20adj and iscapSC sites), and signs of nausea and vomiting were recorded.

RESULTS

The GV20adj injection resulted in greater sedation than iscapSC injection (P < 0.05) and similar sedation compared to IM injection. Sedation was more consistent with GV20adj than IM injection. Site temperature was higher at the GV20adj site than the iscapSC site (P < 0.0001). Nausea symptoms were similar between groups (P = 0.209), with increased vomiting in the iscapSC group (15/18 cats) compared to GV20adj (8/18, P = 0.035) and IM groups (9/20, P = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Sedation via GV20adj injection was similar to, but more consistent than, IM injection, and superior to iscapSC injection. Higher GV20adj site temperature suggested greater perfusion, potentially explaining differences in sedation and vomiting.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The GV20adj injection route in cats is a viable route for premedication or sedation.