Effects of various sedatives on air cystometry in dogs.

The effects of various sedatives on air cystometry in dogs were investigated. Oxymorphone plus acepromazine, xylazine alone, atropine plus xylazine, and diazepam plus ketamine were compared for interference with the detrusor reflex, adequacy of patient restraint, and development of adverse side effects. Atropine plus xylazine was the best of the 4 drug combinations tested, because it had the least interference with the detrusor reflex, bradycardia did not develop, and excellent restraint was obtained. Pain and hematuria were common whenever intravesicular pressure exceeded 40 cm of H2O, yet pressures that high were rarely necessary to stimulate the detrusor reflex.