Aim: Effect of Drugs on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Dogs
References
1. Hurst, J.W., & Hurst, T.K. (2019). The Heart: A Cardiovascular Physiology and Pharmacology Textbook. Springer.
2. Kwon, J., & Yu, H. (2015). Effects of various drugs on cardiovascular parameters in canine models. Journal of Veterinary Science, 16(4), 345-356.
3. Kearns, G.L., & Abdel-Rahman, S.Z. (2003). Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in animals and humans. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (11th ed.), McGraw-Hill.
Introduction
This experiment aims to evaluate the impact of various pharmacological agents on the blood pressure and heart rate of dogs. By assessing these parameters, researchers can gain insights into the drug’s cardiovascular effects, which is crucial for drug development and understanding cardiovascular physiology.
Objective
To investigate the effects of different drugs on the blood pressure and heart rate in dogs.
Materials and Equipment: Dogs (preferably under veterinary supervision), Anesthesia or sedation (as needed), Sphygmomanometer or automated blood pressure monitor, Electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, Drug solutions (e.g., adrenergic agonists, antihypertensives, beta-blockers), IV catheter and infusion pump, Data recording equipment (e.g., computer with data acquisition software), Thermometer, Veterinary care equipment (for monitoring and emergency purposes)
Procedure
1. Preparation:
Animal Preparation: Ensure that the dog is healthy and acclimatized. Anesthesia or sedation may be required to minimize stress and movement during the experiment.
Baseline Measurements: Record baseline blood pressure and heart rate before drug administration. Ensure that the dog is calm and at rest during this period.
2. Drug Administration:
Drug Preparation: Prepare drug solutions at the required concentrations.
Administration: Administer the drug via an IV catheter or other appropriate routes as per the experimental design. The dosage and route should be carefully controlled.
Monitoring: Continuously monitor the dog’s blood pressure and heart rate using the sphygmomanometer and ECG machine, respectively.
3. Data Collection:
Record the blood pressure and heart rate at baseline and at regular intervals after drug administration. Note any immediate and delayed effects.
Repeat the process for each drug being tested. Ensure proper washout periods between drugs to avoid residual effects.
4. Post-Experiment Care:
Recovery: Allow the dog to recover from anesthesia or sedation. Monitor the animal for any adverse effects and provide supportive care as needed.
Observation: Ensure the dog returns to baseline physiological conditions before concluding the experiment.
Calculations
Blood Pressure Calculation:
Measure systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) using the sphygmomanometer or automated monitor. MAP can be calculated using:
MAP = Diastolic BP +
Heart Rate Calculation:
Measure the number of beats per minute (bpm) using the ECG machine.
Sample Data Table
Sample Data Table
| Drug | Dosage | Baseline Systolic BP (mmHg) | Post-Drug Systolic BP (mmHg) | Baseline Diastolic BP (mmHg) | Post-Drug Diastolic BP (mmHg) | Baseline Heart Rate (bpm) | Post-Drug Heart Rate (bpm) | Observations |
| None (Control) | N/A | 120 | 120 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | No effect |
| Adrenaline | 0.1 mg/kg | 120 | 150 | 80 | 100 | 80 | 110 | Increased BP and HR |
| Atenolol | 0.05 mg/kg | 120 | 110 | 80 | 70 | 80 | 60 | Decreased BP and HR |
| Lisinopril | 0.5 mg/kg | 120 | 110 | 80 | 70 | 80 | 75 | Decreased BP, slight HR effect |
