Effect of acetazolamide in blood acid-base and electrolyte values in dogs.

The effects of acetazolamide administration on arterial blood acid-base equilibrium and electrolyte concentrations were evaluated in 13 clinical patients and in a 4-week experiment in 6 conditioned mixed-breed dogs. Findings included persistent acidemia characterized by hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, elevated partial pressure of oxygen, and mild depletion of potassium. Changes in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide were variable, and there was no change in plasma sodium concentration or osmolality. Measured disturbances were apparent within 12 hours of the commencement of acetazolamide administration, peaked at between 1.5 and 5.0 days, and thereafter stabilized. Abnormalities were restored to normal within 1.5 days following termination of drug administration.

Dose dependency of the post-insult protective effect of pentobarbital in the canine experimental stroke model.

In a canine stroke model, dose dependent protection by postocclusion pentobarbital was suggested from 10--40 mg/kg. In 28 dogs investigated (10 from a previous study) a distinct, significant reduction in right cerebral hemisphere infarction occurred in animals given 15--20 mg/kg pentobarbital intramuscularly 1 hour postocclusion. Increased dosages did not alter statistically the infarct size and 2 dogs at the 50 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg levels died of barbiturate-induced respiratory failure.