Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
High blood pressure in dogs after eye drops with phenylephrine
By Pascoe, P J et al.·Published in Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·1994·Department of Surgery, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Arterial hypertension associated with topical ocular use of phenylephrine in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Three dogs undergoing cataract surgery developed high blood pressure after receiving a topical eye drop containing phenylephrine, which is used to dilate the pupils. Their blood pressure readings were significantly elevated, prompting treatment with a medication called acepromazine to bring their levels back to normal. Fortunately, there were no noticeable side effects from the high blood pressure episodes. This case highlights the importance of monitoring blood pressure when using phenylephrine in dogs, especially in higher doses for eye treatments.
People also search for: dog cataract surgery risks · phenylephrine side effects in dogs · high blood pressure treatment for dogs
Abstract
In 3 dogs scheduled for surgical removal of cataracts, systemic and topical treatment with antibiotics and topical ocular treatment with prednisolone, atropine, flurbiprofen, and phenylephrine were used to achieve maximal mydriasis, with minimal risk of pupillary constriction in response to surgery. Each dog developed arterial hypertension, with systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures ranging from 170 to 205, 90 to 112, and 123 to 148 mm of Hg, respectively. Hypertension was treated with acepromazine maleate (0.001 to 0.005 mg/kg of body weight) i.v., decreasing arterial pressures to reference values. Phenylephrine dosages for topical use ranged from 50 to 367 times greater than the i.v. dose required to increase arterial pressure by 50% in anesthetized dogs. Although adverse sequelae to these episodes of hypertension were not noticed, this report documents the uptake of phenylephrine from topical ocular application and suggests the need for dose-response measurements for this adjunct to mydriatic treatment in dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7730124/