Comparison of Four Sedation and Anaesthesia Protocols during Stress Radiography of the Coxofemoral Joint Using a Distension Device Modified for Force Measurements.
Vandekerckhove LMJ, Herregodts S, Bosmans T, Vanderperren K, Saunders JH, Broeckx BJG · Veterinary and Comparative Orthopaedics and Traumatology · 13 March 2026
Dexmedetomidine/butorphanol/midazolam is optimal for canine hip stress radiography.
This study compared four sedation and anaesthesia protocols for stress radiography of the canine coxofemoral joint using a validated force-measuring device. Ten Beagle dogs underwent stress radiographs under protocols combining dexmedetomidine with different adjunctive agents: Protocol A (dexmedetomidine/butorphanol), Protocol B (dexmedetomidine/butorphanol/midazolam), Protocol C (dexmedetomidine/ketamine), and Protocol D (dexmedetomidine/propofol). Vital parameters including temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate remained within normal ranges across all protocols. Protocol B and A demonstrated superior ease of procedure compared to C and D. One adverse event occurred with Protocol C (seizure). Maximum laxity indices were similar between protocols A, B, and D; however, only protocols A and B achieved a plateau phase indicating optimal muscle relaxation. Protocol B consistently received the highest overall scores, combining practicality, safety, and reliable laxity measurements without adverse effects, making it the recommended choice for canine hip dysplasia stress radiography.
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