Rabbit Medicine and Surgery: Self-Assessment Color Review, Second Edition, Q&A 17

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Student tip: This case is great for revising pharmacology.

Question	Answer		Article
What are the indications for the use of an antimuscarinic (parasympatholytic) agent in rabbit anaesthetic protocols?	Antimuscarinic agents are used preoperatively to decrease oral and bronchial secretions and to inhibit vagal efferent activity and bradycardia. They may also be used with anticholinesterase drugs such as neostigmine during the antagonism of neuromuscular blockade. Routine use for pre-anaesthetic medication is controversial and some anaesthetists reserve their use for only when problems of excessive secretion or bradycardia occur.		Link to Article
What agent is most suitable in this species and why?	Glycopyrronium bromide. The alternative drug, atropine, may only be short-acting, as a large proportion of rabbits are believed to have serum atropinesterase. Glycopyrronium is longer-acting than atropine and, being a quaternary ammonium compound, does not readily cross the blood–brain barrier or placental barrier, thus reducing the risk of possible adverse effects if overdosed.		Link to Article
What commonly used drug in rabbits can be antagonized by antimuscarinics?	Metoclopramide.		Link to Article

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