Preoperative Oral Tasipimidine in Dogs Undergoing Elective Ovariectomy: Anxiolysis, Handling Quality and Cardiovascular Effects

Preoperative anxiety may compromise perioperative welfare and anesthetic management in dogs. This randomized, blind clinical study evaluated the effects of oral tasipimidine on anxiety-related behaviors, handling quality, cardiovascular variables, anesthetic requirements and recovery in dogs undergoing elective ovariectomy. Thirty ASA I dogs were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 10). Treatment groups received tasipimidine (30 µg/kg PO) 45 min before admission, followed by morphine (0.3 mg/kg IM) combined with dexmedetomidine at either 2.5 µg/kg (GTa) or 5 µg/kg IM (GTb). Control dogs (GC) received an oral placebo followed by dexmedetomidine (5 µg/kg IM) and morphine (0.3 mg/kg IM). Anxiety was assessed using the Clinic Dog Stress Scale (CDSS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Reactivity Evaluation Form (REF). Handling quality was assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and recovery quality using the Simple Descriptive Scale (SDS). Tasipimidine significantly reduced anxiety-related behaviors compared with controls, with lower CDSS (5 [0–10] vs. 13 [3–19]), VAS (4 [2–7] vs. 6.5 [2–9]), and REF scores (1 [1–3] vs. 2 [1–4]) (p < 0.05). Handling quality improved significantly in treated dogs with lower NRS (1 [1–2] vs. 2 [1–4]; p = 0.003). Preoperative heart rate was lower in tasipimidine-treated dogs (85 ± 19 bpm) than in controls (127 ± 23 bpm; p < 0.001). Recovery agitation requiring dexmedetomidine rescue sedation occurred in 30% of treated dogs versus 60% of controls. Propofol and fentanyl requirements did not differ significantly among groups (p > 0.05). Tasipimidine improved anxiety-related behavioral scores and handling quality in dogs; however, its cardiovascular effects and perioperative role warrant further investigation.