A study examined the emesis efficacy of hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) or dexmedetomidine (7 μg/kg, IM) in 12 cats. Following administration, the incidences of emesis, number of emetic events, signs of nausea (hypersalivation, lip licking), temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and sedation score were recorded for 6 hours.

Emesis was successful in 9 of 12 (75%) cats when treated with hydromorphone and in 7 of 12 (58%) cats when treated with dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine was more likely to cause sedation than hydromorphone Heart rate in cats was significantly decreased at 1 and 2 hours post-hydromorphone and at 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 hours post-dexmedetomidine. Cats were more likely to develop an increase in body temperature with hydromorphone administration although this was not clinically significant.

Results of the present study suggest that hydromorphone is an effective alternative to dexmedetomidine for the induction of emesis in cats.

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Assessment of hydromorphone and dexmedetomidine for emesis induction in cats.