Mary Allen
What is apomorphine?
Apomorphine is a drug that is commonly used in veterinary medicine to induce vomiting in dogs. It is a derivative of morphine, but it does not have any pain-relieving effects. Instead, it acts on the dopamine receptors in the brain, which stimulates the vomiting center in the medulla oblongata. Apomorphine is a fast-acting drug that can produce vomiting within a few minutes of administration.
How does apomorphine work in dogs?
Apomorphine works by stimulating the dopamine receptors in the brain, which triggers the vomiting center in the medulla oblongata. This leads to an increase in gastric motility and a relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which allows the contents of the stomach to be expelled. Apomorphine does not have any pain-relieving effects, and it is not used as a sedative in dogs.
Why is apomorphine used in veterinary medicine?
Apomorphine is commonly used in veterinary medicine to induce vomiting in dogs. This can be useful in cases where a dog has ingested a toxic substance or a foreign object that cannot be passed through the digestive system. Inducing vomiting can help to remove the harmful substance or object from the dog’s stomach before it has a chance to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Apomorphine is also used to diagnose certain conditions, such as gastric stasis or delayed gastric emptying.