Ropinirole is a full dopamine agonist with high selectivity for dopamine D2-type receptors. A new study examined the effectiveness and ease of administration by owners of ropinirole eyes drops for the induction of emesis in dogs.

Most of the dogs (95%) vomited within 30 minutes of administration and the median time to the first vomit was 10 minutes. The median number of vomits was four and the mean duration of vomiting was 16 minutes. Most owners (96%) reported that administration was very easy or easy.

Some ocular signs were seen both with ropinirole and the placebo, particularly hyperaemia but also protrusion of the third eyelid and conjunctival discharge. All adverse effects were transient and mild to moderate. 

The study did not evaluate the amount of vomitus produced or assess the effect of ropinirole in dogs that had ingested foreign material or a toxic substance.

Read the paper free online.