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Antagonism of detomidine sedation in the horse using intravenous tolazoline or atipamezole
Author(s) -
Hubbell J. A. E.,
Muir W. W.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.2746/042516406776866408
Subject(s) - detomidine , atipamezole , tolazoline , sedation , anesthesia , medicine , flumazenil , antagonist , xylazine , medetomidine , ketamine , heart rate , blood pressure , receptor
Summary Reasons for performing study : The ability to shorten the duration of sedation would potentially improve safety and utility of detomidine. Objectives : To determine the effects of tolazoline and atipamezole after detomidine sedation. Hypothesis : Administration of tolazoline or atipamezole would not affect detomidine sedation. Methods : In a randomised, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, descriptive study, detomidine (0.02 mg/kg bwt i.v.) was administered to 6 mature horses on 4 separate occasions. Twenty‐five mins later, each horse received one of 4 treatments: Group 1 saline (0.9% i.v.) as a placebo control; Group 2 atipamezole (0.05 mg/kg bwt i.v.); Group 3 atipamezole (0.1 mg/kg bwt i.v.); and Group 4 tolazoline (4.0 mg/kg bwt i.v.). Sedation, muscle relaxation and ataxia were scored by 3 independent observers at 9 time points. Horses were led through an obstacle course at 7 time points. Course completion time was recorded and the ability of the horse to traverse the course was scored by 3 independent observers. Horses were videotaped before, during and after each trip through the obstacle course. Results : Atipamezole and tolazoline administration incompletely antagonised the effects of detomidine, but the time course to recovery was shortened. Conclusions and potential relevance : Single bolus administration of atipamezole or tolazoline produced partial reversal of detomidine sedation and may be useful for minimising detomidine sedation.