Abstract
Objective
To assess the sedative and immobilization effect of intranasal administration (INS)
of midazolam (MID) without or with INS dexmedetomidine (DXM), and some physiological
changes induced by the drugs. The ability of INS atipamezole to reverse the DXM component
was also assessed.
Study design
Prospective ‘blinded’ experimental study.
Animals
In total, 15 pigeons.
Methods
Pigeons were sedated by INS MID alone at a dose of 5 mg kg−1 (group MID, n = 6) or in combination with INS DXM at a dose 80 μg kg−1 (group MID-DXM, n = 6). Measurements were made of heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (fR) and cloacal temperature (CT). The degree of sedation was assessed at 15 minutes
prior to, immediately after, and at intervals until 100 minutes after drug administrations.
Following MID-DXM, INS atipamezole (250 μg kg−1) was administered and the same indices measured 5 and 10 minutes later.
Results
MID had no effect on HR and fR, and although CT decreased, it remained within physiological range. MID-DXM caused
significant falls in HR, fR and CT that persisted until the end of sedation. Atipamezole antagonized sedation
and cardiorespiratory side effects of MID-DXM within 10 minutes of application. In
addition, for MID compared to MID-DXM, the lowest sedation scores [10 (7–14) and 10.5
(5–14) versus 2 (1–4) and 2 (1–5)] were achieved in the 10th and 20th minute versus the 20th and 30th minute of the sedation, respectively.
Conclusions and clinical relevance
MID alone, given INS had minimal side effects on vital functions but caused inadequate
immobilization of pigeons for restraint in dorsal recumbency. MID-DXM caused an effective degree of immobilization from 20 to 30 minutes after administration,
at which time birds tolerated postural changes without resistance. Atipamezole antagonized
both side effects and sedation, but complete recovery had not occurred within 10 minutes
after its application.
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
October 8,
2013
Received:
April 11,
2013
Identification
Copyright
© 2015 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
