Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and the sedative and analgesic effects of intravenous
(IV) romifidine in camels.
Study design
Randomized prospective study.
Animals
Eighteen healthy adult Dromedary camels.
Methods
Romifidine was administered IV to camels (n = 6) at three different doses (40, 80 or 120 μg kg−1). Time of onset, degree and duration of sedation and analgesia were recorded immediately
after drug administration. Heart rate, respiratory rate, ruminal contractions, muscle
relaxation, response to auditory and tactile stimulation, distance between ears, distance
from lower lip to the ground, and degree of ataxia were also recorded pre-administration
and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes post-administration. Plasma glucose,
blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were measured.
Results
Romifidine produced dose dependent sedation and analgesia. Significant decreases in
heart rate (p < 0.001), ruminal contractions (p < 0.05), distance from lower lip to the ground (p < 0.001), response to auditory and tactile stimuli (p < 0.01), and significant increases in the degree of ataxia (p < 0.01), distance between the ear tips (p < 0.001) and blood glucose (p < 0.01) concentration were recorded after administration of romifidine until recovery.
However, no significant changes in rectal temperature and respiratory rate were recorded.
Conclusions and clinical relevance
Intravenous administration of romifidine at three different doses appeared to be an
effective sedative and analgesic agent for camels. Bradycardia, ruminal atony, and
hyperglycemia were the most important adverse effects after IV administration of romifidine.
The IV administration of romifidine at a dose rate of 120 μg kg−1 caused profound sedation and analgesia. Romifidine could be used for chemical restraint
for a variety of diagnostic and minor surgical procedures in camels.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 23,
2009
Received:
June 2,
2008
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
