Explore the vast range of titles available.

The current study was prepared to compare the efficacy of xylazine-lidocaine HCl and detomidine-lidocaine HCl following caudal epidural injection in horses, evaluating sedation, analgesia, physiological parameters, and hemato-biochemical values. This study was applied to six healthy adult horses (300–350 kg, > 4 years of age). The horses were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group 1 (seven horses) received xylazine (0.17 mg/kg bwt) + lidocaine HCl (0.06 mg/kg bwt), while Group 2 received detomidine (0.03 mg/kg bwt) + lidocaine HCl (0.06 mg/kg bwt) via caudal epidural injection. Perineal analgesia and sedation (onset time and duration) were assessed before administration and at 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min post-administration. Concurrently, heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and hemato-biochemical values were recorded. The sedative duration of detomidine was longer than that of xylazine (94 ± 0.96 vs. 85 ± 0.94 min). Both detomidine and xylazine induced complete bilateral perineal analgesia in all horses. Analgesia onset was slightly faster and duration longer in detomidine-treated horses compared to xylazine, and these values are for onset of analgesia (11.79 ± 1.15 vs. 14.46 ± 0.92 min). Significant heart rate depression was observed in Group 2, in which both white blood cell count (WBC) and packed cell volume (PCV) percentage showed significant decreases. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance : The findings of this study suggest that epidural administration of detomidine-lidocaine HCl results in more effective and longer-lasting perineal analgesia compared to xylazine-lidocaine HCl.

Background A standardized protocol for electroencephalography (EEG) under standing sedation for the investigation of epilepsy in foals is needed. Hypothesis/Objectives To evaluate a modified standardized EEG protocol under standing sedation using sublingual detomidine hydrochloride in Egyptian Arabian foals. Animals Nineteen foals (controls, 9; juvenile idiopathic epilepsy [JIE], 10). Methods Descriptive clinical study. Foals were classified as controls or epileptic based on history or witnessed seizures and neurological examination. Foals were sedated using sublingual detomidine hydrochloride at a dosage of 0.08 mg/kg to avoid stress associated with injectable sedation. Once foals appeared sedated with their heads low to the ground and with wide base stance (30 minutes), topical lidocaine hydrochloride was applied at the determined locations of EEG electrodes. Fifteen minutes were allowed for absorption and electrodes were placed, protected, and EEG recording performed. Results Level of sedation was considered excellent with no need of redosing. The EEG recording lasted from 27 to 51 minutes and provided interpretable data. Epileptic discharges (ED) were noted predominantly in the central‐parietal region in 9 of 10 epileptic foals. Photic stimulation triggered ED in 7 of 10 epileptic foals and in none of the controls. Foals were not oversedated and recovered uneventfully. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Sublingual detomidine hydrochloride is a safe, painless, simple, and effective method of sedation for EEG recording in foals. Sublingual sedation allowed the investigation of cerebral electrical activity during states of sleep and arousal, and during photic stimulation for the investigation of epilepsy in foals.

This study aimed to assess the sedative and physiological effects of three alpha2-agonists in Barbari goats. Eighteen healthy goats (20.3 ± 0.8 kg, 16 ± 2.2 months) were administered xylazine (100 μg/kg; XYL), detomidine (50 μg/kg; DET), or medetomidine (6 μg/kg; MED). Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, serum glucose concentration, and sedation duration were recorded. Heart rate significantly decreased within 5 minutes, reaching its lowest at 50, 40, and 25 minutes in the XYL, DET, and MED groups, respectively. Respiratory rate declined within 5 minutes, with the greatest reduction observed at 20 minutes in XYL and DET groups and at 25 minutes in the MED group. Rectal temperature significantly dropped at 15 minutes in XYL and MED groups and at 45 minutes in DET. Serum glucose levels increased at 30 minutes post-administration. The onset of sedation were 29 ± 3.74, 55.66 ± 5.57, and 28.83 ± 5.98 s and the onset of optimal sedation were 5 ± 2.28, 12.16 ± 2.99, and 9.75 ± 2.75 minutes, and the total duration of sedation were 77.59 ± 4.38, 85.38 ± 2.76, and 72.64 ± 4.35 minutes in the XYL, DET, and MED groups, respectively. All three alpha2-agonists can be safely used for pain relief during physical examinations and minor surgical procedures in goats.

Background In metabolically stable horses, alpha‐2‐agonists suppress insulin secretion with transient hyperglycemia and rebound hyperinsulinemia. In horses with insulin dysregulation (ID), the effect of alpha‐2‐agonists has not been investigated; however, both the alpha‐2‐agonist‐induced suppression of insulin secretion and rebound hyperinsulinemia could have clinical relevance. Hypothesis/Objectives In horses with ID, alpha‐2‐agonists will alter insulin and glucose dynamics. Animals Seven horses with ID and 7 control horses. Methods In this randomized crossover study, xylazine hydrochloride (1.1 mg/kg) or detomidine hydrochloride (30 μg/kg) were administered IV, and blood was collected for glucose and insulin concentrations at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 300 minutes after administration. Horses received each drug in a random order with a 24‐hour washout period between drugs. Percent change in glucose and insulin concentrations was compared between groups, drugs, and over time with P < .05 considered significant. Results A significant time‐dependent effect of both alpha‐2‐agonists on glucose and insulin concentrations in control and ID horses was identified (P = .01 for all comparisons). There was no significant effect of sedative selection and endocrine status on blood glucose concentration in either group; however, in ID horses, xylazine administration resulted in severe rebound hyperinsulinemia whereas detomidine administration did not (P = .02). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Alpha‐2‐agonists have a significant effect on glucose and insulin concentrations in horses. In ID horses, detomidine could minimize hyperinsulinemia when compared to xylazine.

Background Atlantoaxial (AA) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection in standing horses utilizes the controlled narcotic morphine, thereby limiting feasibility in field practice settings. Objectives To compare AA CSF collection time and reaction scores in horses sedated with morphine‐containing and opioid‐free sedation protocols: detomidine + morphine (DM), detomidine + xylazine (DX), detomidine + detomidine (DD), detomidine alone (D0); To develop a novel method for assessing sedation in standing horses using open‐source motion‐tracking software. Animals Six healthy adult horses. Methods Randomized crossover. Atlantoaxial CSF collections were performed weekly for 4 weeks. Horses received sedation protocols in random order. Procedure time and procedure reaction scores were compared between groups using Friedman test. Associations between procedure reaction scores and motion tracking variables (total distance and farthest excursion traveled by horse's head) were examined using scatter diagrams and linear regression. Results Procedure times were lower in horses sedated with DX (median: 36 seconds; range: 28 − 188), compared to D0 (121; 35 − 196; P = 0.04). Procedure reaction scores were lower in horses sedated with DX (median 1.0, range 1.0 to 2.0), or DM (1.8; 1.3 − 3.0) compared to DO (3.0; 2.3 − 3.0; P = .03). Reactions to dura mater puncture were recorded in 3 of 6 horses in D0 and DD groups, and 0 of 6 horses in DX and DM groups. Positive associations were observed between reaction score vs total distance or farthest excursion distance from baseline. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Both opioid‐free and morphine‐containing sedation protocols are acceptable for AA CSF collection. Motion‐tracking software represents a novel method for assessing sedation in standing horses.

Background Irreversible sensorineural auditory loss has been reported in humans treated with aminoglycosides but not in horses. Objective Investigate if auditory loss occurs in horses treated using the recommended IV daily dosage of gentamicin for 7 consecutive days. Animals Ten healthy adult horses (7‐15 years; females and males, 5 each). Methods Prospective study. Physical and neurological examinations and renal function tests were performed. Gentamicin sulfate was administered at a dosage of 6.6 mg/kg via the jugular vein on alternating sides for 7 days. Gentamicin peak and trough concentrations were measured. Horses were sedated using detomidine hydrochloride IV to perform brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER) before the first dose, immediately after the last dose, and 30 days after the last dose. Peaks latencies, amplitudes, and amplitude ratios were recorded. Data from the second and last BAER were compared to results at baseline. Bone conduction was performed to rule out conduction disorders. Results Seven horses had auditory loss: complete bilateral (N = 1), complete unilateral (N = 2), and partial unilateral (N = 4). Based on physical examination and BAER results, sensorineural auditory loss was suspected. Absent bone conduction ruled out a conduction disorder and further supported sensorineural auditory loss in horses with completely absent BAER. Auditory dysfunction was reversible in 4 of 7 horses. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Gentamicin at recommended doses may cause sensorineural auditory loss in horses that might be irreversible. Follow‐up studies are needed to investigate if other dosing protocols present a similar risk.

Background In modern times, horses are utilized not only for labour and transportation purposes but also for recreational activities such as competition and pleasure riding. In these various pursuits, the role of vision plays a crucial role. Electroretinography is the most used test to diagnose diseases of the retinal outer segment. There is a wide variety of devices to perform the electroretinography differing one from each other in the corneal electrode and the light stimulation. The Koijman electrode has been tested in dogs but not in horses. The main purpose of this study was to compare electroretinography parameters from horses sedated with detomidine alone or in combination with butorphanol, during a standardized protocol using the Koijman electrode and RETI-port® system. Seven mares were allocated to the detomidine and detomidine plus butorphanol group in a randomised, controlled, crossover study. Friedman and Willcoxon-signed ranked tests were used to compare the electroretinogram parameters. A Student’s t-test was used to compare differences in the number of artefacts to valid values ratio obtained under both sedation protocols. Results Dark adaptation peaked after 16 min under scotopic conditions in both groups. No significant differences in electroretinogram parameters between groups were observed. During the mixed rod and cone response evaluation under scotopic conditions, all mares made a movement of the head resulting in a high number of artefacts. The detomidine plus butorphanol group showed a non-significant tendency to have fewer artefacts and a longer duration of sedation compared to the detomidine group. Conclusions Detomidine alone or combined with butorphanol may be suitable to use Koijman electrode and the RETI-port® to perform a standardized long protocol in horses with some adaptations.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), the largest representative of the xenarthrans, is listed as Vulnerable-IUCN. Their unique anatomy and physiological characteristics, such as relatively low basal metabolic rates, make xenarthrans challenging to anesthetize and equip with tracking devices. This study evaluates and describes physical capture and chemical immobilization protocols for field conditions that enable the harnessing of free-ranging giant anteaters. A total of 51 wild giant anteaters were physically captured, and chemical immobilization was performed applying the combination protocol (BDM), butorphanol tartrate, detomidine hydrochloride, and midazolam hydrochloride, each at 0.1 mg/kg. Whenever extra time was necessary, supplementary doses of BDM were used (0.03 mg/kg of butorphanol, 0.03 mg/kg of detomidine, and 0.03 mg/kg of midazolam). Vital signs were monitored during anesthesia every 10 min. All individuals received the antagonist combination NYF: naloxone hydrochloride (0.02 mg/kg), yohimbine hydrochloride (0.125 mg/kg), and flumazenil (0.01 mg/kg). Average rectal temperature was 34.5 ± 2.52 °C, heart rate/min 43.47 ± 7.39, respiratory rate 8.49 ± 2.79, and oxygen saturation values (SpO2%) 90.1 ± 4.38. BDM protocol was considered satisfactory and provided enough time to complete the procedures. The total chemical immobilization time was 85.5 ± 16.8 min. This protocol provided rapid, smooth inductions, and a wide margin of safety. Recovery time varied according administration method lasting 2.55 ± 1.33 to 12 ± 5.39 min intravenous or intramuscular, respectively. Physical capture method and the chemical immobilization protocol were considered efficient, safe, highly feasible, and can be completely antagonized, promoting smooth and rapid recoveries.

Background The present study was conducted to determine if using α 2 -adrenergic agonists results in decreased stress levels (lower cortisol levels) in goats used for laparoscopic embryo [somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)] transfer; and there is an effect on pregnancy rate when stress levels are lessened. Sixty healthy does aged 24 ± 4 months and weighing 30 ± 3 kg were used in experimental, prospective, randomized and blinded study. In this study, embryos were obtained by the Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) method. Animals were randomly assigned to five groups: control (normal saline); xylazine (100 μg kg − 1 ); detomidine (50 μg kg − 1 ); medetomidine (20 μg kg − 1 ); and dexmedetomidine (5 μg kg − 1 ). Embryo transfer (through laparoscopic technique) began at 15 min and continued till 45 min post-treatment. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), and ruminal motility were performed before (baseline) and after drug administration. Pregnancy detection was performed 38 days after embryo transfer. Results Compared to control, HR, RR and ruminal motility were significantly lower in α 2 -adrenergic agonists groups at 5–90, 15–60, and 5–120 min, respectively. Serum cortisol values significantly increased from baseline in the control group 45 min after drug administration ( p  = 0.001). At time points 45 and 60 min, serum cortisol concentration was significantly lower in α 2 -adrenergic agonists groups compared with the control. The pregnancy rate in control group ( n  = 4/12, 33.3%) was significantly lower than xylazine ( n  = 9/12, 75%; p  = 0.041), detomidine ( n  = 10/12, 83.3%; p  = 0.013), medetomidine ( n  = 9/12, 75%; p  = 0.041) and dexmedetomidine ( n  = 10/12, 83.3%; p  = 0.013); but no significant differences were observed among different α 2 -adrenergic agonists groups. Conclusion Alph 2 -adrenergic agonists were effective on increasing the pregnancy rate of recipient goats receiving cloned embryos. No significant differences were detected among different α 2 -adrenergic agonists.

(1) Background: The diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed under sedation or general anesthesia in bovines are numerous. The analgesic drugs that can be legally used are few, making perioperative analgesia challenging. (2) Methods: Calves were administered butorphanol 0.1 mg kg−1 alone (SB) or combined with 0.02 mg kg−1 of a detomidine (DB) IV. The antinociceptive effect (trigeminocervical reflex threshold (TCRt)), as well as the behavioral (sedation and excitation) and physiological (heart and respiratory rate) changes were investigated. Five time windows were defined: BL (30 min pre-injection), T1 (0–30 min post-injection (PI)), T2 (31–60 min PI), T3 (61–90 min PI) and T4 (91–120 min PI). (3) Results: Both groups had a significative increase in TCRt at T1-T4 compared to the BL. The TCRt was significatively higher in DB than in SB at T1, T2 and T4. Heart rate decreased significatively in DB compared to that in BL. Calves were significantly more sedated in the DB group, and significantly more excited in the SB group compared to the BL. (4) Conclusions: Butorphanol alone has a statistically significant antinociceptive effect, but it elicits marked excitation, limiting its clinical applicability under this dosing regimen. The co-administration of detomidine eliminated the excitatory effect and induced consistent sedation and a significantly more pronounced antinociceptive effect.