Sedative effects of intramuscular administration of a low dose of romifidine in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate sedative effects of IM administration of a low dose of romifidine in dogs.


METHODS
13 healthy adult Beagles.


METHODS
Physiologic saline solution (0.2 ml), 0.1 % romifidine (10, 20, or 40 microg/kg), or 10% xylazine (1 mg/kg) was given IM in a crossover study design. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, hemoglobin saturation, and scores for sedation, muscle relaxation, posture, auditory response, and positioning response were recorded before and at regular intervals for up to 240 minutes after drug administration.


RESULTS
Scores for sedation, muscle relaxation, posture, auditory response, and positioning response increased in a dose-dependent manner after romifidine administration. Sedation induced by the highest dose of romifidine (40 microg/kg) was comparable to that induced by xylazine (1 mg/kg). Heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature decreased in a dose-dependent manner after romifidine administration, but hemoglobin saturation did not change.


CONCLUSIONS
Romifidine (10, 20, or 40 microg/kg, IM) is an effective sedative in dogs, but causes a decrease in heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature.
Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada.
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Lemke
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000187:drug effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000187:drug effects; D010092:Oximetry / Q000662:veterinary; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014991:Xylazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000777:Anesthetics; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007093:Imidazoles; D014991:Xylazine; C076257:romifidine