title: Alpha-2 adrenergic agonists as analgesics in horses.
abstract: Administration of alpha-2 agonists to horses produces a variety of behavioral effects (sedation, somnolence, analgesia), and physiological effects. One of the most significant beneficial effects of administering alpha-2 agonists is the degree of analgesia they provide. Alpha-2 agonists have been the mainstay of analgesia for colic pain in horses since their introduction to clinical veterinary medicine. The increased potency of the more recently introduced alpha-2 agonists allows the provision of analgesia for conditions not previously relieved by other drugs. Unfortunately, there are significant side effects associated with alpha-2 agonist administration. Studies are underway to identify the physiologic effects associated with the stimulation of each alpha-2 receptor subtype, in hopes of developing subtype-specific alpha-2 agonists and antagonists.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgical & Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Daunt
authors.forename: Eugene P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Steffey
mesh_terms: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D003085:Colic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006736:Horses; D018341:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2 / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D000700:Analgesics; D018341:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-2