Sedative and analgesic effects of romifidine in camels (Camelus dromedarius).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and the sedative and analgesic effects of intravenous (IV) romifidine in camels.


METHODS
Randomized prospective study.


METHODS
Eighteen healthy adult Dromedary camels.


METHODS
Romifidine was administered IV to camels (n = 6) at three different doses (40, 80 or 120 microg 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
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 microg 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.
Marzok
Mohamed
M
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology and Radiology, Kafer-Elsheikh University, Egypt. marzok2000@hotmail.com
El-Khodery
Sabry
S
D000700:Analgesics / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D002162:Camelus; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors
D000700:Analgesics; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D007093:Imidazoles; C076257:romifidine