Sedative and clinical effects of the pharmacopuncture with xylazine in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the sedative and clinical effects of the pharmacopuncture with xylazine, compared to the conventional dose of a intramuscular injection in dogs.


METHODS
Twelve dogs were randomly distributed in two groups of six animals and treated as follows: control group (X-IM): 1mg kg(-1) of xylazine given intramuscularly (IM); pharmacopuncture group (X-Yintang): 0.1mg kg(-1) of xylazine diluted to 0.5 mL of saline injected into the Yin Tang acupoint. Heart rate, cardiac rhythm (ECG), systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), blood glucose concentration, degree of sedation and adverse effects were evaluated.


RESULTS
Sedative effect was observed in both groups. The degree of sedation was greater in X-IM only at 15 min when compared with X-Yintang group. Cardiovascular established was observed in X-Yintang group, while marked reduction in the HR and increased incidence of ECG abnormalities were detected in X-IM. In both treatment groups, minimal changes were observed in relation to SABP, RR, RT and blood glucose. High incidence (66%) of vomiting was observed in X-IM, while this adverse effect was absent in X-Yintang.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacopuncture with xylazine induced clinically relevant sedative effects in dogs, with the advantage of reduction of undesirable side effects associated with α2-agonists, including bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, and emesis.
Oeste Paulista University, Scholl of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anestesiology, Presidente PrudenteSP, Brazil.
Renata Navarro
RN
Cassu
Sao Paulo State University, Scholl of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Veterinary, BotucatuSP, Brazil.
Alessandra
A
Melchert
Andradina Educational Foundation, Scholl of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Anestesiology, AndradinaSP, Brazil.
Jiancarlo Tortoza Bignelli
JT
Canoa
UNOESTE, Scholl of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Surgery and Anestesiology, Presidente PrudenteSP, Brazil.
Paula Denise de Oliveira
PD
Martins
D015667:Acupuncture Analgesia / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004285:Dogs; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000662:veterinary; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D014991:Xylazine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*
D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D014991:Xylazine