The sedative and analgesic effects of detomidine-butorphanol and detomidine alone in donkeys

• Published in: Journal of the South African Veterinary Association Vol. 70; no. 3; pp. 112 - 118
• Main Authors: Joubert, K.E, Briggs, P. (Pretoria Univ., Onderstepoort (South Africa). Dept. of Surgery), Gerber, D, Gottschalk, R.G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: South Africa South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) 01.09.1999
• Subjects: AFRIQUE DU SUD; Analgesia; ANALGESICOS; ANALGESICS; Analgesics - administration & dosage; Analgesics - adverse effects; Analgesics, Opioid - administration & dosage; Analgesics, Opioid - adverse effects; ANALGESIQUE; ANE; Anesthetics, Combined; Animals; ASNO; ASSES; Butorphanol; Butorphanol - administration & dosage; Cheyne-Stokes Respiration - chemically induced; Cheyne-Stokes Respiration - veterinary; Detomidine; Donkey; Equidae - surgery; Heart Rate - drug effects; Hypnotics and Sedatives - administration & dosage; Hypnotics and Sedatives - adverse effects; Imidazoles - administration & dosage; Male; MEDICAMENT NEUROTROPE; MEDICAMENTOS NEUROTROPICOS; Neuroleptanalgesia; Neuroleptanalgesia - veterinary; NEUROTROPIC DRUGS; Pain Measurement - methods; Pain Measurement - veterinary; Respiration - drug effects; Sedation; SOUTH AFRICA; SUDAFRICA
• ISSN: 0038-2809; 1019-9128; 2224-9435
• DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v70i3.769

Butorphanol and detomidine constitute an effective combination for sedation and analgesia in horses. This trial was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of this combination in donkeys. The detomidine and butorphanol were given intravenously one after the other. A dose of 10 mg/kg of detomidine and 25 mg/kg of butorphanol was used. Sedation is easily extended by additional doses of butorphanol. The average dose of detomidine was 11.24 mg/kg and that of butorphanol was 28.0 mg/kg. Four donkeys in the detomidine group required additional sedation and analgesia. Detomidine alone did not totally eliminate coronary band pain. Heart rates dropped significantly in the first minute after the injection of the combination. One donkey developed an atrioventricular block, while another developed a sino-atrial block. Four donkeys developed a Cheyne-Stokes respiratory pattern. The combination of detomidine and butorphanol is an effective combination for sedation and analgesia of donkeys for standing procedures.