Xylazine-induced sedation in axis deer (Axis axis) and its reversal by atipamezole

• Published in: Veterinary research communications Vol. 17; no. 2; p. 123
• Main Authors: Arnemo, J M, Moe, S R, Søli, N E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 01.03.1993
• Subjects: Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists - administration & dosage; Animals; Conscious Sedation - veterinary; Deer - physiology; Drug Antagonism; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Imidazoles - administration & dosage; Imidazoles - pharmacology; Immobilization; Injections, Intramuscular - veterinary; Injections, Intravenous - veterinary; Male; Xylazine - administration & dosage
• ISSN: 0165-7380
• DOI: 10.1007/bf01839240

Eight free-ranging axis deer (Axis axis) were captured in drive nets and injected with xylazine (3.4 +/- 0.1 mg/kg; mean +/- SEM) intramuscularly using a hand-held syringe. Xylazine induced complete immobilization and sedation in three animals, heavy sedation in three, and moderate sedation in two. The mean induction time was 10.4 +/- 1.0 min. The mean rectal temperature, heart and respiratory rates of immobilized animals were 39.2 +/- 0.4 degrees C, 75.5 +/- 6.5 beats/min and 62.1 +/- 4.2 breaths/min, respectively. All the animals were given atipamezole intravenously for reversal. The mean time from injection of xylazine to administration of atipamezole was 37.8 +/- 4.6 min. A dose ratio (w/w) for xylazine:atipamezole-HCl of 10:1 was used. The mean time from injection of atipamezole to mobility was 2.41 +/- 0.58 min. Atipamezole given intravenously effectively antagonized xylazine-induced sedation in axis deer. Only one animal showed signs of overalertness after reversal and no cases of resedation were observed.