Effects of xylazine on airway function in ponies with recurrent airway obstruction

• Published in: American journal of veterinary research Vol. 53; no. 10; p. 1813
• Main Authors: Broadstone, R.V. (Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI), Gray, P.R, Robinson, N.E, Derksen, F.J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.1992
• Subjects: Airway Obstruction - drug therapy; Airway Obstruction - veterinary; Airway Resistance - drug effects; Animals; CABALLOS; CADENA RESPIRATORIA; Carbon Dioxide - blood; CHAINE RESPIRATOIRE; CHEVAL; Horse Diseases - drug therapy; Horses; Lung Compliance - drug effects; Oxygen - blood; Respiratory Function Tests - veterinary; TRASTORNOS RESPIRATORIOS; TROUBLE RESPIRATOIRE; XILAZINA; XYLAZINE; Xylazine - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 0002-9645; 1943-5681
• DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.1992.53.10.1813

The effect of IV administration of the alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist xylazine hydrochloride (0.5 mg/kg of body weight) was examined in ponies with recurrent obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly called heaves. Six ponies with the disease (principals) were studied during clinical remission and during an acute attack of airway obstruction precipitated by stabling and feeding of dusty hay. Six control ponies were also studied. In principal ponies with airway obstruction, xylazine administration significantly (P 0.05) decreased pulmonary resistance and increased dynamic compliance, but did not affect PaO2 or PaCO2. The alpha 2-antagonist yohimbine blocked the pulmonary effects of xylazine. Administration of saline solution was without effect in both groups of ponies at all periods and xylazine did not have effect in controls or in principals in clinical remission