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A2-agonists in sheep: a review.

Sabine B R Kästner1

  • 1Equine Clinic, Section of Veterinary Anaesthesia, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. skaestner@vetclinics.unizh.ch

Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia
|February 16, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Alpha(2)-agonists provide effective analgesia and anesthesia in sheep, often combined with ketamine. However, they can cause variable hypoxemia, especially with rapid intravenous injection, necessitating caution in sheep with respiratory issues.

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Area of Science:

  • Veterinary pharmacology
  • Sheep anesthesia and analgesia
  • Cardiopulmonary effects of sedatives

Background:

  • Alpha(2)-agonists are widely used in veterinary medicine for sedation, analgesia, and anesthesia.
  • Their application in sheep has been documented, but a comprehensive review of their use and adverse effects is warranted.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a literature review on the utilization and adverse effects of alpha(2)-agonists in sheep.
  • To identify commonly used alpha(2)-agonists and their reported effects in ovine species.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed and CAB International databases.
  • References were identified by searching for "sheep" and "alpha(2)-agonists", with bibliographies of relevant articles further scrutinized.

Main Results:

  • Clonidine, xylazine, detomidine, romifidine, medetomidine, dexmedetomidine, MPV-2426, and ST-91 have been reported in sheep.
  • Xylazine, medetomidine, and clonidine were most frequently studied; detomidine and romifidine literature was sparse.
  • Studies covered pharmacokinetics, sedation, analgesia, anesthesia, and adverse effects, notably hypoxemia and pulmonary edema.

Conclusions:

  • Alpha(2)-agonists are potent analgesics in sheep, effective for anesthesia induction and maintenance when combined with ketamine.
  • Hypoxemia is a common adverse effect, varying with individual/breed factors and administration route (IV injection being most severe).
  • Rapid IV administration without supplemental oxygen should be avoided in sheep, particularly those with subclinical respiratory disease.

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