Sedative and analgesic effects of medetomidine in dogs--an open clinical study

Medetomidine was given parenterally as a sedative and analgesic agent to 283 dogs. Mean doses varied from 17 micrograms/kg for x-ray examinations to 31 micrograms/kg for clinical examinations. An adequate analgesic effect was demonstrated at higher doses than produced sufficient sedation. Potent bradycardia was produced within 15 minutes post administration. No influence of breed, sex or age was found. Vomiting was observed in 8% of the cases. One dog died, showing chronic glomerulonephritis, myocardial necrosis and liver congestion at autopsy.