Evaluation of xylazine in camels

When xylazine was given intramuscularly to 12 apparently healthy adult camels (Camelus dromedarius) at the rate of 0.4 mg/kg of body weight, mean values for onset of weak time, down time, and time until recovery were 8.6 +/- 1.1, 10.5 +/- 0.6, and 150 +/- 56.9 minutes, respectively. Mild salivation, drooping of lower lips, and relaxation of neck were observed at meant times of 15.3 +/- 4.9, 11.0 +/- 1.7, and 22.7 +/- 3.9 minutes, respectively. Analgesic effects remained for 60 to 90 minutes. Hemocytologic changes were not statistically significant. Marked hyperglycemia was observed at 30 minutes after xylazine administration. Hypotension from 30 to 60 minutes after xylazine administration was not correlated with elevated central venous pressure or with bradycardia. Electrocardiography revealed 1st-degree atrioventricular block, sinoatrial block, sinus arrhythmia, and wandering pacemaker in sinoatrial node, which were attributed to vagal stimulation. Primary T-wave changes and ST segment elevation also were observed. When xylazine was used at the same dosage in 13 clinical cases involving surgery of short duration, it proved to be a satisfactory sedative, analgesic, and muscle relaxant.