Sedative effect induced by a combination of medetomidine and midazolam in pigs

Sedative and analgesic/anesthetic effects induced by a combination of medetomidine and midazolam were evaluated in pigs. This combination exerted a much more potent sedative effect than that induced by a medetomidine alone, even if the dose of medetomidine was reduced to one half, and even if the pigs were stimulated continuously during the induction phase. Pigs given this combination were induced to sedation smoothly and very quickly. During being sedated the arousal reaction induced by sensory stimuli were depressed profoundly and pigs could be placed in dorsal recumbency without any resistance. In addition, this combination produced moderate analgesic effect and apparent muscle relaxation. This potent effect induced by this combination seemed to be induced by a synergistic interaction between medetomidine and midazolam because the sedative effect achieved with this combination was much greater than that which could be expected from a simple additive response of both sedatives. This sedative combination may be a widely available and valuable for chemical restraint in pigs.