Cardiopulmonary effects of xylazine sedation in the foal.
Abstract: Six healthy foals underwent instrumentation for measurement of the cardiopulmonary effects of sedation with 1.1 mg/kg bodyweight xylazine hydrochloride given intravenously. Responses to xylazine in foals at 10 and 28 days of age were not significantly different. Foals became sedate and markedly ataxic, and four of the six foals became recumbent. Heart rate decreased significantly but no arrhythmias were detected. Arterial blood pressure increased initially and then fell significantly below pre-injection values. Changes in respiratory airflow, upper airway obstruction and respiratory noise were noted in the initial 20 mins of sedation, after which respiratory rate fell, tidal volume increased, and minute volume decreased gradually. Arterial blood gas tensions and pH did not change significantly during the 120 mins following xylazine administration. Control studies showed no significant changes. All foals recovered uneventfully.
Publication Date: 1990-11-01 PubMed ID: 2269259DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1990.tb04300.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study explores the effects of xylazine, a sedative, on the cardiopulmonary system of young horses known as foals. Experiments were conducted on six healthy foals and the results showed that the sedative led to significant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory function but without causing major complications.
Methodology and Experimentation
- Researchers instrumented six healthy foals for tracking the cardiopulmonary effects of xylazine sedation.
- The xylazine dosage used was 1.1 mg/kg bodyweight and was administered intravenously.
- The age of the foals during the experiment was either 10 days or 28 days and it was found that the age did not significantly impact the response to xylazine.
Impact of Xylazine on Foals’ Behavior and Cardiopulmonary System
- The foals became sedate and markedly unsteady on their feet; in fact, four out of the six foals became recumbent or lying down.
- The heart rate of the foals decreased significantly after xylazine administration but no irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) were identified.
- Initial observations showed increased arterial blood pressure which then fell below the pre-injection values.
Changes in Respiratory Function
- For the initial 20 minutes post injection, changes in the foals’ respiratory airflow, upper airway blockages and respiratory noise were noted.
- After this period, their respiratory rate dropped while tidal volume (the amount of air displaced during normal inhalation or exhalation) increased and minute volume (total volume of air taken in one minute) declined gradually.
Arterial Blood Gas Tensions and pH Levels
- Arterial blood gas tensions and pH levels did not show significant changes during the 120 minutes following the administration of xylazine.
Control Studies and Recovery
- The control studies, which did not involve the administration of xylazine, exhibited no significant changes.
- All the foals involved in the study recovered without any complications, underscoring the fact that xylazine’s effects were temporary.
Cite This Article
APA
Carter SW, Robertson SA, Steel CJ, Jourdenais DA.
(1990).
Cardiopulmonary effects of xylazine sedation in the foal.
Equine Vet J, 22(6), 384-388.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1990.tb04300.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Medical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
MeSH Terms
- Airway Obstruction / chemically induced
- Airway Obstruction / veterinary
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn / physiology
- Blood Pressure / drug effects
- Female
- Heart Rate / drug effects
- Hemodynamics / drug effects
- Horse Diseases / chemically induced
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Pulmonary Ventilation / drug effects
- Respiration / drug effects
- Tidal Volume / drug effects
- Xylazine
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Kerr CL, Keating SCJ, Arroyo LG, Viel L. Cardiopulmonary effects and recovery characteristics associated with 2 sedative protocols for assisted ventilation in healthy neonatal foals. Can J Vet Res 2021 Oct;85(4):251-260.
- Kullmann A, Sanz M, Fosgate GT, Saulez MN, Page PC, Rioja E. Effects of xylazine, romifidine, or detomidine on hematology, biochemistry, and splenic thickness in healthy horses. Can Vet J 2014 Apr;55(4):334-40.
- Singh S, Young SS, McDonell WN, O'Grady M. Modification of cardiopulmonary and intestinal motility effects of xylazine with glycopyrrolate in horses. Can J Vet Res 1997 Apr;61(2):99-107.
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