Analyze Diet
Veterinary ophthalmology2026; 29(4); e70206; doi: 10.1111/vop.70206

The Early Ophthalmic Effects of Vatinoxan in Healthy Detomidine-Sedated Horses.

Abstract: To evaluate the short-term ophthalmic effects of vatinoxan, a peripherally selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, in detomidine-sedated horses. Methods: Seven healthy horses without ophthalmic disease in a randomized, masked, two-period crossover study design, with a ≥ 7-day rest period. Methods: After a bilateral palpebral block (lidocaine 40 mg) and baseline data collection, horses received intravenous detomidine (20 μg/kg [DET]) or DET with vatinoxan (200 μg/kg [DET-VAT]). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured from the left eye while tear production (Schirmer tear test -1; STT) and vertical pupil diameter (VPD) were measured from the right eye at pre-determined intervals until 25 min post-treatment. Comparisons within and between treatments were analyzed with Student's t-tests (for IOP and VPD) or Wilcoxon's Rank Sum tests (for STT) followed by the Holm-Bonferroni post hoc adjustment. Results: The overall post-treatment IOP across time points was lower after DET (15.7 ± 1.9 [mean ± standard deviation] mmHg) than DET-VAT (16.9 ± 2.0 mmHg) (p = 0.01). IOP remained significantly (p < 0.05) lower than baseline after DET for the whole 25 min observational period, while for DET-VAT the corrected pairwise comparisons to baseline did not reach significance. The median (range) STT increased from baseline 17 (13-25) mm/min to 24 (18-35) mm/min (p = 0.022) at 25 min after DET and from 18 (11-35) mm/min to 30 (18-35) mm/min (p = 0.022) after DET-VAT, respectively. VPD did not differ significantly from baseline after either treatment. Conclusions: Vatinoxan alleviated detomidine-associated early decrease in IOP in healthy horses.
Publication Date: 2026-06-03 PubMed ID: 42233364DOI: 10.1111/vop.70206Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

Summary

  • This study investigated how vatinoxan, a drug that blocks peripheral alpha2-adrenoceptors, affects eye parameters in horses sedated with detomidine.
  • The research focused on short-term effects on intraocular pressure, tear production, and pupil diameter to assess vatinoxan’s ability to reduce detomidine’s impact on the eyes.

Introduction and Purpose

  • Detomidine is a commonly used sedative in horses that acts on alpha2-adrenoceptors but can have side effects on the eyes, including decreased intraocular pressure (IOP).
  • Vatinoxan is a peripherally selective alpha2-adrenoceptor antagonist, meaning it can block some peripheral side effects of drugs like detomidine without affecting sedation.
  • The purpose was to evaluate if vatinoxan can prevent or alleviate detomidine-induced ophthalmic changes in healthy horses.

Study Design and Methods

  • Seven healthy horses without known eye disease participated in a randomized, masked two-period crossover study spaced by at least 7 days.
  • Each horse received two treatments in random order:
    • Detomidine alone (DET) at 20 μg/kg IV
    • Detomidine plus vatinoxan (DET-VAT) at doses of 20 μg/kg and 200 μg/kg IV respectively
  • A bilateral palpebral nerve block with lidocaine was applied before data collection to reduce blinking interference.
  • Outcome measures were taken on different eyes for clarity:
    • Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured in the left eye at multiple intervals up to 25 minutes post-treatment.
    • Tear production was assessed in the right eye using the Schirmer tear test-1 (STT).
    • Vertical pupil diameter (VPD) was also measured in the right eye.
  • Statistical tests used included:
    • Student’s t-test for comparing IOP and VPD
    • Wilcoxon Rank Sum test for STT data
    • Holm-Bonferroni method for post hoc adjustment of multiple comparisons

Results

  • Intraocular Pressure (IOP):
    • IOP was significantly lower after detomidine alone (mean 15.7 mmHg) compared to detomidine with vatinoxan (mean 16.9 mmHg), indicating that vatinoxan mitigated the IOP decrease caused by detomidine.
    • IOP remained significantly below baseline for the entire 25 minutes after detomidine alone.
    • For the combination treatment (DET-VAT), changes in IOP compared to baseline were not statistically significant, implying vatinoxan prevented sustained IOP reduction.
  • Tear Production (STT):
    • STT values increased over time after both treatments, showing increased tear production.
    • After DET, median STT rose from 17 mm/min at baseline to 24 mm/min at 25 min.
    • After DET-VAT, STT increased from 18 mm/min to 30 mm/min at 25 min.
    • Both increases were statistically significant (p = 0.022).
  • Vertical Pupil Diameter (VPD):
    • No significant changes from baseline were observed in either treatment group.
    • Suggests neither detomidine nor the addition of vatinoxan affected pupil size in this short-term period.

Conclusions

  • Vatinoxan effectively counteracted the early decrease in intraocular pressure typically seen with detomidine sedation in healthy horses.
  • Both treatments increased tear production, which may be relevant for maintaining eye moisture during sedation.
  • Pupil diameter remained stable, indicating no acute impact on pupil size from these sedation protocols.
  • This suggests that vatinoxan could be a useful adjunct to improve ophthalmic safety during equine sedation with detomidine by preserving normal eye pressure.

Cite This Article

APA
Mustikka MP, Karikoski NP, Raekallio MR, Teppo ES, Pot SA, Honkavaara J. (2026). The Early Ophthalmic Effects of Vatinoxan in Healthy Detomidine-Sedated Horses. Vet Ophthalmol, 29(4), e70206. https://doi.org/10.1111/vop.70206

Publication

ISSN: 1463-5224
NlmUniqueID: 100887377
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 29
Issue: 4
Pages: e70206

Researcher Affiliations

Mustikka, Minna Pauliina
  • Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Karikoski, Ninja Pauliina
  • Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Raekallio, Marja Riitta
  • Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Teppo, Elle Sofia
  • Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Pot, Simon Anton
  • Ophthalmology Section, Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
Honkavaara, Juhana
  • Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.

Grant Funding

  • The Finnish Veterinary Foundation (Eläinlääketieteen Tutkimuksen Tukisäätiö)

References

This article includes 55 references
  1. Hendrix DVH. Eye Examination Techniques in Horses. Clinical Techniques in Equine Practice 4, no. 1 (2005): 2–10.
  2. Labelle AL, Clark‐Price SC. Anesthesia for Ophthalmic Procedures in the Standing Horse. Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice 29, no. 1 (2013): 179–191.
  3. Wilkie DA. Ophthalmic Procedures and Surgery in the Standing Horse. Veterinary Clinics of North America. Equine Practice 7, no. 3 (1991): 535–547.
  4. Kanawati IS, Yaksh TL, Anderson RE, Marsh RW. Effects of Clonidine on Cerebral Blood Flow and the Response to Arterial CO2. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism 6, no. 3 (1986): 358–365.
    doi: 10.1038/jcbfm.1986.60google scholar: lookup
  5. Acheampong AA, Shackleton M, John B, Burke J, Wheeler L, Tang‐Liu D. Distribution of Brimonidine Into Anterior and Posterior Tissues of Monkey, Rabbit, and Rat Eyes. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 30, no. 4 (2002): 421–429.
    doi: 10.1124/dmd.30.4.421google scholar: lookup
  6. Wheeler LA, Woldemussie E. Alpha‐2 Adrenergic Receptor Agonists Are Neuroprotective in Experimental Models of Glaucoma. European Journal of Ophthalmology 11, no. 2_suppl (2001): 30–35.
  7. Virtanen R, Savola JM, Saano V, Nyman L. Characterization of the Selectivity, Specificity and Potency of Medetomidine as an α2‐Adrenoceptor Agonist. European Journal of Pharmacology 150, no. 1‐2 (1988): 9–14.
  8. Holve DL. Effect of Sedation With Detomidine on Intraocular Pressure With and Without Topical Anesthesia in Clinically Normal Horses. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 240, no. 3 (2012): 308–311.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.240.3.308google scholar: lookup
  9. Joyner RL, Liu C, Cremer J, Carter RT, Lewin AC. Intraocular Pressure Following Four Different Intravenous Sedation Protocols in Normal Horses. Equine Veterinary Journal 53, no. 3 (2021): 612–617.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13336google scholar: lookup
  10. Leonardi F, Costa GL, Dubau M, Sabbioni A, Simonazzi B, Angelone M. Effects of Intravenous Romifidine, Detomidine, Detomidine Combined With Butorphanol, and Xylazine on Tear Production in Horses. Equine Veterinary Education 32, no. S11 (2020): 53–57.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.13040google scholar: lookup
  11. Selk Ghaffari M, Brooks DE, Sabzevari A, Ghamsari SM, Mansoor Lakooraj H, Shad H. Effects of Intravenous Detomidine on Schirmer Tear Test Results in Clinically Normal Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 55 (2017): 97–99.
  12. Kamerling SG, Cravens WMT, Bagwell CA. Dose‐Related Effects of Detomidine on Autonomic Responses in the Horse. Journal of Autonomic Pharmacology 8, no. 3 (1988): 241–250.
  13. Marzok MA, El‐khodery SA, Oheida AH. Effect of Intravenous Administration of Romifidine on Intraocular Pressure in Clinically Normal Horses. Veterinary Ophthalmology 17, no. s1 (2014): 149–153.
    doi: 10.1111/vop.12181google scholar: lookup
  14. Stine JM, Michau TM, Williams MK, Kuebelbeck KL, Stengard ME. The Effects of Intravenous Romifidine on Intraocular Pressure in Clinically Normal Horses and Horses With Incidental Ophthalmic Findings. Veterinary Ophthalmology 17, no. s1 (2014): 134–139.
    doi: 10.1111/vop.12172google scholar: lookup
  15. Van Der Woerdt A, Gilger BC, Wilkie DA, Strauch SM. Effect of Auriculopalpebral Nerve Block and Intravenous Administration of Xylazine on Intraocular Pressure and Corneal Thickness in Horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research 56, no. 2 (1995): 155–158.
  16. Mascaró Triedo CE, Karar S, Abunemeh M, Portier K. Effect of Nose Twitching on the Pupillary Dilation in Awake and Anesthetized Horses. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11 (2024): 1412755.
  17. Clineschmidt BV, Pettibone DJ, Lotti VJ. A Peripherally Acting Alpha‐2 Adrenoceptor Antagonist: L‐659,066. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics 245, no. 1 (1988): 32–40.
  18. Tapio HA, Raekallio MR, Mykkänen A. Effects of MK‐467 Hydrochloride and Hyoscine Butylbromide on Cardiorespiratory and Gastrointestinal Changes Induced by Detomidine Hydrochloride in Horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research 79, no. 4 (2018): 376–387.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.79.4.376google scholar: lookup
  19. Honkavaara JM, Raekallio MR, Syrja PM. Concentrations of Medetomidine Enantiomers and Vatinoxan, an α(2)‐Adrenoceptor Antagonist, in Plasma and Central Nervous Tissue After Intravenous Coadministration in Dogs. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 47, no. 1 (2020): 47–52.
    doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2019.07.004google scholar: lookup
  20. Toda R, Kawazu K, Oyabu M, Miyazaki T, Kiuchi Y. Comparison of Drug Permeabilities Across the Blood–Retinal Barrier, Blood–Aqueous Humor Barrier, and Blood–Brain Barrier. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 100, no. 9 (2011): 3904–3911.
    doi: 10.1002/jps.22610google scholar: lookup
  21. Obrochta B, Tapio H, Raekallio M. Effects of Vatinoxan on Gastrointestinal Motility, Sedation, and Antinociception During and After Long‐Lasting Detomidine Infusion in Horses. Equine Veterinary Journal 58, no. 1 (2026): 212–219.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.14499google scholar: lookup
  22. Hallman I, Tapio H, Raekallio M, Karikoski N. Effect of Constant Rate Infusion of Detomidine With and Without Vatinoxan on Blood Glucose and Insulin Concentrations in Horses. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 51, no. 2 (2024): 144–151.
    doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2023.11.005google scholar: lookup
  23. Box JR, Karikoski NP, Tanskanen HE, Raekallio MR. The Effects of an Alpha‐2‐Adrenoceptor Agonist, Antagonist, and Their Combination on the Blood Insulin, Glucose, and Glucagon Concentrations in Insulin Sensitive and Dysregulated Horses. Veterinary Journal 269 (2021): 105610.
  24. Ogidigben M, Chu TC, Potter DE. Alpha‐2 Adrenoceptor Mediated Changes in Aqueous Dynamics: Effect of Pertussis Toxin. Experimental Eye Research 58, no. 6 (1994): 729–736.
    doi: 10.1006/exer.1994.1070google scholar: lookup
  25. Potter DE, Crosson CE, Heath AR, Ogidigben MJ. Alpha 2 and DA2 Agonists as Antiglaucoma Agents: Comparative Pharmacology and Clinical Potential. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics 6, no. 3 (1990): 251–257.
    doi: 10.1089/jop.1990.6.251google scholar: lookup
  26. Lee DA, Topper JE, Brubaker RF. Effect of Clonidine on Aqueous Humor Flow in Normal Human Eyes. Experimental Eye Research 38, no. 3 (1984): 239–246.
  27. Toris CB. Effects of Brimonidine on Aqueous Humor Dynamics in Human Eyes. Archives of Ophthalmology 113, no. 12 (1995): 1514.
  28. Leonardi F, Costa GL, Stagnoli A. The Effect of Intramuscular Dexmedetomidine‐Butorphanol Combination on Tear Production in Dogs. Canadian Veterinary Journal = Revue Veterinaire Canadienne 60, no. 1 (2019): 55–59.
  29. Dodam JR, Branson KR, Martin DD. Effects of Intramuscular Sedative and Opioid Combinations on Tear Production in Dogs. Veterinary Ophthalmology 1, no. 1 (1998): 57–59.
  30. Hsu WH, Lee P, Betts DM. Xylazine‐Induced Mydriasis in Rats and Its Antagonism by α‐Adrenergic Blocking Agents. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 4, no. 2 (1981): 97–101.
  31. Hsu WH, Betts DM, Lee P. Xylazine‐Induced Mydriasis: Possible Involvement of a Central Postsynaptic Regulation of Parasympathetic Tone. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 4, no. 3 (1981): 209–214.
  32. Percie Du Sert N, Hurst V, Ahluwalia A. The ARRIVE Guidelines 2.0: Updated Guidelines for Reporting Animal Research. PLoS Biology 18, no. 7 (2020): e3000410.
  33. Pakkanen SA, Raekallio MR, Mykkänen AK. Detomidine and the Combination of Detomidine and MK‐467, a Peripheral Alpha‐2 Adrenoceptor Antagonist, as Premedication in Horses Anaesthetized With Isoflurane. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 42, no. 5 (2015): 527–536.
    doi: 10.1111/vaa.12238google scholar: lookup
  34. Jantunen N, Raekallio M, Obrochta B. The Effects of a Long‐Duration Intravenous Infusion of Detomidine, With and Without Vatinoxan, on Equine Energy Metabolism and Urine Composition. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 52, no. 6 (2025): 803–809.
    doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2025.06.011google scholar: lookup
  35. Vrbovska T, Hornakova L, Drahovska Z, Kozar M, Trbolova A. The Use of Colour Doppler Imaging to Determine the Effects of Administration of Butorphanol, Medetomidine and Ketamine on Indices of Feline Ocular Impedance. Veterinární Medicína 62, no. 1 (2017): 35–40.
    doi: 10.17221/77/2016-vetmedgoogle scholar: lookup
  36. Reitsamer HA, Posey M, Kiel JW. Effects of a Topical α2 Adrenergic Agonist on Ciliary Blood Flow and Aqueous Production in Rabbits. Experimental Eye Research 82, no. 3 (2006): 405–415.
  37. Restitutti F, Kaartinen MJ, Raekallio MR. Plasma Concentration and Cardiovascular Effects of Intramuscular Medetomidine Combined With Three Doses of the Peripheral alpha2‐Antagonist MK‐467 in Dogs. Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia 44, no. 3 (2017): 417–426.
    doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2016.04.006google scholar: lookup
  38. Lindh E, Meller A, Alm K, Finckenberg P, Raekallio M, Honkavaara J. Peripheral alpha2‐Adrenergic Antagonist Vatinoxan Improves the Quality of Medetomidine‐Midazolam Sedation in Wistar Rats. Vet Anaesth Analg Published Online 52 (2025): 395.
    doi: 10.1016/j.vaa.2025.04.002google scholar: lookup
  39. Honkavaara JM, Restitutti F, Raekallio MR, Kuusela EK, Vainio OM. The Effects of Increasing Doses of MK‐467, a Peripheral alpha2‐Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist, on the Cardiopulmonary Effects of Intravenous Dexmedetomidine in Conscious Dogs. Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics 34, no. 4 (2011): 332–337.
  40. Diehl K, Bowden AC. Effect of Auriculopalpebral Nerve Block on Equine Intraocular Pressure Measured by Rebound Tonometry (TonoVet). Veterinary Ophthalmology 23, no. 2 (2020): 368–373.
    doi: 10.1111/vop.12735google scholar: lookup
  41. Miller PE, Pickett JP, Majors LJ. Evaluation of Two Applanation Tonometers in Horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research 51, no. 6 (1990): 935–937.
  42. Komáromy AM, Garg CD, Ying GS, Liu C. Effect of Head Position on Intraocular Pressure in Horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research 67, no. 7 (2006): 1232–1235.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.67.7.1232google scholar: lookup
  43. Bertolucci C, Giudice E, Fazio F, Piccione G. Circadian Intraocular Pressure Rhythms in Athletic Horses Under Different Lighting Regime. Chronobiology International 26, no. 2 (2009): 348–358.
    doi: 10.1080/07420520902751035google scholar: lookup
  44. Mama KR, Grimsrud K, Snell T, Stanley S. Plasma Concentrations, Behavioural and Physiological Effects Following Intravenous and Intramuscular Detomidine in Horses. Equine Veterinary Journal 41, no. 8 (2009): 772–777.
    doi: 10.2746/042516409x421624google scholar: lookup
  45. Brightman AH, Manning JP, Benson GJ, Musselman EE. Decreased Tear Production Associated With General Anesthesia in the Horse. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 182, no. 3 (1983): 243–244.
  46. Marts B, Bryan G, Prieur D. Schirmer Tear Test Measurement and Lysozyme Concentration of Equine Tears. J Equine Med Surg 1, no. 12 (1977): 427–430.
  47. Drummond PD, Lance JW. Pathological Sweating and Flushing Accompanying the Trigeminal Lacrimal Reflex in Patients With Cluster Headache and in Patients With a Confirmed Site of Cervical Sympathetic Deficit: Evidence for Parasympathetic Cross‐Innervation. Brain 115, no. 5 (1992): 1429–1445.
    doi: 10.1093/brain/115.5.1429google scholar: lookup
  48. Drummond PD. The Effect of Sympathetic Blockade on Facial Sweating and Cutaneous Vascular Responses to Painful Stimulation of the Eye. Brain 116, no. 1 (1993): 233–241.
    doi: 10.1093/brain/116.1.233google scholar: lookup
  49. Drummond PD. Lacrimation and Cutaneous Vasodilatation in the Face Induced by Painful Stimulation of the Nasal Ala and Upper Lip. Journal of the Autonomic Nervous System 51, no. 2 (1995): 109–116.
  50. van der Werf F, Baljet B, Prins M, Otto JA. Innervation of the Lacrimal Gland in the Cynomolgous Monkey: A Retrograde Tracing Study. Journal of Anatomy 188 (1996): 591–601.
  51. Dartt DA. Neural Regulation of Lacrimal Gland Secretory Processes: Relevance in Dry Eye Diseases. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research 28, no. 3 (2009): 155–177.
  52. Visser HE, Diehl KA, Whitley RD, Myrna KE. Effect of Auriculopalpebral Nerve Block on Schirmer Tear Test I Values in Normal Horses. Veterinary Ophthalmology 20, no. 6 (2017): 568–570.
    doi: 10.1111/vop.12419google scholar: lookup
  53. Kim HY. Statistical Notes for Clinical Researchers: Post‐Hoc Multiple Comparisons. Restor Dent Endod 40, no. 2 (2015): 172–176.
    doi: 10.5395/rde.2015.40.2.172google scholar: lookup
  54. Sullivan GM, Feinn RS. Facts and Fictions About Handling Multiple Comparisons. Journal of Graduate Medical Education 13, no. 4 (2021): 457–460.
    doi: 10.4300/jgme-d-21-00599.1google scholar: lookup
  55. Fan Q, Teo YY, Saw SM. Application of Advanced Statistics in Ophthalmology. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science 52, no. 9 (2011): 6059–6065.
    doi: 10.1167/iovs.10-7108google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.