Xylazine causes transient dose-related hyperglycemia and increased urine volumes in mares.

The research investigates the transient effects of xylazine, administered intravenously at different doses, on blood glucose levels and urine volumes in horses.

Overview of the Research

The study focused on the application of different doses of xylazine given intravenously (IV) to horses (mares) to observe the potential effects it imposes on their glucose serum concentration and urine volume.

Experimental Design

• In the experiment, doses of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/kg of xylazine were administered to the mares.
• The researchers monitored the serum glucose concentration and urine volume of the test subjects, with a hypothesis that xylazine would cause a significant increase in both.

Results

• The findings corroborated the initial hypothesis. The results displayed a dose-dependent increase in serum glucose concentration and urine volume.
• Glucose concentrations were significantly higher after the largest dose of xylazine, with values reaching as high as 150 mg/dl.
• In terms of urine volume, the largest volume was always found in the first hour after the administration of xylazine. Depending on the dose, the urine volumes averaged at 1.82, 3.93, and 5.68 ml/kg/hour for the 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/kg doses, respectively.

Correlations

• Additionally, the study found a significant inverse relationship between urine osmolality and specific gravity compared to urine volume. This indicates that as urine volume increased, both osmolality and specific gravity decreased.
• While there was a significant increase in serum glucose concentrations compared to when an IV injection of saline solution was used, no significant levels of glucose in urine (glucosuria) were detected.

To sum it up, this research exhibited that xylazine has an effect on horses by temporarily boosting their glucose levels and urine volumes, but the extent of this effect is dependent on the dosage. Nevertheless, increased glucose in the blood did not translate to increased glucose in the urine.