The sedative and analgesic potentials of dexmedtomidine hydrochloride using constant rate infusion technique in rabbit

Abstract

This study evaluated the effective sedative and analgesic doses of  dexmedetomidine hydrochloride in rabbits using the Constant Rate Infusion (CRI) technique. Eight healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits with an average weight of 1.93 ± 0.33kg were used for the study. They were starved of food but water was provided 30 minutes before the study. The CRI infusion was prepared in 500ml bags of lactated Ringer's solution. Each of the rabbits received an initial dose of 20μgkg^-1 dexdomitor® intramuscularly at the thigh muscle. The procedure was repeated using 40μgkg^-1. Venous access was secured thirty minutes later, the fluid was connected to the cannula and was set to flow at daily fluid maintenance rate of 90mlkgday^-1. Neither sedation nor analgesia was achieved with 20μgkg^-1. Slight to moderate  sedative effect was achieved at 40μg/kg with significant reduction in heart, pulse  and respiratory rates. In conclusion, 40μg/kg of dexdomitor® intramuscularly  produced mild to moderate sedative effect which may be used for chemical restrain of rabbits. The initial loading doses of 20μg/kg and 40μg/kg dexmedetomidine hydrochloride did not give any analgesic effect.

Keywords: Analgesia, Dexmedetomidine Hydrochloride, Rabbit, Sedation, CRI