A xylazine infusion regimen to provide analgesia in sheep
Date
2001
Authors
Grant, C.
Summersides, G.
Kuchel, T.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Laboratory Animals, 2001; 35(3):277-281
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
The efficacy of continuous low-dose xylazine infusion following an initial loading dose in providing analgesia in sheep was examined using an algesimetry method based on a leg lifting response to an electrical stimulus. Sheep received a 5 mg intramuscular injection of xylazine followed by continuous infusion of intravenous xylazine (2 mg/h) for 90 min. This treatment resulted in significant increases in the level of current required to elicit a leg lifting response (287% of baseline) and steady state analgesia was maintained from 10 min after the start of the infusion until the end of the experimental period. This protocol appears to be a simple and effective regimen for providing steady state analgesia in sheep.