COMPARISON OF EFFECTS OF XYLAZINE, DETOMIDINE AND MEDETOMIDINE ON HEART RATE, RESPIRATORY RATE AND BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL IN SHEEP

Abstract

The present study compared some physiological effects of three alpha₂-adrenergic drugs namely xylazine, detomidine and medetomidine in sheep. Each sheep was given intravenous administration of xylazine (0.2 mg/kg), detomidine (40 mg/kg) and medetomidine (6 mg/kg) in a cross over design. The results of present study showed that pulse rates decreased significantly         (P<0.05) after administration of xylazine, detomidine and medetomidine in sheep. The respiratory rates significantly increased (P<0.05) for first 15 minutes and then significantly decreased (P<0.05) at 40 minutes with detomidine whereas xylazine and medetomedine caused significant decrease (P<0.05) in-respiratory rate. A trend of decrease in body temperature (although statistically insignificant) was observed after administration of xylazine, detomidine and medetomidine. There was significant increase in blood glucose level (hyperglycemia) after administration of xylazine, detomidine and medetomidine. Blood glucose level was significantly higher (P< 0.05) after administration of detomidine as compared to xylazine and medetomidine. It is concluded that all these alpha₂ adrenergic agonists studied are safe to be used in sheep.