Sedative effects of the association between xylazine and morphine in canine

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sedative and adverse effects produced by the endovenous combination of xylazine and morphine administered to dogs. Fourty dogs of different breed, size and age were used. Each animal received 0.4 mg/kg of xylazine and 0.4 mg/kg of morphine i.v. Sedation was evaluated using the punctuation score described by Young y col (1990). The scores were obtained before the administration and 5, 10 and 20 minutes after administration. Heart rate, respiratory rate and the presentation of side effects during the evaluation time were also recorded. The results obtained show also that the scores in the analyzed variables presented significant differences (P < 0.05), indicating a marked sedative effect produced by the association between xylazine and morphine. In the same way, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in heart rate and respiratory rate. Side effects that appeared during the study were excitement and respiratory effort. It can be concluded that the endovenous administration of xylazine and morphine combination produced significant sedation in dogs and side effects as excitement and minor respiratory effort.