Evaluation of the use of intranasal atipamezole to reverse the sedative effects of xylazine in dogs.

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Alex P Focken, Jordan M Woodsworth, Jennifer M Loewen

Author Information

Alex P Focken: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Jordan M Woodsworth: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. ORCID
Jennifer M Loewen: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

PMID: 38055352 DOI: 10.1111/vec.13357

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of intranasal atipamezole to reverse sedative effects of xylazine in dogs.
DESIGN: Prospective proof-of-concept study.
SETTING: University research laboratory.
ANIMAL: Six healthy, staff-owned dogs.
INTERVENTIONS: Dogs were sedated with 1.1 mg/kg of xylazine intravenously. The sedation score of each dog was recorded every 5 minutes until they achieved a sedation score of >13/21 for 3 readings. Once achieved, 0.3 mg/kg of atipamezole was administered intranasally using a mucosal atomization device. Sedation scores continued to be recorded every 5 minutes until successful reversal was achieved (<4/21).
MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Average times to standing and normal wakefulness after administration of intranasal atipamezole were 6 minutes, 30 seconds and 7 minutes, 20 seconds, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal atipamezole successfully reversed the sedation effects of xylazine. The findings of this study provide justification for future controlled prospective studies into the potential use of intranasal atipamezole in a variety of settings including exposure to xylazine in operational canines as well as bioavailability studies for optimal dosing.

Illicit drugs accidental drug exposure alpha-2 agonist drug intoxication operational canine toxicology working dog

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/WCVM Internship Research Fund

Humans

Dogs

Animals

Hypnotics and Sedatives

Xylazine

Prospective Studies

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists

Imidazoles

Hypnotics and Sedatives

Xylazine

atipamezole

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists

Imidazoles

Journal Article

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