Sedative and physiologic effects of low-dose intramuscular alfaxalone in dogs

Objective

To describe the sedative and physiologic effects of two doses of alfaxalone administered intramuscularly in dogs.

Study design

Randomized, blinded, crossover experimental trial.

Animals

Ten adult mixed-breed dogs.

Methods

Dogs were assigned randomly to be administered one of three intramuscular injections [saline 0.1 mL kg^?1 (S), alfaxalone 1 mg kg^?1 (A1) or alfaxalone 2 mg kg^?1 (A2)] on three occasions. Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (f_R) and sedation score were assessed before injection (T0) and at 5 (T5), 10 (T10), 15 (T15), 20 (T20), 30 (T30), 45 (T45) and 60 (T60) minutes postinjection. Rectal temperature was determined at T0 and T60. Adverse events occurring between the time of injection and T60 were recorded.

Results

Sedation scores were higher in group A2 at T15 and T30 compared with group S. There were no additional differences between groups in sedation score. The A2 group had higher sedation scores at T15, T20 and T30 compared with T0. The A1 group had higher sedation scores at T10 and T30 compared with T0. Temperature was lower in groups A1 and A2 compared with S at T60, but was not clinically significant. There were no differences between or within groups in HR or f_R. Adverse effects were observed in both A1 and A2 groups. These included ataxia (17/20), auditory hyperesthesia (5/20), visual disturbance (5/20), pacing (4/20) and tremor (3/20).

Conclusions and clinical relevance

While alfaxalone at 2 mg kg^?1 intramuscularly resulted in greater median sedation scores compared with saline, the range was high and adverse effects frequent. Neither protocol alone can be recommended for providing sedation in healthy dogs.