Cardiovascular and haemodynamic effects of intramuscular doses of xylazine in conscious sheep

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a commonly used analgesic dose of xylazine has detrimental cardiovascular or haemodynamic effects in sheep. DESIGN: A physiological study following intramuscular administration of xylazine. PROCEDURE: Xylazine (50 micrograms/kg) was injected intramuscularly into six healthy Merino ewes. For 60 min heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure and cardiac output were recorded; arterial blood samples for the measurement of blood gas tensions were also collected. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac output or arterial carbon dioxide tension. A slight degree of arterial hypoxaemia was noted with a 10% reduction in arterial oxygen tension values at 30 min. CONCLUSION: The minimal changes to cardiovascular and respiratory values in this study verify the safety of previously suggested analgesic dosing regimens for sheep. Previously reported hypoxaemic effects in sheep as a result of intravenous xylazine administration appear to be reduced as a result of intramuscular administration.