Evaluation of sedation for standing clinical procedures in horses using detomidine combined with buprenorphine. (7th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Taylor, Polly; Coumbe, Karen; Henson, Frances; Scott, David; Taylor, Alan
• Is Part Of: Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. Volume 41:Number 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 14
• Page End: 24
• Publication Date: 2013-06-07
• Subjects: Veterinary anesthesia -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1111/vaa.12055
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1467-2987

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="vaa12055-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="vaa12055-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>To examine the effect of including buprenorphine with detomidine for sedation of horses undergoing clinical procedures.</p> </sec> <sec id="vaa12055-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Study design</title> <p>Partially blinded, randomised, prospective clinical field trial.</p> </sec> <sec id="vaa12055-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Animals</title> <p>Eighty four client‐owned horses scheduled for minor surgery or diagnostic investigation under standing sedation.</p> </sec> <sec id="vaa12055-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>The effects of buprenorphine (5 μg kg<sup>−1</sup>) (Group B, <italic> n</italic> = 46) or placebo (5% glucose solution) (Group C, <italic> n</italic> = 38) in combination with detomidine (10 μg kg<sup>−1</sup>) were compared in standing horses undergoing minor clinical procedures. The primary outcome measure was successful completion of the procedure. The degree of sedation and ataxia were scored using simple descriptive scales. Heart and respiratory rates were recorded at 15–30 minute intervals. Parametric data from each group were compared using <sc>anova</sc> or <italic>t</italic>‐test and non parametric data using the Mann–Whitney <italic>U</italic> test.</p> </sec> <sec id="vaa12055-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The procedure was carried out successfully in 91% of Group B and 63% of Group C (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01). Repeat dosing was required in 24% of Group B and 32% of Group C (<italic>p</italic> < 0.05). Sedation was more profound and lasted longer (60 <italic>versus</italic> 45 minutes) in Group B (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01). Ataxia occurred after detomidine, increased after buprenorphine but not glucose administration, was more profound in group B and lasted longer (60 <italic>versus</italic> 30 minutes) <italic>p</italic> < 0.001). Heart and respiratory rates remained within normal limits in both groups and there were no serious adverse events.</p> </sec> <sec id="vaa12055-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions and clinical relevance</title> <p>Buprenorphine 5 and 10 μg kg<sup>−1</sup> enhanced the sedation produced by detomidine 10 and 20 μg kg<sup>−1</sup> with minor side effects similar to other alpha<sub>2</sub> agonist/opioid combinations. Detomidine–buprenorphine sedation is suitable for standing procedures in horses.</p> </sec> </abstract>