Evaluation of sedative and antinociceptive effects of dexmedetomidine, midazolam and dexmedetomidine–midazolam in tegus (Salvator merianae)

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ObjectiveTo evaluate dexmedetomidine, midazolam and dexmedetomidine–midazolam for sedation and antinociception in tegus. Study designProspective, crossover, randomized, blinded study. AnimalsSix healthy tegus (Salvator merianae) weighing 1.6±0.3 kg. MethodsTegus were administered intramuscularly saline (0.5 mL; CON), dexmedetomidine (0.2 mg kg−1; DX), midazolam (1 mg kg−1; MZ) and dexmedetomidine–midazolam (same doses; DM). Heart rate (HR) and respiratory frequency (fR) were recorded before treatment (baseline) and 15, 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours after the treatments. Sedation scores were recorded according to resistance to manual restraint, posture and response to noxious stimulus, at baseline and 5, 10, 15, 30 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 hours after the treatments. Antinociception was evaluated by measurement of latency of limb withdrawal reflex (LWR) to thermal stimulus, recorded at baseline and 15 minutes, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after the treatments. ResultsLower HR (DX and DM) and fR (MZ, DX and DM) than CON were measured 15 minutes after the treatment and for up to 6 hours. Sedation was mild to moderate in MZ, deep in DM and absent in DX, although animals showed behavioral changes in DX, with increase in aggressiveness. Median (interquartile range) duration of sedation were 170 (50; 235) minutes in MZ and 230 (115; 235) minutes in DM. Recovery period was prolonged in both treatments, surpassing the duration of the experiment. Higher LWR than CON was detected from 15 minutes until 12 hours in DX and DM. Conclusions and clinical relevanceMidazolam provided sedation without antinociception, and dexmedetomidine provided antinociception without sedation. Drug combination increased the duration of sedation but not antinociception. Due to increased duration of sedation, reversal of effects with flumazenil and atipamezole should be considered after conclusion of clinical procedures.