Yohimbine (alpha 2-antagonistic reversal agent) Effect on Return to Sensibility in Anesthetized Sows

Abstract

Swine may be anesthetized in order to complete routine `production procedures or surgical operations. Swine are difficult to restrain, effectively anesthetize, and their response and reaction to anesthesia can vary substantially. The objective of this study was to determine if Y is an effective anesthetic reversal agent in mature sows. Twelve, clinically normal, mixed-parity, crossbred sows were purchased from a commercial producer in Iowa and housed in individual pens at Iowa State University. Anesthesia was induced with xylazine, ketamine and telazol injected intramuscularly. Following a twenty minute stabilization period, sows’ palpebral reflex was evaluated, and if absent were injected with sterile saline (S; n=12) or yohimbine HCl (Y; n=12) at 0.1 mg/kg. Sensibility trait scores (palpebral reflex, jaw tone, nose prick, alertness to human approach test (HAT), and sow body position) were collected every 10-mins until each sows attained sensibility.Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure in SAS®. A P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered to be significant. There were no (P>0.05) differences between the times saline and yohimbine treatments were administered (average 24 min post anesthesia administration). Yohimbine treated sows recovered 172 minutes earlier (P =0.002) than S treated sows. Return to sensibility (score 0) for all measures were quicker (P<0.003) for Y treated sows compared to S treated sows. In conclusion, yohimbine is an effective reversal agent in sows anesthetized with xylazine, ketamine and telazol. This agent may be a tool used by veterinarians and researchers to ensure that sows have a quicker recovery from anesthesia with minimal complications.