Sedative effects of intramuscular administration of a low dose of romifidine in dogs

Objective-To evaluate sedative effects of IM administration of a low dose o f romifidine in dogs. Animals-13 healthy adult Beagles. Procedure-Physiologic saline solution (0.2 ml), 0.1% romifidine (10, 20, or 40 mu g/kg), or 10% xylazine (1 mg/kg) was given IM in a crossover study d esign. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, hemoglobin saturat ion, and scores for sedation, muscle relaxation, posture, auditory response , and positioning response were recorded before and at regular intervals fo r up to 240 minutes after drug administration. Results-Scores for sedation, muscle relaxation, posture, auditory response, and positioning response increased in a dose-dependent manner after romifi dine administration. Sedation induced by the highest dose of romifidine (40 mu g/kg) was comparable to that induced by xylazine (1 mg/kg). Heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature decreased in a dose-dependent man ner after romifidine administration, but hemoglobin saturation did not chan ge. Conclusions and Clinical Implications-Romifidine (10, 20, or 40 mu g/kg, IM ) is an effective sedative in dogs, but causes a decrease in heart rate, re spiratory rate, and rectal temperature.