Medetomidine at doses of 10, 20 or 30 mug/kg was administered along with 10
mug/kg buprenorphine intramuscularly to 48 dogs requiring sedation for var
ious diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The heart rate, respiratory rate
and degree of sedation were recorded before and 30 minutes after administr
ation of the drugs. Heart rate fell by a mean of 55 per cent and respirator
y rate by a mean of 62 per cent. Mean sedation scores were increased in all
groups. Administration of atipamezole at the end of the period of sedation
produced rapid recoveries, with a mean time to standing of 12 minutes. Ani
mals that were anaesthetised required much less thiopentone than the 10 mg/
kg recommended after premedication with acepromazine maleate.