Sedative/Analgesic Efficacy of Medetomidine in Goats

Sedative and analgesic efficacy of three intravenous doses of medetomidine, i.e., 4, 5 and 6 μg/kg BW was studied in six goats. A randomized cross over experimental design was used. Onset of sedation, onset of optimal sedation, duration of optimal sedation and degree of sedation were measured and found to be dose dependent. Dose 4 μg/kg produced light sedation whereas 5 and 6 μg/kg produced moderate and deep sedation, respectively. Total duration of sedation was 60.58±2.21, 83.50±3.75 and 104.33±4.30 min after administration of 4, 5 and 6μg/kg medetomidine, respectively. The duration of sedation was significantly (P≤0.01) longer with 6 μg/kg as compared to 4 and 5μg/kg. Onset and duration of analgesia were dose dependent. The mean values for onset of analgesia were 25.00±3.00, 24.16±1.74 and 12.00±1.50 min and duration of analgesia was 8.00±2.00, 17.16±1.81 and 31.50±2.61 min after administration of 4, 5 and 6 μg/kg medetomidine, respectively. Skin analgesia and muscle relaxation were produced in all animals with higher doses (5 and 6 μg/kg) and only in 2 animals with 4 μg/kg of medetomidine. It was concluded that medetomidine is a highly potent drug which can be effectively used in the dose rates of 4 to 5μg /kg I/V for sedation in goats.