Sedative - analgesics

SEDATIVE - ANALGESICS
  • Some sedatives also provide analgesia (pain relief). Among these are several short-acting drugs, which have reversal agents that quickly bring an animal back to an alert state. An example is Domitor (medetomidine hydrochloride), which is used as a sedative and analgesic in dogs.
  • It is used for minor procedures that do not require muscle relaxation such as the removal of porcupine quills. The medication is given IV (intravenous) or IM (intramuscular), and the animal is allowed to quietly rest for 5-10 minutes while the drug takes effect.
  • Twitching is a common side effect. Once the procedure is done, the animal is given atipamezole hydrochloride (Antisedan) to reverse Domitor's effects. It is given IM and the animal is awake in 5-10 minutes.
  • The pet may have an abrupt reversal of the sedation and become startled.
  • A quiet, darkened area would be the ideal setting for allowing the animal to rest during the reversal process.
Last modified: Thursday, 7 June 2012, 9:52 AM