Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical antagonistic effect of atipamezole (0.25mg/kg, IM) in cats anesthetized with tiletamine-zolazepam (Zoletil, 10mg/kg, IM) and medetomidine (0.05mg/kg, IM), and to evaluate blood chemistry (ALP, AST, ALT, glucose and total protein) and change of vital signs (rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate) according to the lapse of time.

Materials and Methods: Twelve cats were used for this experiment. Twelve cats were assigned at randomly to the control group (Zoletil + medetomidine, ZM) and treatment group (Zoletil + medetomidine and antagonism by atipamezole, ZMA). All cats were examined pre-experiment and 5, 25, 65, 105 minutes after administration of ZM. Atipamezole was injected intramuscularly 20 minutes after ZM injection.

Results: Recovery time, heart rate, respiratory rate, total protein and glucose were significantly different between ZM group and ZMA group (P<0.05). In two groups, sternal recumbency time was 2 minutes, respectively, and lateral recumbency was 4 minutes, respectively. Mean sternal position time was 174.00±44.61 and 116.17±27.33 minutes at ZM and ZMA group, respectively. Mean standing position time was 210.83±45.64 and 154.17±21.05 minutes at ZM and ZMA group, respectively. In these two groups, adverse effects during induction and recovery time.

Conclusion: As a result, ZMA group revealed faster recovery than ZM group. It was considered that atipamezole exert a useful reversal effect in cats anesthetized with medetomidine-tiletamine/zolazepam combination.

References

1.  Barnhart MD et al. 2000. Vet Anaesth Analge 27:89-96.

2.  Hatch RC et al. 1998. Vet Med 83:112-117.