ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of intranasal atipamezole to reverse sedative effects of xylazine in dogs. DESIGN: Prospective proof-of-concept study. SETTING: University research laboratory. ANIMAL: Six healthy, staff-owned dogs. INTERVENTIONS: Dogs were sedated with 1.1 mg/kg of xylazine intravenously. The sedation score of each dog was recorded every 5 minutes until they achieved a sedation score of >13/21 for 3 readings. Once achieved, 0.3 mg/kg of atipamezole was administered intranasally using a mucosal atomization device. Sedation scores continued to be recorded every 5 minutes until successful reversal was achieved (<4/21). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Average times to standing and normal wakefulness after administration of intranasal atipamezole were 6 minutes, 30 seconds and 7 minutes, 20 seconds, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Intranasal atipamezole successfully reversed the sedation effects of xylazine. The findings of this study provide justification for future controlled prospective studies into the potential use of intranasal atipamezole in a variety of settings including exposure to xylazine in operational canines as well as bioavailability studies for optimal dosing.
