Dario d'Ovidio1, Francesco Marino2, Emilio Noviello3, Enrico Lanaro3, Paolo Monticelli4, Chiara Adami4. 1. Veterinari Esotici Campani, Clinica Veterinaria VETLAN, Battipaglia, SA, Italy. Electronic address: dariodovidio@yahoo.it. 2. Clinica Veterinaria Animalia, Via Alfonso d'Aragona, Aversa, CE, Italy. 3. Veterinari Esotici Campani, Clinica Veterinaria VETLAN, Battipaglia, SA, Italy. 4. Clinical Sciences and Services, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hawkshead Campus, NorthMymms, AL97TF Hatfield, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of alfaxalone administered intramuscularly (IM) as a sedative agent in guinea pigs undergoing survey radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 30 client-owned guinea pigs. METHODS: Following baseline assessments, 5 mg kg-1 alfaxalone was administered IM. Heart rate, arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, rectal body temperature, palpebral reflex, response to toe and ear pinch, righting reflex, posture, jaw tone and reaction to manipulation were assessed before and after sedation at 5-minute intervals. The time elapsed from onset of sedation to return of locomotion and coordinated limb movements, the quality of recovery and the occurrence of undesired effects were observed and recorded. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation onset of sedation was 2.7 ± 0.6 minutes. The physiological variables remained within normal ranges until completion of the procedure. Palpebral reflex and responsiveness to both ear and toe pinch were maintained during sedation. Neither hypoxaemia nor hypothermia was observed. The duration of sedation was 29.3 ± 3.2 minutes. Sedation and recovery were uneventful, and adverse effects were not observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In conclusion, 5 mg kg-1 of IM alfaxalone represents a valuable sedation protocol for healthy guinea pigs undergoing minor noninvasive procedures. Further trials are required to investigate its cardiovascular effects, clinical usefulness in unhealthy patients and its combined use with analgesics for procedures associated with nociception.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of alfaxalone administered intramuscularly (IM) as a sedative agent in guinea pigs undergoing survey radiographs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS: A total of 30 client-owned guinea pigs. METHODS: Following baseline assessments, 5 mg kg-1 alfaxalone was administered IM. Heart rate, arterial haemoglobin oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, rectal body temperature, palpebral reflex, response to toe and ear pinch, righting reflex, posture, jaw tone and reaction to manipulation were assessed before and after sedation at 5-minute intervals. The time elapsed from onset of sedation to return of locomotion and coordinated limb movements, the quality of recovery and the occurrence of undesired effects were observed and recorded. RESULTS: The mean ± standard deviation onset of sedation was 2.7 ± 0.6 minutes. The physiological variables remained within normal ranges until completion of the procedure. Palpebral reflex and responsiveness to both ear and toe pinch were maintained during sedation. Neither hypoxaemia nor hypothermia was observed. The duration of sedation was 29.3 ± 3.2 minutes. Sedation and recovery were uneventful, and adverse effects were not observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In conclusion, 5 mg kg-1 of IM alfaxalone represents a valuable sedation protocol for healthy guinea pigs undergoing minor noninvasive procedures. Further trials are required to investigate its cardiovascular effects, clinical usefulness in unhealthy patients and its combined use with analgesics for procedures associated with nociception.
Authors: Michael P Bradley; Carolyn M Doerning; Megan H Nowland; Patrick A Lester Journal: J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci Date: 2019-02-28 Impact factor: 1.232