Comparison of sedative effects induced by medetomidine, medetomidine-midazolam and medetomidine-butorphanol in dogs.

Sedative effects of combinations of medetomidine at 20 micrograms/kg--midazolam at 0.3 mg/kg (Me-Mi) and medetomidine at 20 micrograms/kg--butorphanol at 0.1 mg/kg (Me-B) were evaluated comparing with those of medetomidine alone (20, 40 and 80 mu/kg). All dogs given Me-Mi or Me-B were smoothly and rapidly induced to more profound and longer sedation than those by medetomidine alone. Especially, Me-Mi produced desirable sedation with moderate reflex depression, analgesia, excellent muscle relaxation and immobilization without further side effects. This potent effect of this combination seemed to be induced by a synergistic interaction between medetomidine and midazolam. This combination is available and valuable as a chemical restraint agent in dogs for various diagnostic or therapeutic procedures accompanied by light pain.