Comparison of sedative and analgesic/anesthetic effects induced by medetomidine, acepromazine, azaperone, droperidol and midazolam in laboratory pigs.

The sedative and analgesic/anesthetic effects of medetomidine, acepromazine, azaperone, droperidol and midazolam were compared in laboratory pigs. In these sedatives, medetomidine produced the most profound degree of sedation with greater drowsiness than was achieved by other sedatives tested. Medetomidine induced sedation accompanied with weak analgesia and muscle relaxation smoothly and quickly and depressed arousal reaction deeply as compared with other sedatives. Pigs given medetomidine were not aroused easily even by moderately rough stimulation for approximately 60 min after injection.